Jack O'Connor scoops Munster GAA's manager of the year award

Kerry manager Jack O'Connor. Pic: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

All-Ireland-winning Kerry boss Jack O'Connor has been crowned Munster GAA's manager of the year. 

The 2025 season proved to be a very special one for O'Connor and his Kingdom charges as they reclaimed the Sam Maguire Cup - their 39th All-Ireland SFC title - with a dominant 1-26 to 0-19 triumph over Jim McGuinness' Donegal at Croke Park.

The win marked O’Connor’s fifth All-Ireland title as Kerry boss across three separate spells. He previously won Sam Maguire in 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2022.

Earlier in the season, on the provincial stage, O'Connor led Kerry to yet another Munster SFC title. Having come through a titanic tussle with rivals Cork after extra time in the semi-final at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Kerry proved far too strong for Clare to secure their fifth title in-a-row.

Following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, the Kerry county board rewarded O’Connor with a two-year extension.

Meanwhile, Tipperary's Grace O'Brien and Waterford's Emma Murray have been named the province's top camogie and ladies' footballer, respectively. 

Nenagh Éire Óg sharpshooter O'Brien - an All-Star nominee in 2025 - enjoyed another top year in front of the posts. 

As she did from play in 2024, O'Brien topped the scoring charts - this time as overall leader - with a haul of 4-44.

Her Tipperary side reached the All-Ireland semi-final, where their journey was ended by eventual winners Galway, despite O'Brien's 0-7 point tally.

Waterford captain Murray became her county first All-Star ladies' footballer since 2027, while the midfielder was also named on the National League Division 1 team of the year.

Murray - also captain of Comeragh Rangers - led her club Munster senior club championship crown in October.

Young Tipperary star Sam O'Farrell has scooped the under-20 hurler of the year award. 

After captaining the Tipperary under-20s to an All-Ireland title, O’Farrell went on to achieve an even bigger feat in 2025. 

He was part of the Tipperary side that won the Liam MacCarthy Cup as they defeated a fancied Cork outfit on a 3-27 to 1-18 scoreline in the decider at Croke Park.

While the versatile O’Farrell - a Nenagh Éire Óg club man - is still early in his senior career, his inclusion displayed the confidence manager Liam Cahill has in him going forward as he embarks on what is likely to be a lengthy senior career in Premier colours. 

Elsewhere, Clare GAA referee Kevin Walsh has been honoured with the special merit award. 

Walsh - a native of Garryspillane, Kevin Walsh’s lifelong commitment to gaelic games began in county Limerick long before his family settled in Shannon, County Clare. 

Wolfe Tones Na Sionna club man Walsh has officiated at national, secondary school, and colleges level, and within Clare he has served across all four GAA codes. 

As a referees tutor, he has mentored officials, while also representing referees on the Munster GAA Fixtures Appointments Committee.