Award for O’Shea softens Wolves’ blow

THE disappointment of Manchester United’s shock Premiership defeat by Wolves on Saturday was eased considerably for Reds emerging superstar John O’Shea later that night when he was named Park Hotel Waterford Supreme Sports Star of 2003.

Unfortunately, John wasn’t able to be present in the Park Hotel to accept the inscribed Waterford Crystal trophy. But his parents, Jim and Mary, who did so on their son’s behalf, said it will be a treasured honour for John.

The presentation was made by

special guest at the gala banquet, TV personality Hector O hEochagáin of ‘Only Fools Buy Horses’, who said the adjudicators chose a household name for what was “the ultimate sporting accolade” in one’s own county.

Having accepted the coveted trophy on behalf of his famous son, Jim O’Shea thanked the people of Waterford city and county for their support for his son since he joined the ranks of Manchester United.

He extended a special thanks to the Ferrybank and Bolton clubs with whom John played before crossing the Irish Sea to join United.

“John is a product of Waterford schoolboy football and the people involved all work very hard for the game at that level,” Jim said. “This award is as much for them as it is for John,” he added.

Jim added that winning the award and being recognised and honoured in his own county by his own people, will be one of the biggest achievements in John’s career to date.

“John is a very proud Waterford man and he will be overwhelmed by this latest accolade,” said Jim. “He would love to have been here to personally accept it but he is in Dubai with his Manchester United colleagues for a few days away from the hectic schedule of the Premiership.”

Jim said the sponsoring Park Hotel deserved a special thanks for giving Waterford such a magnificent awards scheme that honours its own sports stars.

John’s equally proud mother, Mary said the occasion was a “very special” one, not just for John, but for the entire O’Shea family. “I can’t overstate what the winning of this award means for John and ourselves. We are very proud and very honoured to have accepted it for him,” she added.