Both Shay Given and Niall Quinn were both honoured in the North East Football Writers Association (NEFWA) this weekend as North East player of the year and for contributions to charity respectively.
The Republic of Irelands number one shot stopper was crowned player of the year for the North East of the UK, ahead of Newcastle team mates Alan Shearer & Craig Bellamy and the Middlesbrough’s Gareth Southgate to claim the coveted prize.
Niall Quinn on the other hand received an award for his contributions to charity in respect to his fundraising of £1.0mil for charities in Dublin, Sunderland and India, again awarded by the NEFWA.
Given was modest as ever in accepting his award, speaking to Tyne Tees TV:
"I’m really pleased – its great, but to see so many other talented players in the North East like Shearer and Bellamy and the Boro’s Gareth Southgate, I’m really honoured to be the winner."
Niall Quinn is still enjoying his retirement, and is looking forward to Christmas with his family. Though after Christmas, he senses that the situation will be different. Also speaking to Tyne Tees TV, Quinn said:
“I’m sure that once we get Christmas out of the way Ill be desperately missing the whole scene, but for now I’m enjoying my time with my family – looking forward to Christmas."
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