Tyrone's O'Neill nets Ulster gong

Sharp-shooting Tyrone forward Stephen O'Neill added another award to his growing collection last night (Friday) as he was named the Tennent's Ulster GAA Writers' Footballer of the Year for 2005.

The Clann na nGael clubman, who top-scored (5-49) in the Red Hands' run to a second All-Ireland title in three years, collected the award at the annual banquet of the Ulster GAA Writers' Association in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran.

O'Neill, at 24, won a car last week as he was voted the Gaelic Players' Association Footballer of the Year, and seems a shoo-in to claim his second All-Star honour - his previous one was in 2001 - at next Friday's 2005 Vodafone All-Stars bash in Dublin.

Elsewhere at the Ulster Writers' awards, which were attended by GAA President Sean Kelly, Down forward Martin Coulter was named as Hurler of the Year, having helped the Mourne men avoid relegation from NHL Division 1B and to a Christy Ring Cup final appearance in the summer.

James Colgan, who skippered the Down minor footballers to All-Ireland glory in September, was bestowed with the Cormac McAnallen Young Achiever award.

Meanwhile, Ricky McCann (Antrim), Bronagh O'Donnell (Armagh) and Jane Adams (Antrim) scooped the Handball, Ladies Football and Camogie awards respectively.

The Services to the GAA award was won by former GAA President Paddy McFlynn, who was unable to attend due to a hip replacement operation. The Communications award went to Ulster Council PRO Martin McAviney.

ULSTER GAA WRITERS AWARDS - Football: Stephen O'Neill (Tyrone). Hurling: Martin Coulter (Down). Ladies Football : Bronagh O'Donnell (Armagh). Handball : Ricky McCann (Antrim). Camogie: Jane Adams (Antrim).