Awards for Martin Flanagan, Des Dolan and Michael O"Grady

Two of Westmeath"s finest footballers and one of the finest one-armed golfers in the world are among the sporting elite who will be feted at the annual Mullingar Park Hotel/Westmeath Examiner Sports Stars of the Year Gala Awards Ceremony next January.It was confirmed that Martin Flanagan, Des Dolan and Michael O"Grady will be joining Olympians, Martin Fagan, Johnny Joyce and John Joe Nevin and Ballinagore clubman, Michael Ennis at the highly anticipated event next January.Just a month after fellow intercounty footballer, Michael Ennis picked up his award for his consistency in the Allianz National Football League, it was the turn of the ageless Martin Flanagan to claim his place at January"s award ceremony with a master class in Westmeath"s victory over near neighbours, Longford in the Leinster Championship.Reversing the result of twelve months previously, victory over former Westmeath boss, Luke Dempsey"s charges set Tomás Ó Flatharta"s charges up nicely for a good run in the provincial campaign and his Man of the Match award put Martin in line for May Sports Star of the Month Award.Joining Martin in the winner"s enclosure will be Garrycastle"s Dessie Dolan. Once again, Dessie underlined his value to the team when, with family celebrations reverberating around him, he answered Westmeath"s call and lined out in the crucial Championship clash with Offaly. Contributing a personal tally of 1-4 on the day, Dessie was intstrumental in orchestrating a cherished victory over the men in maroon.The exploits of one Padraig Harrington, allied to sterling performances from some up and coming young protagonists like Graham McDowell, Damian McGrane and teenage protegy Rory McIlroy, have meant that the game of golf has enjoyed a very healthy profile in the Irish sporting calendar in 2008.And while most of the accolades may have fallen on the aforementioned media-centred exponents, one Westmeath man was making the headlines in the very same sport. Michael O"Grady, from Kilbeggan, a member of Mullingar Golf Club and whose name is also closely linked to both Esker Hills and Athlone Golf Clubs, made history when he became the first non-American to win the US Open for one-armed golfers in July.Twice World Champion and six times Champion of Europe, Michael, who runs the very successful Mullingar Golf Driving Range in Cullion, achieved his unique distinction when he saw off all-comers to claim the prestigous title in Kentucky. Two months later, Michael was back to rub more salt into the wounds of his American opponents, when he was chosen as one of twelve players to represent Europe in a Ryder Cup-type event for one-arm golfers.As a golfer of some renown, who has previously captured English Open, Scottish Open and European Championship honours, Michael is a worthy winner of the July Sports Star of the Month award.Michael will join with Martin, Dessie and the other monthly award winners at a major celebration of their individual achievements, at a Gala Ceremony to be held in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Friday, December 30.Six more reipients, including the cherished Hall of Fame award winner, have still be announced with the August, September and October recipients due to be revealed next week.When the inaugural Awards Ceremony was held last January, it proved to be a truly memorable evening, which recognised the achievements of some of Westmeath"s finest sporting ambassadors, including the Westmeath members of the Special Olympics team which performed with such distinction at the Summer Games in Shanghai in 2007.This year the Olympic theme will once again run very strongly through the Awards Ceremony as Mullingar"s "Beijing Three" are honoured. It promises to be another night to remember and the Mullingar Park Hotel and Westmeath Examiner are delighted to say that Moate native, Colm Murry from RTE was only too delighted to accept the invitation to do the honours as MC once again this January.His easy going manner and sporting knowledge added to the evening"s entertainment and Colm is already looking forward to his return to the Mullingar Park Hotel. In anticipation of yet another full house next January, patrons wishing to attend the Awards Ceremony are urged to book tickets at the earliest possible opportunity, in order to avoid disappointment.All tickets for this very special night, celebrating local sporting excellence, are available through the "Westmeath Examiner" only and may be purchased by contacting Sandra McCann on 044 9346701 or 086 8537983. Tickets are priced at €50, with discounted offers available.