Hurley is worthy October winner
Castlehaven’s feat in winning their 7th county senior football title and back to back for the first time since 2012 and 2013 was acknowledged recently when outstanding forward Michael Hurley was presented with the 96FM/C103 GAA Sports Star of the month award for October in association with the Rochestown Park Hotel (RPH).
Despite a few niggling injuries during the season, Michael was a key player in attack throughout the championship delivering big and quality scores when needed.
“It was a very good season and while we would have liked to be still playing, winning the county was huge and we are delighted with that - a bit annoyed with ourselves for not producing our best against (Dr) Crokes but that’s sport.”
He was also “thrilled” with the award: “I would not be here only for the support of the lads on and off the field and of course my family who are huge supporters.”
Michael also paid tribute to manager Seanie Cahalane who came in at the start of the season: “Fantastic job, not easy coming in when you’re champions but the transition was seamless and we got our reward at the end.”
As for 2025 and the 3 in a row, it’s never done before by a team from the ‘Haven. “Well we haven’t even thought about that yet, but I suppose when we get back in the new year it might come up, but (there are) a lot of good teams in Cork and it’s not going to be easy.”
County Board Vice-Chairman Noel O’Callaghan in congratulating Michael said: “Castlehaven were worthy champions and Michael is well deserving of this award as he was a big player in the championship and I would also like to thank 96FM/C103 for their continued support of these prestigious awards.”
Steve Cox of RPH and Isabel Keane also congratulated Michael on his award and wished them continued success in the coming season.
Michael joins a nice list of Castlehaven winners of this award including his brother Brian and Mark Collins - a two time winner and both were in attendance, Jack and Damien Cahalane and Rory Maguire were also recipients.
Several of his teammates were in attendance as was club chairman Anthony Walsh, manager Seanie Cahalane and family and friends to acknowledge a quality footballer and a handy golfer!
There is still a lot to play for before the dust settles on this year and two more awards will be presented ahead of the gala banquet in the Rochestown Park Hotel who are outstanding supporters of these awards on 31 January at which the overall award winner will be announced.
On the night the Kieran O’Driscoll Youth Award and the Donal Lehane Distinguished Career award winners will be honoured.
The previous monthly winners are:
January - Sean O’Donoghue of St Catherines and Alan Fenton of Castlelyons
February - Colin O’Brien of Mary I College, Fitzgibbon Cup winners
March - Michael Hedigan and Daniel Relihan - All-Ireland handball champions
April - William Buckley, Cork under 20 hurling
May - Laura Hayes, Cork - Munster camogie champions
June - Daniel O’Mahoney, Cork senior football
July - Robert Downey, Cork senior hurling
August - Pamela Mackey and Aoife Barrett - Cork All-Ireland camogie champions
September - Kevin Kavanagh - Carrigaline dual player