Lisbellaw United stalwart Sammy McFrederick is the latest inductee into the Fermanagh and Western Football Association Hall of Fame.

In the presence of family and friends, previous inductees and their families and members of the Fermanagh and Western Management Committee, Sammy was honoured for his service to the association both as an all conquering player /coach with Lisbellaw United and as an able administrator with the Fermanagh and Western and Irish Football Association for more than 25 years.

Also on the night, there were three further inductees from times past with former international Harry Mercer, administrator in the early 1900s Joe Gillin and former chairman William Connor all honoured for their role in local football.

As a player Sammy McFrederick enjoyed spells with Larne, Ballymena and Derry City before returning to Lisbellaw where he took over as player coach and guided the village side to five Mercer Cups, five Mulhern Cups and the Irish Junior Cup in 1978.

He also played a key role in the purchase and development of the club’s facilities at Drumad.

Sammy was disciplinary secretary of the Fermanagh and Western since the late 1980s up until last year and served on the IFA Junior Committee and Senior Council for 20 plus years.

He also served as chairman of the Fermanagh and Western for seven years following the death of Enda Love.

Secretary of the Fermanagh and Western, Gerry Connolly commented: “Sammy’s pedigree stands up to the most minute examination, his input is well worthy of recognition here tonight, something that is recogised and appreciated by his peers but at times maybe not recognised by the less well informed.” On receiving his award Sammy replied: “Suffice to say I am honoured and very humbled to be here tonight especially when I look at the people who have been honoured prior to me who have given great support to football for over 50 years. I appreciate the honour of this award. If you take anything away from tonight it is that so many people have put something into the Fermanangh and Western over the past 50 years, please look at those people who have made immense contributions and recognise them, by a way of saying thanks to them.”