Annual Prizegiving 2018

The annual prize giving celebrating the year of 2018 and looking forward to the season ahead took place at Erin’s Own Lavey on Friday 22 February.

A packed house led by chairman Paddy Chivers welcomed special guest for the evening, Derry U20 Ulster winning manager, Mickey Donnelly to Lavey.

The chairman congratulated and thanked all the club’s players and coaches for their efforts throughout a year which saw Lavey’s U14, U16, U18, U21 and senior footballers contest county finals.

Singling out the dignity and humility of the U16 footballers following defeat in the provincial Paul McGirr Tournament Chivers pointed towards a philosophy which gives strength to the club, saying:

“We don’t have dozens and dozens of players that can be let go by the wayside. We must do our best by each and every player. We’re a one primary school parish but we’re tight-knit and loyal.”

Having enjoy a stellar 2018 managing Derry U20 footballers to a first Ulster title in 21 years, St Ronan’s Lurgan to an historic MacRory ad Hogan Cup double and Monaghan club Ballybay to a senior county football final, Donnelly spoke about his admiration for the club’s young players and their achievements throughout the year:

“Clubs win championships Not just teams,” he said.

“From fundamentals through every level, hard work is infectious. It’s a collective effort because the name on the Andy Merrigan (All-Ireland club) Cup is not an individual. It is Lavey. The name of the club.”