Hall of Fame double for Kerry legends

KERRY achieved a notable double at the presentation of the Munster Council GAA awards at the South Court Hotel in Limerick last night.

Mick O'Dwyer won the Hall of Fame award in football and the award in hurling went to New York-based Brendan Hennessy. Cork's Wayne Sherlock was named as Hurler of the Year, and Newtownshandrum won the Club of the Year award in recognition of their victory in the recent provincial final against Patrickswell.

Former President Joe McDonagh was the guest of honour at the awards presentation, sponsored by AIB, from which Munster Chairman Christy Cooney was unavoidably absent because of the 'flu. Likewise, Limerick footballer Muiris Gavin and manager Liam Kearns honoured in their respective categories were unable to be present to receive their awards.

However, Brendan Hennessy, one of Kerry's most renowned hurlers, travelled home from America especially for the presentation. He distinguished himself with both the Kerry and New York hurlers. Provincial Secretary Donie Nealon, a contemporary, was lavish in his praise of the Ballyduff man's playing ability.

"Brendan was a few years behind me in St Flannan's. You could compare him to Jack Lynch, he was such a powerful figure when he was playing. He was unbelievable when he played with New York," he commented.

Mick O'Dwyer, rightly acknowledged as one of the most influential figures in Gaelic football over the last 50 years, made a dash from Dublin to be present after attending the Phillips Manager of the Year function. O'Dwyer was the July award winner after inspiring Laois to their long overdue victory in the Leinster final. Tipperary hurling legend Michael Maher received the Special Merit award for his work as Chairman of the Semple Stadium Committee. He is a former chairman of both the Tipperary County Board and the Munster Council.

The refereeing award went to Willie Horgan from Cork, who has been involved since 1968 Long-serving Waterford County Board Secretary Seamus Grant was honoured for Distinguished Service in administration and former Cork footballer Eamonn Ryan picked up the award for distinguished service to Coaching and Schools GAA. A member of the Cork team which contested the All-Ireland football final of 1967, and a former manager and recent selector, he was prominent at schools level in Watergrasshill before taking over as Coaching Officer in UCC. He trained Na Piarsaigh hurlers when they won the Cork county championship in 1995.