Two former Irish internationals, Claire McMahon and Patrick Brown, took the highest award for their performance and contribution to Irish hockey at the ESB Irish Hockey Awards ceremony hosted by veteran broadcaster Micheal O Muircheartaigh.

Ex-International and Pegasus marksman, Claire McMahon, was declared the ESB Women's Player of the Year for her consistently strong club performance throughout the season, while Brown, the recently retired Irish captain, claimed the Men’s Player of the Year Award for the first time.

Ulster player and new cap, Stephanie Quinn, was named the ESB U18 player of the year while teenage sensation Stuart Loughrey won the U18’s male category for his outstanding performance in both the Irish Senior Cup and recent club championships.

ESB Chief Executive, Padraig McManus said the company is committed to the further development of Hockey in Ireland.

 “ESB believes the future of hockey lies with the young players.  The company will continue to play a pivotal role in assisting the growth of the game”.

Pembroke Wanderers was awarded Club of the Year title for the second consecutive year with its senior teams competing in Europe.

Connacht’s Richie Malone was awarded Coach of the Year. He coached Connacht’s U16 team to win the Interprovincials for the first time and also coached Galway to the Pool stages of the ESB Club Championships and AIL play offs.

Tom Goode took title of Umpire of the Year.

Monkstown Hockey Club’s longstanding coach, Trevor Watkins, was awarded Development coach of the year award, while Botanic was declared Emerging club of the year. Limerick Hockey Club was declared Youth Club of the Year.

Munster & Bandon’s Mary Walsh was awarded Volunteer of the Year while long-serving IHA chairman, John Dennis of Munster he received the President's Award for his outstanding services to Irish hockey.

Source: Irish Hockey Association