May accolade for Niall O’Leary
It’s been a hectic few weeks for the Cork senior hurlers who went through the group phase of the Munster Championship unbeaten for the very first time, emulating a feat only ever achieved once by Tipperary in 2019.
In recognition of this, outstanding defender Niall O’Leary was presented with the 96FM/C103 Rochestown Park Hotel GAA Sports Star of the Month award for June.
The presentation took place recently on Niall’s birthday, two days after the emphatic win over Offaly which sent Cork into the All-Ireland semi-final against Galway this weekend.
Niall was delighted to be honoured and was looking forward to returning to Croke Park after the disappointment of losing the Munster Final.
“Yeah it’s always nice to pick up an award and you know we quickly put the Munster Final loss behind us and moved on. Sunday’s (game against Offaly) was a bit one sided but look you can only play what is before and we got the job done.”
As for Galway on Sunday next, “that will be totally different they won Leinster and have had a nice 4 week run into this game and certainly will not fear us. We haven’t met in the championship in a few years, but look it’s an All-Ireland semi-final and and where you want to be.”
Niall also acknowledged the level of support this team has generated. “Incredible really and we see it at every game home or away and it is something we never take for granted and really appreciate.”
County Board Chairman Pat Horgan congratulated Niall on this well deserved award for his consistency and hard work in defence throughout the league and championship. The chairman also thanked 96FM/C103 for their excellent coverage of our games and Rochestown Park Hotel for their continued support.
Tom Tobin of Rochestown Park Hotel and Isabel Keane of 96FM also congratulated Niall on his award and wished Cork the very best of luck in the semi-final.
Niall of course is not the 1st Castleyons player to be honoured and the club were represented by father and son Kieran and Ciaran McGann while family and friends were also in attendance.
Cork senior hurling selector Terence McCarthy and Derek Connolly, a member of the backroom team was also present.
Niall now joins Tommy Walsh - January, Meabh Murphy - February, March - Colm O’Callaghan and April’s Aine Terry O’Sullivan as the previous monthly winners.