Waterford defender Tadhg de Búrca believes playing in Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League this year helped to ensure the Déise didn’t lack motivation during the spring.

Last year’s young hurler of the year. Tadhg de Búrca, is one of 10 stellar talents honoured in the annual sports awards, to be presented tonight by University College, Cork.

98 students from 15 sports have won scholarships from UCC for their sporting and academic excellence.