THE Chairman of the Fermanagh SuperCup Association is in the running to score a major award at the upcoming Impartial Reporter Community Champion Awards, in association with Encirc. 

Ernie Conlon, from Tempo, is well-known for his involvement in the Fermanagh SuperCup NI Association, which prepares the best local talent for the prestigious SuperCup tournament near the North Coast. 

And having been involved in the SuperCup association for decades, Mr. Conlon is now in the running to be named a Sporting Champion at the awards on June 27, where he will go up against six other inspirational people and organisations. 

"It came as a big shock, I don't even know who nominated me!" Mr. Conlon modestly said, speaking on his nomination and subsequent shortlisting.

"To be honest, I wasn't expecting it at all. I suppose it's nice to be appreciated for what you do within the local community, but I'm not a person for the limelight.

"I tend to stay in the background and carry on with things."

As a lifelong football fanatic with a long affinity with Ballinamallard FC, Mr. Conlon said he is proud to be one of the founding members of the NI Milk Cup, which is now known as SuperCup NI. 

He remains active to this day, and is Chairman of the Co. Fermanagh SuperCup. 

"My involvement has been very rewarding," Mr. Conlon reflected. "It's good to see the players being recognised through the SuperCup, such as the likes of Roy Carroll, Ciaran McKenna, Kyle Lafferty and Rory Judge. The list goes on.

"It really does give you a sense of satisfaction to see boys progressing onto professional opportunities. That's what it's all about."

Mr. Conlon added: "Local sport, such as football, is a great thing to be involved in, whether you are playing or organising.

"It takes a lot of effort, but the rewards are there, and even though it its getting harder and harder every year with fundraising, we are grateful for the support we receive from everywhere in the community."

Ahead of the Community Champion Awards, Mr. Conlon said that while being nominated is a "great asset", being named a Sporting Champion would also be a "huge achievement."

"Much like a game of football, it would be nice to win it," he concluded.

"It would be an achievement, but we will see. Being nominated is, in itself, a great asset."