UGAAWA chairman John Martin, winner Cathal McShane, Tyrone manager Mickey Harte, Quinn Building Products Sales & Marketing Director Seamus McMahon.
All-Ireland semi-final defeat by Kerry was a big disappointment to Tyrone but it is doubtful if anyone could lay the blame at the feet or hands of Cathal McShane as the Owen Roes clubman fought like a tiger to fight off the Kingdom.
Cathal’s endeavours, as he foraged all over the attack in search of openings for himself and his attacking colleagues, was a big feature of the game and the seven points – four from play and three from frees which he earned himself – that he rifled over were noteworthy.
Cathal has been mighty close to winning our Quinn Building Products UGAAWA Monthly Merit Award on previous occasions and, hopefully, winning this time may be some consolation in losing out to Kerry last month.
“It was very nice, indeed, to get the call to tell me that I was the winner of the August Merit Award. It does take a little bit away from the disappointment of defeat,” he agrees. “It is, of course, all down to hard work and we will just have to get going again and put in the hard work in preparation for next year’s championship.”
McShane was first noticed as a busy half-forward but is now revelling in the full-forward position. His switch to the edge of the square has produced his true potential. He liked the move.
“I love the full-forward position,” he enthused. “I think, the move has worked well. I like roving around the attack and, I feel, the position suits me.”
It is now back to club affairs for McShane with a Tyrone Intermediate Championship quarter-final against Urney coming up next weekend as Eoghan Ruadhs also chase promotion.
“Those are the immediate aims now,” he says, “before we get back to thinking about county affairs.
Cathal wins the August award ahead of Galway-based Down camogie star Naomh Mallon who was in superb scoring form last month, cracking home a total of 3-26 with the county – she rifled over 13 points in one league game – and 1-15 with Portaferry. Others who came into the reckoning, as well, were Eimear Smyth who starred with Fermanagh in the AlI-Ireland Junior semi-final win over London and Cora Courtney who was in fine form for Monaghan during the month. By Rory Cox Wed 11th Sep
