Provincial accolades to reward unsung heroes who helped mould today’s superstars

The Munster GAA Awards 2012 will be presented tonight, with each county in the province well represented in what is the 15th year of the event.

Munster PRO Ed Donnelly said recognition of the work done by volunteers in clubs all over the province is the driving force behind the scheme.

“That (recognition) is a big part of it,” admitted Donnelly.

“The awards have been running since 1998 and the great thing about it is that it covers the entire spectrum from senior down through junior, minor, U21, ladies football, camogie and so on.

“Recognition obviously isn’t a problem for the senior grades of hurling and football, but it’s good to give the other grades their day in the sun.

“It’s also a matter of rewarding the good work being done in other areas — people working hard in schools, referees, distinguished service and so on.

“The current stars on the field have no shortage of the limelight — it’s nice to give some recognition to the people who helped them get to that level.”

Donnelly also said people are “hugely appreciative” of the awards they receive.

He explained: “What we find is that people who are picked out and honoured for many years’ service, in particular, are hugely appreciative of that.

“It’s maybe something that we’re not that good at in the GAA — or in other sports — that kind of acknowledgement of what people have done.

“As a result, when those people are recognised they and their families tend to appreciate it a lot.

“It’s also a great opportunity to recognise the work done by referees — for instance, every referee who handled a Munster final this year, in every grade, will get a memento on the night — not an award as such but a memento of their achievement.”

Asked to pick out a particularly deserving award-winner, Donnelly stayed within his own county.

“If I’m being very parochial, as a Tipperary man I’m delighted to see someone like Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher get an award.

“I didn’t choose the award, for the record, but he’s the kind of player who embodies the character and hard work that every team needs.

“He might not appear that much on the scoreboard but after a game his teammates will sing his praises.

“I think it’s good that a player like that rather than an Eoin Kelly or a John Mullane, with no disrespect to them, players who get plenty of attention for their scoring feats.

“In terms of new awards, last year for the first time we had the Irish Examiner Supporter of the Year, which was a great addition to the awards and that will be announced on the night.

“I’m not sure how many more categories we could include — I think we’ve covered most of the bases.”