2024 Munster GAA Awards – Sarsfields named Munster Club of the Year:
The achievement of Sarsfields of Cork winning their first Munster Club Hurling title will be recognised at Saturday night’s Munster GAA Awards at the Fota Island Resort as they accept the Munster Club of the Year for 2024.
Limerick’s Nickie Quaid has followed up his All-Star hurler of the year award with the Munster equivalent for 2024. Richie McCarthy, Seán Finn, Gearoid Hegarty, Kyle Hayes and Aaron Gillane are among Limerick’s previous recipients of the award.
Other award winners confirmed include Tipperary’s Euan Murray (Minor Hurler of the Year), Kerry’s Killian Dennehy (Minor Footballer of the Year) while Laura Hayes of Cork is the Munster Camogie player of the year.
Sarsfields, Cork – Club of the Year
To say the last 18 plus months for one of Cork’s proudest hurling clubs has been challenging would in all probability be a huge understatement.
July 2023 came the heartbreaking death of one of and indeed Cork’s most iconic sporting hero’s dual All-Ireland winner in the year of the historic double 1990 Teddy McCarthy, or as he was probably better known, Teddy Mac.
A short few weeks later displaying remarkable spirit and determination, and no doubt honouring Teddy’s memory they were crowned Cork County Senior Champions, a seventh title and ending a 9 year wait for the Sean Óg Murphy Cup to return to Riverstown.
Joyous and emotional scenes followed and while they celebrated it was tempered by the absence of a man, who was Vice-Chairman of the club at the time of his untimely passing, revered by all who knew and admired him.
The Munster Championship campaign ended in a defeat to Ballygunner and the wait for a coveted Munster Club title went on.
Then another blow for the Club, when floods of unseen nature devastated their club premises, clubhouse, pitches, gym, all weather areas and floodlights were destroyed on that fateful day.
It should also be noted that showing commendable judgement, the club opened the gates of their premises and by doing so saved the properties and lots more of people and business premises in the area. The decision was rightly lauded and epitomised all that is good about CLCG.
From the joys of county success to the despair of devastation, but like the magnificent club they are, they got on with it.
Preparations for the defence of their county title began at various grounds around the area, and the club are forever grateful to everyone for their support.
The SHL title was retained and they reached the County Final, but on the day they were defeated by their Divisional neighbours Imokilly. But there was the small matter of the Munster Club Championship.
Not easy when you lose a County Final, but once again and not for the first time, Sars rose to the challenge.
Feakle from Clare were defeated in the semi-final, a first win at this level for them and onto the decider against the 4 in a row seeking Ballygunner, conscious of the heavy defeat the then reigning champions inflicted on them last season.
Sunday December 1st is a day that will forever be etched in the memory of Sarsfields Hurling Club as they produced a display to match and maybe even better than those delivered before, beating Ballygunner 3-20 to 2-19, and 3-17 from play.
Fitting then they are crowned Munster Club Champions for the very first time in their proud history and they take home the Billy O’Neill Cup named after one of their founding members.
The story is not yet over.
Nickie Quaid – Senior Hurler of the Year
One of the finest goalkeepers ever to grace the game of hurling is Nickie Quaid of Effin and Limerick.
A Limerick Minor for two years and a County Under 21 player for three years, his introduction to the Limerick Senior team was as an outfield player making his debut in the 2010 Allianz Hurling League.
Returning to guard the net in 2011, Quaid’s story since is one of playing a major role in the transformation of the fortunes of Limerick hurling. An ever present between the sticks, Quaid’s incredible save from Séamus Harnedy in the dying embers of the 2018 All-Ireland Semi-Final was crucial in setting his county on the road to a glorious odyssey of unprecedented success.
Five All-Ireland Senior medals, seven Munster and three Allianz League medals as well as three All-Stars has not in the slightest take the edge from the Effin clubman’s desire for success and perfection at the goalkeeping art.
Son of another great goalkeeper Tommy, Nickie is the perfect role model on and off the field for all young players and rising stars to aspire to.
He will overcome his recent injury with the same determination that he has shown since he first wore his club and county jerseys and is a most worthy recipient of the accolade of Munster Hurler of the Year for 2024.
Euan Murray – Minor Hurler of the Year
Euan Murray being named the Munster Minor Hurler of the Year for 2024 will come as no surprise to anyone who has had the privilege of watching him grace the playing fields during the year. Not only did he lead by example for the Tipperary Minor Hurlers as they claimed Munster and All-Ireland titles, he also has played a major role for his club Durlas Óg and school Thurles CBS during the year. His performances during 2024 for Tipperary have already earned him the prestigious title of Electric Ireland Minor Hurling Player of the Year and he now adds the Munster Minor Hurler of the Year accolade to his list of achievements in 2024.
Killian Dennehy – Minor Footballer of the Year
Killian Dennehy has had a stellar year, showcasing his exceptional skills and leadership on the field. As a key player for Kerry’s minor team, Killian’s performance in the midfield was instrumental in their successful campaign. His ability to dominate high-fielding situations and contribute significantly to both defensive and offensive plays made him a standout.
Throughout the championship, Killian consistently demonstrated his prowess. His performance against Tipperary in the semi-finals was particularly notable, where he not only controlled the midfield but also added to the scoreboard, reflecting his versatility and importance to the team.
Killian Dennehy’s outstanding performances have rightly earned him the title of Minor Footballer of the Year. His dedication, skill, and leadership on the pitch serve as an inspiration to aspiring footballers and a testament to his bright future in Gaelic football.
Laura Hayes – Camogie Player of the Year
Laura Hayes from the St. Catherine’s club had quite the year on the Camogie scene. The left handed player was the Cork vice-captain for the 2024 season which started well as the Rebels won the Munster Final with Laura winning player of the match.
Laura’s good form continued throughout the All-Ireland Championship as Cork powered their way to the Final with some impressive performances. Galway were the opponents in the Final and after a close game, Cork retained their title by three points helping Laura to secure her third All-Ireland Senior medal.
Before joining the Cork Senior panel, Laura was part of All-Ireland winning teams with Cork at Under 18 and Intermediate level while also capturing an All-Ireland Schools title with Loreto in 2018.
In recent months, Laura’s performances for Cork in 2024 have been recognised as she collected her second All-Star award and was crowned at the PwC GPA Camogie Senior Player of the Year.