WATCH: Callacher is Ulster Footballer of Year
Linfield star scoops top award at Titanic gala spectacle
Last updated 1st May 2019
It was a night when the great and good of the local game - past and present - gathered to pay tribute to some of Northern Ireland's biggest football talents NIGEL GOULD reports
Linfield centre-back Jimmy Callacher capped an unforgettable season by picking up one of the top honours in the local game.
The Linfield centre-back was named Ulster Footballer of the Year last night at a special gala ceremony in Titanic Belfast.
Callacher said he was simply stunned by the accolade.
And he believes it is a proud moment - just to be mentioned alongside some of the great and good – past and present.
“I am shocked!” he said.
“I wasn’t expecting it – when I look at the trophy now and see the names that were previously on it, it’s an honour to be named on the same trophy as those guys.”
The 27-year-old was at the centre of the Blues league-title success this year – bagging nine goals and putting in a series of man-of-the-match performances.
But Callacher says he is most proud of this role in the defence
“The goals are nice when they come but as a defender you pride yourself on clean sheets,” he said. “We were lucky to do that quite a number of times this year so we try to build our success on keeping clean sheets.
“We know we have the firepower with Jordan Stewart, Daniel Cairns, Michael O’Connor and Andy Waterworth. They always get us a goal.”
Callacher received his award from Stephen Duncan (pictured) regional director of sponsors, Purple Bricks.
The star is a guest on our latest football show (in partnership with NIFL) which was recorded at last night’s spectacle.
It is now available to view (see link below) on Cool FM's Facebook show and to download as a podcast.
It also features the other five nominees including Linfield captain, Jamie Mulgrew, Ballymena’s Jim Ervin and Adam Leckey along with Crusaders’ duo, Jordan Forsythe and David Cushley.
Elsewhere, Glenavon’s Caolan Marron was named Young Player of the Year.
The 20-year-old has been in superb form all season as he helped his side finished third in the table.
Marron pipped Ballymena’s Kofi Balmer and Coleraine’s Ben Doherty for the top prize.
Meanwhile, Larne midfielder, Martin Donnelly, was Championship Player of the Year.
Clftonville’s Billie Simpson, whose long-range spectacular volley went viral last year, won the Women’s Player of the Year while Disability Player of the Year was Scott Hilland.
The Dr Malcolm Brodie Lifetime Achievement Award went to former Irish FA President and ex-Cliftonville chairman, Jim Boyce.
Also in attendance last night was Maurice McVeigh (90) who picked up the Ulster Footballer of the Year award while playing for Glenavon in 1955.