Five Munster Awards for Cork recipients

The 2018 Munster GAA Awards will take place on Saturday December 8th at a gala dinner in the Fota Island Resort Hotel in Cork.
Six of the awards were presented to Cork recipients as follows

Seamus Harnedy (Senior Hurler of the Year)
This year’s winner of the Senior Hurler of the Year goes to Seamus Harnedy of St Itas and Cork, a player whose potential only came to the fore during his College days in UCC while playing in the Fitzgibbon Cup. Following his exploits with UCC he broke in the Cork senior hurling panel and his now a vital member of the team.
This year saw him become captain of the team and his leadership qualities along with his potential were very evident in this year’s Munster Senior Hurling Championship, which were vital in Cork retaining the Munster hurling championship title.
He has captained his division Imokilly to the last two County Senior hurling championship titles.
His potential was recognised later in the year when he was selected for the second time on the All-Star Hurling team of the year.

Mark Coleman (Under 21 Hurler of the Year)
This year’s winner of the Under 21 Hurler of the Year goes to Mark Coleman of Blarney and Cork whose potential has been evident since his teen’s days with his club, local post primary school and the Cork development squads. Despite his involvement in Cork minor & U21 hurling panels it has only been over the last eighteen months that his potential has come to the fore with Cork’s success in the Munster Under 21 & Senior hurling championships.
It was very evident in this year’s Munster Senior and U21 Hurling Championships the potential that he has. His reading of the game, distribution of the ball, point scoring and his sublime sideline cuts were a joy to watch.
His potential was recognised later in the year when he was selected on the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Hurling Team of the Year. 

Frank Murphy (Special Recognition Award)
The winner of this year’s Special Special Recognition Award goes to Frank Murphy of Blackrock and Cork. A man who has given distinguished service to Cumann Luthchleas Gael as administrator. Frank began his administration in Cumann Luthchleas Gael with his club Blackrock as secretary before becoming County Secretary in 1972 which after 46 years will come to end at this year’s County Convention.
In his tenure as secretary he has overseen the growth of the GAA organisation in Cork, the phenomenal success of our inter-county teams, the radical redevelopment of club facilities, the development of three new stadiums, the achievement of unparalleled sponsorship support for our county teams and so much more.
Frank has also served and chaired various committees’ at national level including Games Administration Committee, Rules Advisory Committee and Playing Rules Committee.
Frank was also accomplished referee, refereeing All-Ireland Hurling Finals, National Hurling League Finals, Club All-Ireland Hurling Finals and County Hurling Championship Finals.

Aoife Murray (Camogie Player of the Year)

Aoife is a stalwart of the Cork Senior Camogie team. The netminder who is fearless and as the last line of defence will put her body on the line literally for her teammates. 

Aoife can also be seen at the other end and with her powerful strike has raised both green and white flags for the team.

The Cloughduv native captained the her side to glory both in the Munster and Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Championships this year, her trademark puck out & ability to pull off inch perfect savesproving crucial in both games.

The schedule of an inter County Club player is heavy with little time for anything else. However where Aoife is concerned she makes time. Her willingness to promote Camogie locally and nationally certainly inspires younger players to aim to be the best. 

Aine O Sullivan (Ladies Footballer of the Year)
Aine O Sullivan or Aine Terry as she is more commonly known as in ladies football circles, had arguably her finest season to date in the Cork jersey in 2018.

Aine a native of Allihies on the western tip of the Beara Peninsula was instrumental as Cork regained the Munster Senior Football Title from their great rivals Kerry and played a pivotal role as Cork reached  this year's All-Ireland Senior Championship Final v Dublin.

Aine finished with a total of 1-2 from play in the final and was rewarded with All-Star nomination as a result of her great performances throughout the championship.

Aine was also a member of the West Cork divisional side who reached the Cork Senior County Final for the first time in their history this year.  

To date Aine has amassed four National League titles, three Munster Senior titles and three All-Ireland Senior titles since her Senior Inter-County debut in 2014.

Congratulations to all the 2018 Award winners.”
The full list of Munster GAA Award winners for 2018 are as follows:
Sean Hayes (Tipperary) - Minor Hurling
Paul Walsh (Kerry) -  Minor Football
Aoife Murray (Cork) - Camogie
Aine O’Sullivan (Cork) - Ladies Football
Donal O’Sullivan (Kerry)  - Under 20 Football
Mark Coleman (Cork) -  Under 21 Hurling
Seamus Hayes (Clare) - Distinguished Service
Ballygunner (Waterford) - Club
Kavan O’Keeffe (Waterford) - Handball
Joe McKenna (Limerick) - Hall of Fame Hurling
Johnny Hennessey (Waterford) - Hall of Fame Football
Sean O’Shea (Kerry) - Senior Football
Seamus Harnedy (Cork) - Senior Hurling
John Kiely (Limerick) - Manager