O'Neill wins Hero of the Future award

Cork's All-Ireland U21 football-winning captain Colm O’Neill has been named as the 2009 Cadbury Hero of the Future at an awards ceremony in the Player’s Lounge in Croke Park.

Colm has been honoured in recognition of his passion, excellence and commitment to the sport and was presented with his award by Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana and Shane Guest, senior brand manager, Cadbury Ireland.

Fifteen footballers were 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 teamwork, 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 All-Ireland U21 Final in Portlaoise on May 4, 2009.

Colm, who plays his club football with Ballyclough, was named as a hero of the match for his performance against Waterford in the Munster semi-final.