Keane takes top prize at Sports Star Awards

Rosemount's John Keane is the Westmeath Independent Sports Star of the Year for 2008. The Westmeath footballer scooped the prestigious accolade at a gala ceremony held in the Hodson Bay Hotel. The event, organised by the Westmeath Independent and sponsored by the Hodson Bay Hotel in association with Midlands 103.

It is now in its third year of existence and Keane follows in the footsteps of Roscommon's All-Ireland winning minor captain David Flynn and TriAthlone supremo Liam Heavin, in taking the ultimate award. The citation read by genial MC Colm Murray noted Keane had been chosen: 'For his individual excellence on the field of play, and for representing his country with distinction in the International Rules series during a year in which he became Westmeath's only All Star.'

Keane paid tribute to the Westmeath Independent for launching the sports star awards noting that similar events had been up and running in other counties for some time. Earlier, while accepting his November award, Keane said the work ethic throughout the whole Westmeath senior football team and the way in which the defence worked as a unit had been the key to the side's tendency to concede few scores during 2008. Meanwhile, the coveted Westmeath Independent Public Choice Award went to exciting motorcycling prospect Cody Nally, who topped the poll in a competition which included website, text and coupon voting. In total, in excess of 2,000 votes were cast in the popular ballot - and Midlands 103 CEO Albert Fitzgerald presenting the award, paid tribute to the bravery of Cody and his fellow motorcyclists.

Indeed, an unruffled Cody told the assembled gathering that he had been lucky with injuries to date, citing broken collar bones as among his sporting injuries to date. Nally, in April, commences a new phase in his sporting career when he takes up a place with Raceways Yamaha on the British Junior Superstock Championship. The sport, with its focus on equipment, can be costly, Cody admitted, with a major focus on raising funds and sponsorship part and parcel of most riders' existence. Temple Villa stalwart TP Hickey was a popular inductee into the Hall of Fame. Hickey has given sterling service to the Mount Temple-based soccer club and identified the improvement in facilities as the highlight of his 36-year involvement with the club.

He recalled how the club had commenced its activities in the rented field in Moate's Dandywell but had since developed playing pitches and a clubhouse in its current home in Mount Temple. Moate native Colm Murray, who compered the event, remarked that he had come into contact with TP many years ago - and was delighted to see his commitment and dedication being recognised. Speaking at the event, Westmeath Independent editor Tadhg Carey said the paper had developed the awards in order to recognise the sheer scale and diversity of sporting talent in the Athlone region.

He went on to highlight the important role sport plays in society in lifting people out of the stresses and strains of daily existence. 'Sport can lift us out of the moment, transport us away from the stresses and strains of daily existence and lighten the soul.' He added: 'And don't we need these pleasant distractions now more than ever.' He acknowledged the key contributions of the partners, Hodson Bay Hotel and Midlands 103 and paid tribute to the role of Westmeath Independent staff, in particular sports editor Kieran Galvin.

Hodson Bay Hotel manager Tim Hayes said he was really envious of all of the award winners, considering that he had been on the sidelines throughout his own sporting career. He said the hotel was delighted to be involved in the awards, complimenting the degree of organisation and preparation which the Westmeath Independent brought to the event. Midlands 103 sports reporter Rebekkah Kelly said in her wildest dreams she had not contemplated the scale of sporting success in Westmeath in her first year. - and went on to outline the achievements of the various winners. Among the other award winners who were honoured on the night were: Adam Kennedy Rising local rugby star Adam Kennedy was a deserved recipient of the sports star award for January. Kennedy, a native of Cornamagh, Athlone, was selected for his contribution to both Connacht's Interprovincial Youths Championships victory and also the Marist College's run to the final of the Connacht Schools Senior Cup for the second year running.

Ciarán Ó Catháin South Roscommon athlete Ciarán Ó Catháin was chosen as the February sports star award winner. The Kiltoom man added both Scottish and Irish national titles to his growing collection of impressive sporting victories during the month, winning the under-20 60 metres hurdles at the Scottish Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, as well as the equivalent title in the Woodies DIY Junior Indoor Championships in Nenagh. Athlone CC Football Team The award was recognition for the college's fantastic achievement of winning the much coveted Leinster Colleges Senior Football A Championship during the month of March, thus becoming the first Westmeath team to take the crown for the past 25 years.

Martin Flanagan Flanagan was chosen for the April award by virtue of his outstanding displays during April which helped Westmeath secure promotion to Division One of the National Football League, and claim the Division Two title. Patricia Cleary Patricia's elevation during the month of May to the position of President of Swim Ireland, the governing body of swimming in Ireland. was recognised in that month's award. Patricia is well known throughout the Midlands and Ireland for her sterling contribution to swimming both in the local region and on a nationwide basis, and has been involved with swimming in Athlone for over 25 years.

Joe Ward The Westmeath Independent Sports Star of the Year for June was 15-year-old Farnagh native Joe Ward, who was nominated for the award on account of his bronze-medal-winning display at the 2008 European Junior Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Jessica McMickan Coosan hockey star Jessica McMickan was selected for the month of July in recognition of her impact for Ireland at the Four Nations Under-18 Tournament in Cardiff, Wales. Jessica, 17, scored three times as Ireland managed a couple of wins at the tournament, which was part of the Irish squad's preparations for the 2009 Euro Youth Nations Championships. Simon Coughlan Athlone cyclist Simon Coughlan received the sports star award for the month of August.

The River Village resident was selected in recognition of winning a gold medal at the European Masters Track Championships in Manchester. David Reynolds Maryland stalwart David Reynolds received the award for September thanks to the midfielder's role in his club's Westmeath Intermediate Football Championship victory. The 25-year-old played a key role as Maryland captured a first intermediate county title success for almost 30 years.

Enda Kelly Castledaly footballer Enda Kelly notched the Westmeath Independent Sports Star award for the month of October. Kelly was selected for the award by virtue of his role in Castledaly's historic Westmeath Senior Football Championship success in 2008. The wing-back was awarded the official man-of-the-match award after Castledaly's county final victory over neighbours Garrycastle last October.