LIFE is hectic for Tony Kernan just now and he is really enjoying it. Between collecting medals, winning awards, getting married and heading off to Oz there is hardly time to concentrate on his daily routine as a Retail Chartered Surveyor.
Last month, the Crossmaglen Ranger collected his seventh Ulster Club Senior Football Championship medal and his performance in the final against Scotstown earned him the Quinn Building Products UGAAWA Monthly Merit Award for November.
He collected that award this week and in a fortnight’s time he will wed Armagh lady footballer Sinéad McCleary. Then it will be off to Australia to celebrate.
“Yes, things are busy just now and I’m enjoying every minute of it,” said Tony (29), when receiving his UGAAWA award from Quinn Building Products area manager Terry Fay, at a reception in Quinn’s Corner, Dungannon.
The trip to Australia will, of course, rule Kernan out of Armagh’s Dr McKenna Cup challenge, but with an All-Ireland Club semi-final coming up he would hardly have been available for selection anyhow, nor for the National Football League in February.
“I’m ruled out of both as the club will be preparing for the semi-final against Castlebar. When I’m in Australia I will have to keep the fitness levels up so training will have to be part of the holiday,” he adds.
Playing on the 40 he produced a sterling performance that prompted his Crossmaglen colleagues to go that extra yard in pursuit of glory and another Ulster title.
It took extra-time, of course, to shake off the determination and spirit of Scotstown, but in those vital extra minutes, Kernan urged his team mates to even greater effort.
“We were pushed to the pin of our collar by Scotstown,” he said. “However, we always feel that we can get something out of a game and, thankfully, that attitude pulled us through. We have a strong bench and the fresh legs that were brought in was a great help.
“I’m delighted that I am the one chosen to receive this award, but everyone pulled their weight. Still, it is nice to be the chosen one. I’m also delighted for Oisin and John (team managers) as they have worked very hard with us.”
November seems to be a special month for Tony Kernan. It is the second time that he has won the Monthly Merit Award, the last time being for his exploits during November 2010.
Now he and his colleagues look forward to the All-Ireland semi-final in February when they will play Connacht champions Castlebar, a tough assignment, he acknowledges.
“Castlebar will certainly be a tough team to handle. They are probably the best team in Ireland, just now, having beaten the reigning All-Ireland champions, Corofin, in the Connacht final,” he adds.
Apart from his general leadership during the Ulster final, Kernan scored a neat left-footed goal and added six crucial points as well that inspired his colleagues.
For his monthly merit award, Tony beat off challenges from super-sub Jamie Clarke, Scotstown’s Darren Hughes, Antrim hurler Neil McAuley and Mickey Morgan who guided Rockcorry to Ulster JFC success.
The winner was presented with his award of an engraved Belleek Living Vase, training gear from O’Neill’s Sports, engraved silver cuff links from Carlingford Design House and a Medical Kit Bag from 3FiveTwo on behalf of Kingsbridge Private Hospital Belfast.
He will also receive two tickets and overnight accommodation for the Ulster GAA Writers’ banquet next year.
