2002 IRISH CANADIAN RUGBY CLUB
AWARDS DINNER REPORT

On Friday, November 29th, 2002 over 100 people attended the Paradise Banquet Centre in Concord, Ontario for the end of year Awards Dinner.  New Master of Ceremonies Mark (don't call me Flipper) Thompson got the night off with a bang by awarding three special awards of his own to Ryan Carr, Dean MacLean and finally, to coach Mark Winokur.

The Colt of the Year was awarded by the Director of Junior Development, Mark Robinson to David Kochanowski.  David was not able to attend to due to the fact of being underage.  ORU Hall of Fame member and ICRC Life Time Member Eamonn Browner then presented his award for Rookie of the Year to Simon Dunne.  Simon wasn't able to attend because he was studying hard at the University of Western Ontario.  Simon burst onto the scene this season, claiming a spot on the first XV at fullback and wing.  He also played for the National Finalist Ontario U21 Squad and also forced his way onto the Toronto Renegades of the RCSL.  First Year man, Dave Stratton (also from UWO) accepted in his place and chugged the traditional beer in about 1.3 seconds.  Who says you don't learn anything useful in post secondary institutions??

Club Captain Neil Maxwell joined Long Time member Bill Barclay to award the Bill Barclay Trophy for the Most Improved Player.  Barry Ward, who played for the Shamrocks Seven's B Side, represented Quebec in the national U21 competition, and became a major force in the Development XV this season, was the 2002 winner. Unfortunately, once again, another winner of a award was not able to attend due to work commitments.  Kevin Turlo accepted on his behalf.  Next, Club Coach Mark Winokur presented the MVP Trophy to Kyler Petrie to a standing ovation from the crowd.  Winokur stated in his speech that "he (Kyler) was asked to move into a totally new position this season (scrum half) and not only did well, but became one of the best in the province."

President Peter Ameli came to present the Most Valuable Member Award.  In honour of the late John Dixon, this award was renamed the "John Dixon Memorial Award".  The award was then presented in memoriam to John Dixon, with his daughter Amy in attendance to accept the award for Johnny.  A standing ovation was afforded to Amy after her acceptance speech.

Peter Ameli and Neil Maxwell made presentations to our Alumni / Supporters club members, gentlemen who contributed sizable donations to help the club.  Johnny Haarer, Trevor Jones & Frank O'Brian were presented commemorative plaques and Alumni club golf shirts for becoming Platinum members.  Also receiving golf shirts were:  Martin Sumner, Ken Smith, Alan Maxwell, Michael Ameli, Gerry Sherrin, Bob Elder, and Sam Malcolmson.

Finally, in a moving ceremony, ORU Hall of Fame Member Ken Smith said a few words of remembrance in honour of Former Player, President and Team Manager John Dixon and Former Player, Captain and Club Coach Fraser Cattell.  Both gentlemen were inducted into the ICRC Hall of Fame as Life Time Members.  Amy Dixon and Jo-Ann Cattell were presented with their certificates to another standing ovation.

Thanks to all who attended!!