Michael Naughton Ladies Football Manager of the League 2010

Michael Naughton is the Bord Gáis Energy /
Irish Daily Star

Ladies Football Manager of the League 2010

In only his first year as Donegal manager, Michael Naughton has been awarded the Bord Gáis Energy / Irish Daily Star Manager of the League 2010 award after leading Donegal to the Bord Gáis Energy NFL Division 2 title.

Donegal have been starved of success over recent times and have lost three national titles over the last eight years. In addition, Donegal did not get off to the best of starts but after an early season set back at the hands of Ulster rivals Armagh, Michael and his players navigated their way undefeated through a highly competitive Division 2.

This steady progress resulted in a semi final date with Meath and despite playing away from home they blitzed a highly fancied Royal team to set up a league final with Kildare in Parnell Park.

At the awards ceremony in Croke Park, a delighted Michael was quick to thank those around him, “I am absolutely thrilled to accept this award but I accept it on behalf of the players and the management team that I have around me. Without them buying in to what we are trying to achieve it would not be possible. I would also like to thank the clubs and the supporters for backing us to the hilt, be it in terms of availability of players or in terms of pitch availability. This is one big team effort and I am delighted to be accepting it on their behalf.”

Ger Cunningham, Sports Sponsorship Manager, Bord Gáis Energy, said, “This award scheme was a new venture for us and we are delighted with how it has been received and I’d like to thank the Irish Daily Star for their support. I was there in Parnell Park and saw just what this league title meant to Michael and his players. But I also saw the affection that the players had for Michael – they appreciate what he has done for them and we are delighted to recognize his efforts further.”