Cork's Brian Hayes and Kerry's Joe O'Connor scoop Munster GAA's top hurler and footballer awards
Brian Hayes of Cork. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Cork’s green-flag merchant Brian Hayes and Kerry midfield colossus Joe O’Connor have been crowned the Munster GAA hurler and footballer of the year, respectively.
Hayes enjoyed a rich vein of goal-scoring form throughout 2025, racking up 5-8 on the road to League ribbons before posting the exact same tally during Cork’s journey to the last Sunday of the hurling championship.
In the provincial arena, his outstanding performance was arguably that which he delivered on the opening afternoon of Munster fare. Hayes left Ennis with 2-2 and was responsible for another 0-1.
O’Connor exerted a similar influence in green and gold. There is no argument but his display on the evening of the extra-time Munster semi-final classic at Páirc Uí Chaoimh saved Kerry from defeat in their opening championship bow of 2025.
The Austin Stacks clubman had a hand in Kerry’s first two goals, scored the third - a screamer - himself, forced three turnovers, broke four kickouts to a teammate, and won four clean himself.
In a middle-third department beset by injury across the year, O’Connor was a constant.
His form from Páirc Uí Chaoimh right through to Croke Park on the last weekend of July was rewarded with an All-Star midfield gong and player of the year nominee.
Tomás Kennedy will be the second Kerry footballer feted at Saturday’s Munster GAA awards in the Muckross Park Hotel, the Kerins O’Rahilly’s forward talent selected as the U20 footballer of the year.
Kennedy began the season as a key member of Tomás Ó Sé’s Munster U20-winning side.
He finished the inter-county year as an All-Ireland senior winner, his swift promotion to the senior ranks seeing him earn game-time in the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final and quarter-final wins over Cavan and Armagh, respectively. He was an unused sub for the final victory over Donegal.
Prior to exploits in green and gold across spring and summer, Kennedy top-scored with 1-2 from centre-forward as Mercy Mounthawk successfully defended the Corn Uí Mhuirí in early February.
The provincial handball award, meanwhile, goes to Leah Minogue after her progression from underage to intermediate in recent years reached the pinnacle in 2025 when securing entry to the elite senior grade.
The Tuamgraney club member attained senior status when winning the 40x20 and 60x30 All-Ireland Intermediate singles titles. In the company of Amber Nolan, an All-Ireland Intermediate 40x20 doubles title was also secured.
Granagh/Ballingarry native Maurice Noonan is the recipient of this year’s Community and Games for All award.
Maurice has been a leading performer on the wheelchair hurling/camogie scene over the last number of years. He captained Munster to this year’s League and Championship double.
A collection of the latest sports news, reports and analysis from Cork.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
