Fermanagh pair Davy Wheeler and George Elliott were among the winners at the 2014 McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards.

Lisnaskea man Wheeler won the prestigious Coach of the Year award while Kesh’s Elliott was the winner of the Peoples Award.

Davy, who coaches at Lisnaskea Rovers, was presented with his award by Northern Ireland Senior Team International Manager Michael O’Neill.

Wheeler was announced as the winner during a glittering awards ceremony in Belfast City Hall, which was attended by Pat Jennings, McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland Football and Jim Magilton, Elite Performance Director at the Irish FA.

Davy won the award for his 30 year dedication to grassroots football coaching at Lisnaskea Rovers FC. He provides coaching across a range of abilities including juniors, Under-18 and senior players. Davy and the rest of his family, particularly his wife Carmel, help to provide much needed administrative support for the club. The Wheelers and in particular Davy are the driving force behind football in the local community.

Speaking after collecting his award, Davy said: “To be nominated for an award was special but to go on and win it is incredible. Lisnaskea Rovers FC is going from strength to strength and to be recognised for your contribution to the club through this award is fantastic. Thank you to everyone who nominated me!” George Elliott has won the coveted People’s Award and was presented with his award by Pat Jennings, McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland Football, Northern Ireland Senior Team Manager, Michael O’Neill and Jim Magilton, Elite Performance Director at the Irish FA.

The People’s Award, decided by a public vote, was presented to George for all he has done for the football community in Fermanagh. The Kesh man has worked tirelessly to improve junior and senior football in the region for a number of years. Managing and coaching at Kesh FC for many years, George has helped to improve players and build strong foundations at the club.

Speaking after collecting the award, George said: “It’s been a pleasure to help develop and nurture footballing talent in County Fermanagh. Thank you to everyone who nominated me!” Pat Jennings, McDonald’s Head of Northern Ireland Football, said: “The McDonald’s Irish FA Community Awards is our way of saying thank you to the coaches, clubs and volunteers who give up their time to help young footballers across Northern Ireland shine.

“Everyone that has been nominated for an award this year has shown outstanding commitment to their local community.” The Awards are an important part of McDonald’s Community Partnership with the Irish FA. Last month McDonald’s and the Irish FA announced a new four year grassroots football partnership at Stormont. The partnership will raise the standards at grassroots clubs through better safety, better advice, better kit, better support and better recognition for volunteers. As part of the programme, McDonald’s will be giving Northern Ireland Foundation Mark clubs with a junior team the opportunity to order a brand new adidas strip every year for the next four seasons. This equates to over 2,100 kits over the course of the four-year partnership.