Tommy takes first sports award win in 2026

The 23rd year of the 96FM/C013 Rochestown Park Hotel Sports Star awards started off with an exceptional recipient for January.

It was a busy month for Tommy Walsh with the Cork footballers going well and then he was a key player as UL won their very first Sigerson Cup beating UCC in the Final which was held in Croke Park.

The Sigerson Cup is a very prestigious competition and Tommy was delighted to be part of a history making team. “Thrilled to be honest; we put a lot of work in the last few months and to get over the line was brilliant.”

It was a game they always seemed to control. “We did I suppose but the goal before half-time knocked us but we regrouped and were the better team in the 2nd half.”

Winning in Croke Park made it extra special. “It was - a great place to play and hopefully with Cork we can get back there again.”

It’s a venue that the Kanturk clubman is well used to. “The club won an All-Ireland Intermediate hurling title here and a few weeks ago Aidan (brother) was on the An Gaelthacht side that won, so you have to enjoy playing here.”

County Board Chairman Pat Horgan in congratulating Tommy said: “It’s been an exciting and excellent few months for you and this award is well deserved and your displays with the Cork football team reflects your form, our thanks also to 96FM and the Rochestown Park Hotel for their ongoing support of these awards.”

Tom Tobin Rochestown Park Hotel and Isabel Keane 96FM also congratulated Tommy on his well deserved award and wished him well for the season ahead.

Tommy’s parents Tom and Ina, sister Niamh along with club officials including secretary John Healy, County Board Officer Francis Kennelly, Lorcan McLoughlin a former monthly winner, Padraig Kerins and Jackie Carroll were also in attendance as Kanturk’s remarkable success in these awards continues.

Tommy is the 7th Kanturk player to be honoured. Aidan Walsh in 2009 was the overall winner that year, Lorcan McLoughlin, Anthony Nash and also the overall winner in 2013, as well as Darren Browne, Lorcan O’Neill and Brian O’Sullivan.