08/09/2001
The players of Irish Ultimate have been asked to nominate players, clubs and tournaments for the Awards and once the nomination process closes we will reveal the final nominees.
Nominations will close on Sunday September 5th. We will sort through the various nominations, publicise the nominees and then request for the players of Irish Ultimate to cast their votes. The shortlist of nominees will be announced on September 13th with voting until September 29th.
The IFDA Award winners will be announced at the Ball on October 2nd.
13/09/2010
Below is the list of nominees in each category, along with a brief bio on their nomination. In order to vote you must got to the IFDA Website, login and then choose 'Awards Voting' on the left sidebar. Any votes that you have already cast will be displayed there and you are free to change them until the voting deadline.
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Junior Player of the Year
Robbie Brennan
MVP of a successful Ireland Junior team at WJUC, Robbie has complimented his natural athleticism with acute tactical knowledge, magnificent pitch awareness and a throwing range beyond his age. Successfully transitioned from Ireland's nascent schools scene to UCD's 1st team where he became a go to cutter and reliable handler when needed.
declan (-ecko) grogan
Ever present on DCU's 1st team throughout his rookie season and one of the clubs most committed players, Declan has quickly learnt and developed his skills to become an influential handler with game changing breaks and hucks. A key figure for Ireland Juniors D line, Declan has repeatedly shown himself capable of competing against opponents of any age.
Conor (Chief/ Hogi) Hogan
Possessor of a big game mentality that's the envy of many, Conor has proved himself at every level this season: All-Ireland Schools, WJUC, Under 23 Open, Cork Open and All-Ireland Championships. Not only capable of destroying an opponent with a hammer, he is also knowledgeable enough to know when not to use it.
Keith (Merman) Mernagh
One of only two players to represent Ireland at Junior and Under 23 level, and both in his first year of playing! Winner of team MVP for Jabba the Huck at All-Ireland Open, Keith has consistently performed at a level far above expectations of a first year player - frequently to the embarrassment of his more experienced opponents.
Cathal (Tuffstuff) Tuffy
Cathal's unassuming demeanour belies his outstanding ability and impact on the Irish Junior scene. Tom Kendall Medal recipient (Outstanding Player of the Tournament) at Schools Indoors, winner of Cork Open with Broc and top scorer for Ireland at WJUC, Cathal has developed into an all pitch threat with confidence on the disc and a frequently unbelievable aerial receiving ability.
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Club of the Year
OCS
With a roster comprised of 1st and 2nd year players, OCS have shown what can be achieved through hard work, consistent training and giving young players the opportunity to show their potential. 2nd place at Dublin League, 4th at Fish Bowl and holding seed at All-Ireland Open, OCS are not only a great prospect for the future but also a threat to established teams right now.
Dublin Ultimate
Providing one of the strongest outlets for competitive, high level ultimate in years, Dublin Ultimate pushed all of its members to be the best ultimate player they could be. A 7th place tour finish showed what's capable and Dublin's open door policy means that any player that wants to challenge themselves at this level now has the opportunity.
Broc Ultimate
Cork Open and All-Ireland Open champions, Broc have enjoyed their most successful season to date. Not content to rest on their laurels, Broc have shown their commitment to not only their own future but also Irish ultimate as a whole in expanding their roster and hosting Open Inter Varsities for the second year.
Skulltimate
Undefeated through 20 Open and Mixed varsity games and winners of Indoor Open IV, Beginners IV, College's League, Mixed IV, Open IV (and IV Table Quiz) - few could argue UCC's achievements on the pitch. Their recruitment off the pitch, specific training for each part of the club and development of ultimate in schools around Cork prove that UCC are a far reaching club with an eye on every facet of the sport.
Little Miss Sunshine
Ireland's first women's club team to compete repeatedly on the international scene, Little Miss Sunshine have provided a welcoming and challenging environment for players looking to raise the level of their game. Not content with besting their seeding at WUCC, LMS are already thinking longer term with additional tournaments entered and another winter of training already planned.
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Tournament of the Year
All-Ireland Open Championships
Succeeded in making a small tournament into a major event. Catered to everyones needs in providing an intimate and relaxed off pitch environment, accommodation options and excellent facilities for competitve play.
Cork Open
Continuous to be Ireland's largest Open tournament as it attracts teams from Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy and all over Ireland. With a format that provides competitive games for everyone, food and entertainment throughout and an attentive and responsive organising team, The Cork Open continues to be an all round tournament that meets everyones demands.
Open Inter Varsities
With every off pitch issue (were there any?) dealt with by the organising team, Inter Varsities was truely a tournament that left all teams free to focus on playing and competing. Additional touches of welcome pizza, Saturday night table quiz and lined pitches saw Inter Varsities continue to raise the standard for ultimate tournaments in Ireland.
Whacking Day
28 teams of beginners from around Ireland got their first taste of ultimate at Whacking Day. For many, it was the clincher that got them hooked on the sport. Expanded to two days, Whacking Day provided competition, exciting parties and a chance to meet other beginners in an environment that has already caused many to dive in to the sport.
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Growth of Irish Disc Sports
Peter Sandin
Growth is not always at a grass roots level, as demonstrated by Peter. With no motivation other than to help fellow ultimate players improve, Peter took on a coaching role with Dublin Ultimate at sessions open to everyone. The tactical knowledge and principals he has shared will no doubt percolate through out Irish ultimate in the coming seasons.
Ray (conse) Considine
Integral to in the UCC ultimate revolution, Ray brought a level of professionalism not previously seen in Irish ultimate. Increased membership, competitive drive and commitment to training even through adversity - Ray's accomplishments are too many to list. Also the organiser of a PE workshop for 15 teachers, Ray brought ultimate to a number of local schools. His impact will have a knock on effect in Irish ultimate for years to come.
Laura (Shoulders) McGrath
In changing the landscape of women's ultimate in Ireland, Laura's establishment of Little Miss Sunshine provided the first structured and competitive outlet for female ultimate players outside of college ranks. Through demanding training, open sessions, games and untold hours of dedication, Laura's impact on women's ultimate will only grow in the years to come.
Séamus Murray
Entrusted with the preparation of Ireland Juniors 2010, Seamus oversaw their development into a well organised team of competitive, dedicated and highly spirited ultimate players. With international victories over Israel and Czech Republic, Seamus has trained a crop of young athletes that will be at the fore front of Irish ultimate for years to come.
Dominick Smyth
An ambassador for ultimate, Dominick has succeeded in garnering respect and positive responses from individuals and groups outside the sport at every turn. From organising coaches for introductory sessions, through coordinating plans for national teams and on to casual days of DDC, Dominick is invested in every facet of disc sports in Ireland and has driven many of the IFDA's achievements in the last 12 months
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Most Spirited Player - Female
Heather Barry
Always competitive but never at the expense of the game, Heather can always be relied upon to not only give her all but also resolve every issue fairly and promptly. Asked to play out of position, Heather never once lowered her commitment to her teams and constantly brought a positive attitude to every game.
Celine Campbell
With a positive attitude and smiling face, Celine is an asset to any team both on and off the pitch. Her ability to face every situation with an enthusiastic approach, even when those around her have had their moods lowered by the tone of a game, identifies Celine as a phenomenally spirit player and a pleasure to compete with.
Deirdre Corbett
While both competitive and determined, Deirdre's enthusiasm and positive encouragement is always on display. The outstanding attitude displayed by the large number of new female recruits in UCC is testiment to the spirit Deirdre brings every time she plays. Her desire to bring out the best in her teammates is a clear example of her charismatic yet balanced approach to the sport.
Laura (Shoulders) McGrath
With an aggressive and imposing style of play, it is all too common to see players in Laura's position become bullish in their interpretation of Spirit. Shoulders, however, continues to prove herself the exception as she handles every call with calmness, respect and a desire to make teh fairest decision possible.
Caoimhe Quigley
Few would argue that Caoimhe loves the fun side of ultimate - post game calls, parties, struggling to the pitch on Sunday morning - but it's her never say die attitude that marks her out as a spirited player - a willingness to put it all on the line for her team while constantly respecting the opposition.
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Most Spirited Player - Male
Fintan (Fag) Darcy
A constant source of support and motivation to his team mates, Fintan refuses to let his adherance to Spirit be effected by the nature of the game. Proved himself as a calm and respectful player in winning MSP of Ireland U23 Mixed despite being faced with over zelous opponents. Consistent in making the right call with indifference to team mates or opponenets involved.
Robert (Blonde Rob) Kane
Never one to raise his voice, Blonde Rob can always be relied on for a calm explanation of the rules that sees calls get sorted in an exceptionally peaceful manner. Rob's love for the game, and his team mates, will see him push that little bit harder to inspire and motivate everyone to get past their own fatigue and enjoy one more outstanding point.
David (Dave) McAlester
Honest, fair and always plays the game with respect. Never aggressive towards opposition players, despite taking some pretty hard hits along the way. Dave's a competitor who plays to win, but he's controlled and decent in the heat of competition.
Donal (Donal) Murray
Perpetual winner of MSP for both UCC and Rebel Ultimate, Donal has demonstrated not only an exceptional knowledge of the rules but a willingness to apply them to himself and others alike. A role model to team mates throught, Donal instills a respect for Spirit in everyone he plays with, against or coaches.
Shane Reilly
Known as a relaxed, care free player, this season saw Shane raise the level not only of his game but also the Spirit with which he plays. MSP of DCU at Open and Mixed Inter Varsities, Shane demonstrates a perfect balance between competitive drive and honest, respectful play.
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Player of the Year - Female
Heather Barry
Famously won golden arm and golden hand at Womens Inter Varsities, Heather led Trinity to both indoor and outdoor titles this season. Playing as a handler all season, out of her prefered cutting role, Heather was also integral to Trinity's Open team and Little Miss Sunshine at WUCC.
Deirdre Corbett
Female MVP of UCC, Deirdre is the definition of a team player with spirit, aggression, deterimation, ability, potential and positive attitude. 2009/10 has seen her improve in leaps and bounds with fantastic disc skills and a willingness to huck and break the mark. Not content to rest on her laurels, Deirdre can always be seen studying team mates and opponents in order to learn from their technique.
Laura (Shoulders) McGrath
An inspirational leader, Laura has pushed herself and team mates to improve at every opportunity. A threat with and without the disc due to her tireless cutting, calm decision making and incisive throws, Shoulders was identified as the danger player by every opponent at every tournament, including WUCC where she won team MVP.
Fiona Mernagh
Led small and relatively inexperienced DCU Ladies teams to indoor and outdoor varsity finals on route to receiving DCU Female Player of the Year. Built on these accomplishments to receive team MVP while captaining Ireland U23 Women at the U23 World Championships, where she also had the most assists of any player in the
Women's division.
Sarah Jane (sj) Monaghan
Possibly the best year of SJ's ultimate career. Thrived in Little Miss Sunshine's training sessions and used the time to focus on throwing range and decision making. Combined with her natural speed, determination and defensive ability, this improvement has seen SJ develop into a true all rounder and major contributor for LMS at WUCC.
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Player of the Year - Male
Mark (Marko) Earley
A pivital player for both Broc and Dublin, Mark has returned to the elite level of Irish ultimate players. Continuosly showing a mix of big plays and level-headed control, Mark received finals MVP awards in Broc's victories at Cork Open and All-Ireland Open Championships.
Niall Harbourne
Added to his international reputation with strong performances at UK Tour and WUCC, where he picked up MVP of Dublin for the week along with numerous MVP awards from team mates and opponents alike. With a seamingly infinite amount of energy, Niall has once again proven himself on the highest stage.
David (Dave) McAlester
A tireless work rate combined with smart play and throw selection, Super has been an integral part of every team he has played with this season. With jumps the envy of many opponent, it has become the norm to see his name in contention for leading scorer at every tournament.
Brian (Surly) O'Callaghan
Finals and UCC MVP of Indoor, Mixed and Open Inter Varsities, Brian was instrumental in UCC's dominance of the 2009/10 Varsity season. A threat in all facets of play due to speed, range of throws, arial ability and dominating defence. Regardless of any external factors, Brian always brought his A game to the pitch and left many an opponent shell shocked and in awe.
Dominick Smyth
The oldest fresher in college ultimate, Dominick won MVP of DCU at Cork Open and Indoor Inter Varsities. A versitile player willing to opperate in any position, 2009/10 with DCU and Dublin Ultimate has seen Dominick develop his reputation of dramatic layouts and calm, game controlling throws.
