THE IRISH NEWS ULSTER ALL STARS
Who will be the stars of the show?
IT’S that time of year again when you, the readers, get the chance to have your say on who makes The Irish News Ulster Allstars team for 2017. Now in its 23rd year, The Irish News Ulster Allstars has featured some of the biggest names in the game since its inception in 1995 and this year will prove to be no different.
The Irish News sports team have provided their own shortlist of potential nominees to make the team, which will be announced at the glittering awards ceremony in the Armagh City Hotel on Thursday, September 7. However, our readers will make the ultimate decision in what is a unique awards initiative where you get to choose who goes forward for final selection.
To be clear – you CAN vote for whoever you like; their name does not have to be on the nominees’ list, which was compiled before Saturday’s matches involving Armagh, Down, and Monaghan. You can vote now using the voting ad opposite or vote online at www.irishnews.com/allstars .
The MC on the night will be RTÉ’s top sports reporter Joanne Cantwell, while the star guest speaker will be revealed closer to the event. You can vote for any player to have featured in this year’s Ulster Senior Football Championship by using the in-paper form or online at www.irishnews.com/allstars. All entries will go into a draw and one lucky reader will get the chance to be a special guest at the Irish News Ulster Allstars awards in early September.
The Irish News sports editor Thomas Hawkins is looking forward to hearing who our readers have rated as the star turns of this year’s Championship. “We know how highly the intensity and quality of the Ulster Football Championship is rated throughout the country and our Ulster Allstars are an equally hotly contested initiative that reflects the passion Ulster Gaels have for the game,” Hawkins said. “Given this passion among our readership, it’s only right they get to select the Ulster Allstar team. “The shortlist for 2017, selected by The Irish News sports team, sees Ulster finalists Tyrone and Down unsurprisingly lead the way with 10 nominations apiece. Armagh have seven nominations while Monaghan have six; Donegal, Derry and Antrim are all on three each; while Cavan have two nominations and Fermanagh just the one.”
The Irish News marketing manager John Brolly added: “Our Allstars is a great initiative as it actually allows fans to decide who will take to the stage to be recognised as an Irish News Ulster Allstar. “The high quality of the competition is reflected in the close run nature of the voting, which can be almost as intense as the games.”
Remember, we want you, the readers, to have your say on the final shortlist. Vote for any player who took part in this year’s Ulster Championship by using the in-paper form or by going to www.irishnews. com/allstars.
By Mary McEneaney Thu 3rd Aug
