Jerry Walsh, Cork County Board; Steve Cox, Rochestown Park Hotel; Finbarr McCarthy 96/C103FM, Shane Beston, Ballygiblin; Liam O’Doherty, Ballygiblin; Marc Sheehan, Cork County Board and coach Ronan Dwane. Photo: Tony O’Connell

Shane is first winner of 2023

The honour of becoming the first winner of the 96FM/C013 GAA Sports Star of the month award for 2023 in association with the Rochestown Park Hotel, goes to Ballygiblin hurler Shane Beston.

It was just reward for a player that made a wonderful contribution as the North Cork club put the heartbreak of last year’s loss behind them to land the All-Ireland Junior Hurling title.

In accepting the award Shane said: “It’s been a incredible 12 months for the club, brought about by a very committed group of players and a fantastic management group led by coach Ronan Dwane, and I am here today only because of the group and delighted to be honoured.”

County Board Chairman Marc Sheehan in congratulating Shane said: “It was a fantastic season for the club and to finally land the title is testimony to the resolve within the club and to win in Croke Park makes it extra special, and wish you every success in the coming season in the Intermediate grade.”

Marc also thanked both 96FM/C103 and Rochestown Park Hotel for their continued support of these very prestigious awards and also for their ongoing support of the County Board.

The function was attended by family, including Shane’s wife Emma. They were actually married the day before the Munster Final in December - a game in which Shane scored 3-3.

Jerry Walsh of Cork County Board, Club Chairman Liam O’Doherty, captain Fionn Herlihy and team coach Ronan Dwane attended.

This is actually the 20th year of the awards and a date for the gala banquet will be announced in the coming weeks.