The South Tipperary GAA Board 2024 Hall of Fame Hurler and Footballer, along with the players of the year, have been announced.
These awards, which have not been held since 2019, have been resurrected and will be presented next Friday night, February 28, in Cahir House Hotel, with a start time of 8pm.
Hall of Fame Hurler for 2024 - Donie O'Connell Killenaule
Donie O'Connell hurled for Tipperary at both minor and Under 21 level, winning back to back All-Ireland Under 21 medals in 1980 and 1981. He joined the Tipperary Senior panel in 1982 and over the next 10 years represented Killenaule with pride in the blue and gold, winning Senior All-Ireland medals in 1989 and 1991.
At club level Donie was a key figure for Killenaule, winning South Senior Hurling titles in 1988, 1989 and 1991.
Hall of Fame Footballer 2024 - The Michael O'Meara award - Benny Conway
Benny Conway, along with his brothers Pasty and Seamus, played minor, Under 21 and senior football for Tipperary. Benny captained Fr. Sheehy’s to the 1981 South Intermediate Football title and in the same year was named The Nationalist South Senior footballer of the year.
He continued a great career with Tipperary and played from 1974 to 1985. In 1984 Benny starred in every game in Fr Sheehy's' run to the County Intermediate Football Final. He was man of the match in the final against Rockwell Rovers to help Fr Sheehy's to a first ever county title.
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Senior Hurler of the Year - Gavin O'Halloran Carrick Swan
Gavin O’Halloran epitomised everything that was good about Carrick Swan in 2024. There are few players in the county who have the hurling ability of Gavin and he was instrumental in Swan winning the South Senior Hurling Final and reaching the County Premier Intermediate Final.
Intermediate Hurler of the Year - Dylan Walsh Ballingarry
Man of the Match in the South Intermediate Hurling Final, when he scored 0-13, Dylan Walsh had a fantastic year. His good form continued in the County Championship, scoring 3-47 as Ballingarry reached the final.
Junior Hurler of the Year - Dara Ryan Moyle Rovers
Dara captained Moyle Rovers to South and County Junior A Hurling titles in 2024. Not only did he stand out for his leadership, but most of Rovers' attacks went through their centre forward in their successful bid to return to the Intermediate grade.
Young Hurler of the Year - Callum Lannigan Carrick Swan
Callum Lannigan had a remarkable year in 2024, and was being Carrick Swan's main scorer as they won South Senior and South Under 21 A hurling titles last year. His man of the match performance in the South Senior Final, when he scored 1-11, was one of the best individual performances from any player all year.
Senior Footballer of the Year - Liam Boland Moyle Rovers
Liam Boland rolled back the years in captaining Moyle Rovers to victory in the County Senior Football League, and while absent through injury the club also won the South Senior Football title in 2024. Liam has been one of the top footballers in the county for many years and was a driving force in Moyle Rovers' successes last year. Liam continues to show his dedication to his club by returning from his home in Limerick for all training and matches.
Intermediate Footballer of the Year - Matt Coen Fethard
Matt Coen was in great form in 2024 and really stood out for Fethard as their main attacking threat. His performance in the South Intermediate Football Final, when he scored 0-5, was a particular standout performance. Matt was also a key player for Fethard in reaching both the South Under 19 A and Under 21 A Football Finals.
Junior Footballer of the Year - Daithi Hogan St. Patrick's
Daithi Hogan was a key figure for St Patrick's when they won back-to-back South Junior A Football titles in 2023 and 2024. Playing centre forward, he was virtually unstoppable in 2024. He was also voted man of the match, as St Pat's won the South Under 21 B Football Final for the first time.
Young Footballer of the Year - Joe Higgins Clonmel Commercials
Winning the man of the match award in Clonmel Commercials' victories in both the Under 19 A and Under 21 A South Football Finals highlights just how good Joe was in 2024. His high fielding and long range scoring have been a joy to watch.
County Senior Hurling manager Liam Cahill and senior football Manager Philly Ryan will be in attendance at the awards presentation.
The Board will also present an award to one referee from the division. The award is named in memory of the late Noel Cosgrave, who gave much of his life to refereeing in the division, county and beyond.
Noel's wife Anne Marie and members of his family will be in attendance to present the award.
