THE annual Irish Polocrosse Association Ball was recently hosted by Cork Polocrosse Club in the Midleton Park Hotel, where Cork club chairman Richie Crockett kicked off the evening by thanking Pat and Grainne Healy of Ballyspillane Stables for providing the club with grounds for training and for hosting the 2015 National Finals last September.

Polocrosse stalwart and IPA board member Tony O’Donnell of Wicklow Bay was then invited to present the awards, along with Horetown member Seamus McDonagh.

The Irish Polocrosse Association award for Player of the Year 2015 was given to Bill Lalor of Tipperary Polocrosse Club. A true ambassador to Irish polocrosse, Bill has been playing the sport for many years and has represented Ireland at tournaments both at home and abroad. His enthusiasm and dedication to the sport is second to none and his determination on the field made him a popular and deserving recipient of this award.

The Best Player titles in each grade were also awarded, with the A Grade award going to Toby Finn of Tyrella Club and the B Grade accolade going to Caroline Bradshaw of Wicklow Bay. The C Grade honour went to Paddy Flavin of Horetown and the D Grade award was taken home by Theo Boland from Carrickmines.

The Players’ Player of the Year award, as nominated by IPA members on Facebook, went to Cillian Boland of Carrickmines Club.

The horses were not forgotten either and prizes went to Rhythm (Mark Hall, Equus), Posh (Dayna Moran, Horetown), Wicked (Roz Drew, Birr) and Bourbon (Theo Boland, Carrickmines).

Players are now looking forward to getting ready for the forthcoming season which will be starting on May 21st in Wicklow Bay’s grounds at Clive Nuzums Look Out Stud in Coolgreaney. Go to www.polocrosseireland.com for more information.