Oxx's exploits honoured by prestigious award

At the start of the year, John Oxx was no more than hopeful that this would be the season to win a Derby. Such an honour is the greatest desire of all horse trainers around the world, and particularly to win the Epsom Classic, regarded by many to be the most prestigious flat race of all.

To win a second Derby in the same season, and then complete a unique hat-trick by taking the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Europe's premier race, is a dream far beyond the hopes and aspirations of any horse trainer in these islands.

With that sort of accomplishment behind him, it was little wonder that Oxx was honoured on Friday night with the Canon Hayes National Sports Award for 2000. His role in guiding Johnny Murtagh and Sinndar to that remarkable treble in England, Ireland and then in France is a sporting feat that may never be repeated.

These series of awards, now in their fifth edition and presented in association with The Irish Times, have quickly matured into one of the most attractive of their kind in the country. Initiated by the Canon Hayes Recreation Centre in Tipperary town, they celebrate sporting success at all levels, thus bringing them apart from most other sporting accolades handed out at this time of the year.

The intimate setting of the Aherlow House Hotel in the Tipperary glens added to the unique atmosphere of these awards. And for Oxx it was the second time in 24 hours that he was in the company of sporting figures from the past and present. This honour came straight after he received the Philips Manager of the Year award.

Recalling his success with Sinndar, Oxx spoke of the "hope rather than the expectation" of what the year might bring. Deep down, though, he knew he had something special in his Curragh yard. The little signs became big signs and by the time he got to Longchamp, the horse was taking every bit of pressure in his stride.

Also nominated for the National Award was Olympic 5,000 metre silver medallist Sonia O'Sullivan, currently training in Australia and represented on the night by her father, John. So, too, was football manager Paidi O Se, who kept Kerry heads so focused through a most dramatic All-Ireland series.

In opening the night's proceedings, the sports editor of The Irish Times, Malachy Logan, spoke of the awards as a "real microcosm of Irish life at all levels" as well as a celebration of everything that is good and positive about sport in Tipperary and throughout the country.

"This awards scheme honours the high achievers," he said. "But, much more importantly, recognises the value of community and county in developing the stars of the future. For our part, The Irish Times regards this as one of our most prestigious involvements with sport."

Since opening in 1987, the Canon Hayes centre has become the most important recreational facility for Tipperary town and the surrounding area, as well as being a base for a number of local clubs and county teams. It was named after John Canon Hayes, a community visionary of the 1950s who founded the Muintir Na Tire organisation while resident in Tipperary town.

Martin Quinn, chairman of the centre's management committee and master of ceremonies for the evening, also paid special appreciation to the sponsorship of The Irish Times that has enabled the awards to be brought "to such a national platform".

Minister of State, Noel Davern, was also on hand to present the awards after Dr Jim McDaid, the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Recreation, failed to honour his pledge to attend.

The popular selection of Oxx was equalled by the standing ovation for Paralympic swimmer David Malone, who accepted the Outstanding Achievement Award on behalf of the hugely successful Irish Paralympic team in Sydney. There was also a special Golden Moment Award for Kerry football legend Mick O'Connell.

At county level, there was no denying award winner Jovita Delaney, goalkeeper in the Tipperary camogie team that picked up a second successive All-Ireland title in Croke Park last September. Also receiving a nomination was Kevin O'Sullivan, soccer player with St Michael's AFC, and Graine and Niamh Dwyer, who were both capped with the Irish basketball team this year.

And at local level the award went to the young tennis star Clodagh McMorrow, with the other nominations going to Bansha athlete Mandy Crowe and special Olympian Rebecca Burke.

Each of the winners carried away imposing sculptures designed by local craftsman, Jarlath Daly. In any sport and at any level criticism passes and success remains, yet awards like these will always make those hours of preparation all the more worthwhile.

The full selection panel for the National Award was: Malachy Logan (sports editor, The Irish Times), Mick Doyle (former Irish rugby coach), Noel O'Reilly (Irish Youths' soccer coach), Michael O Murcheartaigh (RTE sport) and Liz Howard (press officer, Tipperary GAA).