Both Antrim and Derry had cause for double celebrations when the Quinn Insurance Ulster GAA Writers’ Association annual banquet was held in the Sliabh Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell last night.

In what has been a memorable football year for Antrim, county team manager Liam Bradley proved a popular winner of the coveted Personality of the Year award while Neil McManus, outstanding for the Saffrons this term, deservedly collected the Hurler of the Year trophy.

Derry’s dual helping of success came via the prestigious Services to GAA award which went to Bernie Mullan in recognition of his tremendous input over many years as a club and county administrator and his invaluable work in a PR context. Bernie’s achievement was complemented by Grainne McGoldrick’s accomplishment in taking the Camogie Player of the Year prize.

The writers’ banquet, staged in conjunction with their sponsors and with the support of the Ulster GAA Council, proved an outstanding success with a host of VIPs attending as well as members of the Armagh team that won the All Ireland Minor final and the Ulster squad that regained the inter-provincial title.

“We endeavoured to recognise excellence in the various sectors of the GAA and I think we achieved this through these annual awards,” said writers’ chairman Jerry Quinn.

The Footballer of the Year accolade went to Kevin Hughes who enjoyed a superb year in the colours of Tyrone before going on to help Ulster win their 29th inter-provincial title.

Hughes provided the dynamic in Tyrone’s surge to the Ulster title and set a splendid example for his colleagues over the course of the year.

Michael Murphy, the 20-year-old Donegal full-forward who was outstanding for his county and then helped Ulster lift the inter-pro crown, collected the Young Achiever of the Year award.

It’s not often that the Ulster GAA writers have the opportunity to honour a global champion but Paul Brady’s feat in seeing off his challengers in the World Handball Championships not surprisingly earned him the Handballer of the Year award.

Belfast’s Fiona Shannon, who retained her world ladies title, headed a tranche of handballers from the province who also won world titles in different categories.

The choice of Pat McEnaney as Referee of the Year — again! — surprised no-one. The Corduff clubman maintained his own particularly high standards as a whistler during a season in which several of his colleagues did little to enhance their reputations.

Colette Little, brother of Fermanagh senior footballer Mark Little, collected the Lady Footballer of the Year trophy following her outstanding displays in the Erne county colours.

And financial guru Fergal McCormack, the dynamic PRO behind the progressive St Peter’s club in Warrenpoint, carried off the Communications award.

The annual individual awards presented in the various categories at the Ulster Writers’ banquet were:

Football: Kevin Hughes (Tyrone)

Hurling: Neil McManus (Antrim)

2009 Personality: Liam Bradley (Antrim)

Services to GAA: Bernie Mullan (Derry)

Handball: Paul Brady (Cavan)

Camogie: Grainne McGoldrick (Derry)

Ladies Footballer: Colette Little (Fermanagh)

Refereeing: Pat McEnaney (Monaghan)

Communications: Fergal McCormack (Warrenpoint)

Young Achiever: Michael Murphy (Donegal)