Sheedy lifts manager of the year award

HE may be lost to Tipperary hurling right now, but Liam Sheedy is still very much in the limelight.

The man who lifted Tipperary hurling to new heights last September, after seeing his charges shocked by Cork in Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the opening round of the Munster championship, returned to the limelight in Dublin yesterday when he was named Philips Manager of the Year.

Sheehy got the nod ahead of other notable contenders, including Cork’s double-winning manager Conor Counihan, and Billy Walsh, High Performance coach to the successful Irish Amateur boxing team.

Sheedy was presented with his award by Cel O’Reilly, managing director of Philips Ireland, in the Shelbourne Hotel with Mary Hanafin, Minister for Sport, Arts and Tourism in attendance.

Few would have fancied Tipperary’s chances of winning the All-Ireland last year following that disastrous start in Cork.

Not so Liam Sheedy, who was not the slightest bit surprised when his charges foiled Kilkenny in their drive for five in a row in September’s All-Ireland final.

Delighted with his award, Sheedy said: “I’m honoured to collect this award, especially when you see the wonderful list of names who have won previously. But I’m just a small cog in a big wheel. It was hard to walk away but as a person I feel much better about myself for my work over the last three years.

“At least I can enjoy Christmas now, there’s so much pressure. But winning the All-Ireland was a very enjoyable experience. To be fair, it was advantageous being underdogs, Kilkenny’s five-in-a-row bid brings on its own pressures.”

He continued: “We played above ourselves in the final in an excellent game, the lads were great and deserved their success, particularly after the disappointment of the previous year.”

Does he miss the game?

“Of course I do. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences you could imagine. But when you can’t give it 100%, the right choice for the team and for me was to go.”

On coming back? “I haven’t given it much thought. I’m going to spend some time now with my wife and kids and my job takes my full commitment. But the county is safe in Declan’s hands.”

Monthly award winners:

December 2009: Michéal McDermott, manager Kilmurry Ibrickane football team.

January 2010: Mark Ingle, head coach DCU Mercy women’s basketball team.

February 2010: Professor Niall Moyna, manager DCU football team.

March 2010: Lenny Harbinson, manager St Gall’s football team.

April 2010: Chris Hughton, (now former) manager Newcastle United.

May 2010: Michael Bannon, Head Professional Bangor Golf Club.

June 2010: Billy Walsh, High Performance Coach, Irish Amateur Boxing Association.

July 2010: Fergal O’Donnell, manager Roscommon football team.

August 2010: Ronald Claes, High Performance Coach to Gráinne Murphy.

September 2010: Liam Sheedy, manager Tipperary hurling team and Conor Counihan, Cork Gaelic football manager.

October 2010: Michael O’Neill, manager Shamrock Rovers FC.

November 2010: Paul Cook, manager Sligo Rovers FC.