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John Donnelly, was the 2019 recipient of the John Morrison Hall of Fame Award

It’s a moment that always proves to be an undoubted highlight of the Gaelic Life All-Star awards ceremony and generates one of the biggest reactions of the night – and this year’s event at the Armagh City Hotel is set to be no different.

First introduced for the 2012 season, the award honours people who have made a significant impresson on the Ulster Club landscape.

A new face will be inducted in March’s award ceremony and they will become the 11th person to pick up the trophy.

When it comes to club awards it should be no surprise that Crossmaglen were the first team onto the roll of honour as Paul Hearty and Oisin McConville became the first inductees back in January 2013.
“I’m very honoured to have been chosen to receive this accolade from Gaelic Life. I suppose it gives it an added significance when it’s the first time it’s been awarded,” said McConville.

Following them into the Hall of Fame was Burren legend Ray Morgan, who brought All-Ireland glory to the St Mary’s club.

“It’s good to get the recognition, but in recognising my achievements I think Gaelic Life is also recognising the teams I was associated with.”

The following year the focus shifted from football t hurling as Ballycastle’s Eddie Donnelly was rewarded for winning eight county titles with the club, describing it as “massive not only for myself and my family but also McQuillan’s GAC”.

One of the most popular winners was former GAA President Sean McCague who received a standing ovation in 2016 as his career in the GAA was summarised by Darragh Maloney.

At the 2017, Donaghmoyne legend Francie Coleman, who guided their ladies team through an unbelievable period of success, collected yet another honour.

“I am delighted and proud to receive this trophy. I’d like to thank Gaelic Life for recognising Ladies Football. I think it is a big step up for someone to receive this trophy for the ladies because I think they put in just as much effort as the men.”

In 2018 it was the turn of St Joh’s and Antrim legend Andy McCallin.
McCallin said: “It’s a great privilege to receive this award. The club has always been part of my life. The first jersey I put on with St John’s was when I was nine years of age.”
Then in 2019 the trophy headed to Derry for another double award as Bellaghy’s Chris Brown and Larry Diamond were honoured.

“We had a fair innings in what we achieved”, said Brown. “A lot of clubs don’t achieve what we did and the ability to keep going is what the GAA is all about.”

In our last full-scale awards ceremony, in 2020, Trillick supremo John Donnelly was the winner of the newly named John Morrison Hall of Fame award. He said: “We all knew his one-liners and the great character that he was, so I’m delighted to have won this award named after him.”

On March 11, the latest inductee into the John Morrison Hall of Fame will be named – but who will it be?