Two stalwarts of the local footballing scene have been honoured by the Fermanagh and Western Football League and Association at their annual Hall of Fame awards.

Omagh’s Paul McAnea received the Merit Award and enjoyed a long and illustrious career with the likes of Kevlin United, Shelbourne and Omagh Town in the B Division where he was the club’s record scorer with over 150 goals.

Known as Maxi he told the assembled guests that throughout his career scoring the winning goal in a Mulhern Cup final for Kevlin at the age of 17 stood out for him.

He also helped Shelbourne to three Mercer League titles in a row after ending his stint with Omagh Town.

He also managed Omagh Town to the Smirnoff Cup in 1991 and returned to Shelbourne after that lifting more local titles and cited Enniskillen Rangers’ John Craig as one of his toughest opponents.

Gary Sproule was also a Merit Award recipient and has been a loyal servant of Killen Rangers since they were formed some 41 years ago. For the past 40 years he has been involved in some capacity, often in multiple capacities, of this volunteer-led, family-based club.

Gary enjoyed much success as a player and manager with Killen and running parallel with Gary’s playing career in the mid-nineties, he dedicated much of his free time at grassroots level and was responsible for the introduction of Killen Rangers Mini Soccer Centre and Football Fun Weeks.

He also coached at youth level for Killen and was named the Brendan Keogh Youth League’s most sporting coach on more than one occasion, epitomising his approach to the game and the worthiness of this latest accolade. A man for all seasons on what was a great night for local football.