THE Mayor of Limerick City and County, Cllr Michael Collins has congratulated Limerick’s All Ireland Senior Hurling Team, Manager John Kiely and Junior World Mountain Bike champion Oisin O’Callaghan after a hat-trick of wins at last night’s RTE Sports Awards.
The Limerick Senior Hurlers were crowned Team of the Year after their League, Munster Championship and All Ireland wins in 2020.
Their manager John Kiely was named RTE Sports Manager of the Year and Ardpatrick teenager Oisin O’Callaghan took home the Young Sportsperson of the Year category after claiming the first ever downhill gold for Ireland at the Junior World Mountain Bike Championships in Austria last October.
“In what was a very difficult year for so many people, our sports stars lifted our spirits and provided much needed joy during 2020,” Mayor Collins said.
“When you look at the achievements of Limerick’s sporting heroes honoured last night, it’s truly phenomenal. The resilience and dedication of the Limerick Senior Hurlers during the pandemic to claim a 13 game winning run and four trophies; the Co-Op Superstores Munster League, Allianz League, Munster and All-Ireland titles.
“What a manager in John Kiely, who led this incredible team to a perfect 13-0 winning season and a second All Ireland title.
“And the achievements of young Oisin O’Callaghan on the international stage who has already made history by winning the World Junior Mountain Bike Championship in Austria last year, and he a first timer at the event!
“They are all wonderful ambassadors for the sporting city and county of Limerick and I would like to say thank you and a huge congratulations to them all, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Limerick. They deserve these latest accolades, we are so very proud of you.”
Mayor Collins also paid tribute to Knockaderry hurler Tom Condon who is retiring from inter county hurling with great honours and achievements.
“Tom has been an incredible servant to Limerick hurling and it has been a privilege to watch him represent his county with distinction over the years. I want to wish him and his family well and thank him for his dedication to Limerick Senior Hurling.”
The Mayor concluded: “We often say Limerick is the sporting capital of Ireland. Well, after last night’s achievements, this is definitely not in doubt! Once again, heartiest of congratulations to all the winners.”
