The end of season Ballynahinch Rugby Club Awards night is always a highlight of the club year. Each team in the club votes for their player of the year with the winners announced at the dinner itself. This year Downpatrick Cricket Club was the venue and the main function room was packed for night ahead. After an excellent meal the awards ceremony got underway with a presentation to the club by Down District Council Vice Chairman Cllr William Dick on behalf of Council. This was followed by a presentation to all the 1stXV by Michael Carson on behalf of Downpatrick Cricket Club in recognition of the teams success this season.

The first Hinch award was the U18 Player of the Year and this was presented to Lewis Jones by Chris Stevenson. The U20 yer of the Year was won by David Chambers and in his absence the cup was collected by coach Ian Dornan and was presented by Senior Vice President Alan Montgomery. The Evergreens Player of the Year was presented to Allen Lyons by Club Treasurer David Poole. The 6thXV Player of the Year was presented to Joel Adams by the Junior Vice President’s wife Irene Shaw. The 5thXV Player of the Year was presented to James Gregg by the Senior Vice President’s wife Daphne Montgomery.

The 4thXV Player of the Year was presented to young Matthew Norton by the Ladies Committee Chairperson Peggy Morton. The 3rdXV Player of the Year was presented to Gareth Murdock by Maureen Young. The 2ndXV Player of the Year was presented to Brian Mannus by Junior Vice President James Shaw. The Young Player of the Year was won by David Nicholson and the cup was presented by the Club President Alan Simms. The Club Man of the Year Award was won jointly this year with Alan Montgomery and Haydn Gibson receiving the cup from main club sponsor Fraser Evans of Abbey Insurance. The 1stXV player of the year was also a joint affair with Chris Stevenson and Jerry Cronin sharing the award, which was presented to Chris in Jerry’s absence by John Robinson.

After the presentations the dancing soon commenced led by a very enthusiastic Evergreen Allen Lyons who soon had everyone on the dance floor in full swing dancing around the cups in the middle of the floor. A great night of celebration was had by one and all. A big thank you to Downpatrick Cricket Club and to Ray McCavery and James Kirk for another very well organised Awards night.