Goold named Cadbury hero of the future

Cork's Fintan Goold, who helped the Rebels win the All-Ireland Under-21 football title last month, has been named as the Cadbury Hero of the Future for 2007.

Goold, who is on the bench for Cork's Munster SFC tussle with Tipperary on Sunday, collected his award at a special ceremony in Dublin's Westin Hotel last night.

The Macroom clubman was presented with his Hero of the Future Award by GAA President Nickey Brennan and Michael Smith, Cadbury Ireland's Marketing Director.

The awards brought together all twelve of the 2007 Cadbury All-Ireland U-21 Heroes, shortlisted as part of the 'Cadbury Hero of the Future' initiative which ran in tandem with the championship to highlight the achievements of individuals for outstanding team work, passion and performance on the field.

A 'Hero of the Match' award was presented to a player at each provincial semi-final, each provincial final and the national semi-finals with the last Hero selected at the Cadbury U-21 football final in Thurles, which Cork won 2-10 to 0-15 against Laois.

Goold previously played in the Under-17 International Rules Series in 2003, the Munster Senior Championship in 2006 and in the Cadbury U-21 Football Championship in 2005 and 2006. He was a member of the Cork team that was beaten in last year's All-Ireland U-21 decider by Mayo.

A third year Process and Chemical Engineering student in UCC, Goold was the recipient of the Cadbury football scholarship in UCC for 2006/2007. This was the first year of the Cadbury football scholarships which are awarded in recognition of the sporting potential of U-21 footballers attending various universities in Ireland, as part of the Cadbury sponsorship of the Cadbury U-21 football championship.

The Cadbury Hero of the Future was voted for by members of the public and an expert judging panel, which included Kildare's Dermot Earley and TG4 journalist Micheal O'Domhnaill.

Commenting on the Cadbury Hero of the Future awards, Cadbury's Michael Smith said: "This is Cadbury's third year as sponsor of the U-21 football championship and, as we continue to invest in and commit to Gaelic Games in Ireland, I am delighted to say that the championship continues to go from strength to strength.

"The awards are a positive means of thanking each of the shortlisted players for their commitment, skill and passion for the sport."

As the overall winner, Goold received a specially-commissioned bronze award, and a travel voucher to the value of €1,000 as did the Cork County Board.

Commenting on Goold's selection, Dermot Earley said: "It was a tough decision, but we felt that at the end of the day, Fintan has had an outstanding playing season, and has been at the forefront of virtually all that Cork have done."

Micheal O'Domhnaill added: "Despite being the subject of much debate this year, the Cadbury U-21 football final was one of, if not the best games of the year. It was a fantastic team performance by both sides, but especially by Fintan Goold."