The big moments from the Westmeath Independent Sports Awards
Martial arts fighter Martin Ward was named as the 2017 Westmeath Independent Sports Star of the Year at the annual awards ceremony held in Athlone's Shamrock Lodge Hotel last Friday night.
Martin Ward, who won a gold medal at the mixed martial arts unified world championships in Italy last October, was training in Dublin with MMA superstar Conor McGregor the night before Friday's function.
He said the overall award was a “massive” honour and he was “stuck for words” when his name was announced as the winner.
The 30-year-old member of the Defence Forces said he hoped to sign a professional contract with a UK-based mixed martial arts promoter.
WATCH: The moment of truth as host Robbie Irwin of RTE reveals the identity of the Westmeath Independent Sport Star of the Year for 2017.
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One of the very popular award recipients on the night was the Hall of Fame award winner, Rosemary Moran.
Rosemary - affectionately known as 'Gudgie' - was supported by a large group of friends and colleagues from Our Lady's Bower, one of the schools where she has coached hockey for many years.
She said her great enthusiasm for coaching was spurred on by the students, the staff of the schools, her family, and her love of sport.
The Readers Choice award was voted by readers of the Westmeath Independent in a text poll. All twelve monthly winners were eligible for this award.
Kieran Colclough and Shane Allen received the most votes from our readers as a result of their roles in the Athlone GAA minor team which won the Westmeath MFC Division One title and then went on to reach the Leinster club tournament final.
WATCH: The fantastic reaction as the two Athlone GAA players are announced as the winners of the Readers Choice Award.
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The well-attended event was hosted by Robbie Irwin, known for his work as a broadcaster on RTE radio.
The monthly winners were
January: Grace Halligan
February: Joe Carmody
March: Kolo Kiripati
April: Kate Derwin
May: Laura Brennan
June: Joe Ward
July: Niall McInerney and Brian Stack
August: Robbie Powell and Rebecca Lowe
September: John Gilligan
October: Martin Ward
November: Dylan Gavin
December: Kieran Colclough and Shane Allen
This was the twelfth annual Westmeath Independent Sports Awards, which were sponsored by the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Action Physio and Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors.
WATCH: a quick look at the highlights of the night here