Matthew and Mark honoured for November & December
Finbarr McCarthy
The final two monthly 96FM/C103 GAA Sports Star awards in association with the Rochestown Park Hotel were presented in recent weeks.
The November accolade went to Aghabullogue dual player Matthew Bradley as the Mid-Cork club completed a hurling and football county championship double.
Matthew was a key player in both codes and hit the winning point in a dramatic hurling final win over Bandon.
“It’s been a remarkable season and it would not have been possible without the co-operation of both team managements who worked hand in hand all season.”
Aghabullogue did get to the Munster Intermediate Football Final but lost to a highly rated An Gaelthacht team.
“We gave it our best shot, just didn’t play well enough on the day and to be fair they are a very good team.”With both teams stepping up a grade next season Matthew is really looking forward to the challenge. “It’s another challenge for us all but it’s where you want to be and after the celebrations die down, we will get back at it again.”
A short few weeks ago there was a fairytale end to a dramatic season for the Kibrittain hurlers as they were crowned All-Ireland Junior Champions with a 1 point win over Easkey in Croke Park.
Throughout the campaign Mark Hickey from play and placed balls was unerring with his shooting and an 11 point haul in the final was crucial.
“Getting to play in Croke Park was beyond our wildest dreams and it is a memory we will as a group and a parish cherish forever.”
Along the way they won some very tight games and that was a measure of resilience within the squad. “Definitely - we had this never give up attitude and when games were tight, we just kept at it and manager Joe Ryan was key in all this. His attitude was ‘do your best’, that is all we ask.”
The level of support was also immense. “Unbelievable really, I’d say there was no one in the village on match days and to look around Croke Park that Saturday all we saw was black and amber.”
Just like Aghabullogue, Mark and Kilbrittain are looking forward to stepping up to Intermediate Hurling in the coming season and one of their championship games is against near neighbours Bandon: “Yeah that will be a bit special but first of all we will finish our celebrations and then get back at it.”
Both Matthew and Mark were delighted to be honoured and thanked all involved that helped them achieve success.
County Board Chairman Pat Horgan also congratulated both players and their clubs on their success while Kilbrittain’s achievement in winning the All-Ireland was extra special, Pat also acknowleged the continued support of 96FM/C103 and the Rochestown Park Hotel on the promotion of these prestigious awards.
The focus is now on the gala banquet at which the overall winner will be announced.
Two other awards will be presented on the night the Kieran O’Driscoll Youth Award and the Donal Lehane Distinquished Career Award.
The full list monthly winners ahead the gala banquet on Friday 30 January.