September award for Ger

“It’s fantastic not only to be playing senior next season but also to go back training for a Munster championship semi-final for the club and all that are working so hard for success.”

Those were the words of Ger Collins of Ballinhassig after he was announced as the September winner of the 96FM/C103 GAA Sports Star award in associtaion with the Rochestown Park Hotel.

Ger was recognised for his outstanding contribution as Ballinhassig were crowned County Premier Intermdiate Hurling champions after a cracking final against Ballincollig.

In that game Ger bagged 1-11 and was also named player of the match.

It was, he said, a huge effort: “From everyone we knew what Ballincollig would bring having met them in the group phase, so we were ready for the challenge they would present.”

Having his brothers on the panel and in the team made the win extra-special. “There was a few other families in the same situation but it was nice.”

Speaking about the Munster championship semi-final in a couple of weeks’ time against the Tipperary champions Upper-Church Drombane, he said: “It’s great to be back training and looking forward to another big game. Cork clubs have a good record in this championship and we will be doing our best to maintain that.”

Ballinahssig of course have been down this road before as junior champions and went all the way to Croke Park, a journey they will be keen to repeat.

County Board Chairman Pat Horgan congratulated Ger: “It is a well deserved honour and you display in the final was excellent and Ballinhassig have made a big contribution to Cork hurling and long may that continue and the best of luck in the upcoming Munster Championship, our thanks also to 96FM/C013 and the Rochestown Park Hotel for their ongoing support for Cork GAA and the promotion of these very prestigious awards.”

Tom Tobin Rochestown Park Hotel and Kieran Mc Geary 96FM/103 also congratulated Ger and wished him and Ballinhassig continued success for the rest of the season.

Family members including his brothers and team mates Michael and Matthew, the third brother Patrick is currently on the Cork team holiday. Club officials including John O’Sullivan and selector John Paul Griffin were all in attendance to acknowledge a worthy recipient.

Ger now joins the other monthly winners as the overall winner will be announced at the gala banquet on 30 January.