The Hillclimb awards night 2010 was a great success with plenty of good natured banter and chat before and after the awards ceremony. The Tullamore Court Hotel in Tullamore put on a lovely meal for all one hundred guests and provided a top class experience for all staying overnight.
The awards ceremony included an address by the chairman of the committee Eugene French in which he thank everyone for their hard work during a sometimes difficult season. He also announced the extension of the title sponsorship deal from Connaught Competition Engines for 2011. And Phil Price the owner and manager of Connaught Competition Engines was on hand to say a few words and present the awards ably assisted by Joan Vaughan and Maria Ni Niadh.
The clubs that have been selected for the championship in 2011 were also announced and they are: Wexford, Galway, Carrick On Suir, Carlow, Clare, MEC and Donegal.
The class and Overall awards were presented by Phil Price, and Senan O’Connor from Vantage Point Video did a fantastic job by playing his footage carefully prepared from throughout the year for each and every award recipient.
The inaugural Interprovincial Cup sponsored by Rory Stephen from National First aid supplies was presented by Rory “Grandad” Stephens to the competitors from Connaught. A special commemorative blazer was also presented to Karen Feeney from Connaught to mark the occasion which anyone at the awards will never forget!
The Tom Prendiville cup for Highest placed competitor who did not already receive an award was John Whitley from class 3(a). The Dick Bailey award for the best run Hillclimb weekend as judged by the Competitors and Stewards was awarded to Wexford Motor club and collected by Tommy Murphy the Wexford Motor club clerk of the course for 2010.
The over all awards were then presented by Phil Price and Simon McKinley was officially crowned champion in 2010. Though unfortunately he declined to comment himself, Phil Price spoke warmly on his behalf about the new champion.
All in all a great night was had by all and after some music and dancing (or what may loosely be termed dancing!) the festivities went on into the wee small hours. A great end to the national championship year and time to look forward now to an even better 2011.
A full gallery of photos has been provided by Billy @ caoradubha.com