HURLER of the Year Diarmaid Byrnes was the recipient of another accolade from the Munster GAA Council last weekend when he was named Munster Hurler of the Year.
Arguably the best long-range free-taker around, the 28-year-old defender scored a remarkable 25 points (including five from general play) in Limerick’s successful five-game Munster Championship run.
Across his now seven provincial campaigns, the towering Patrickswell ace has amassed an incredible 55 points.
Byrnes is set to miss the upcoming Munster League and the early rounds of the National League to spend some time on his travels.
Not surprisingly, Limerick’s John Kiely was named Manager of the Year at the ceremony.
And, Aidan O’Connor (Ballybrown) was chosen as Under-20 Player of the Year, a deserved recognition for his magnificent contribution of 30 points as Limerick swept to victory in the Munster Championship. It was O’Connor’s third season at this grade, his underage form points towards a strong showing at senior level.
Soccer:
MARC Ludden (32) has been unveiled as the incoming captain of Treaty United.
Ludden was one of the 26 players that formed the club’s first squad and has been an integral part ever since. During his time with Treaty, the Galway native has made 65 appearances during which he netted seven goals and recently was deservedly named on the PFAI First Division Team of the Year.
“I’m delighted to be back. I have loved my time at Treaty over the last two seasons and couldn’t say no to Tommy (Barrett, manager) when he asked me to come back this year. I am really hoping for another enjoyable season with the club, and I can’t wait to see the fans back at the Markets Field,” Ludden told the club’s website, TreatyUnitedFC.com
He added: “We have an incredible culture in the squad where we all work hard for each other, it will be no different in ‘23.”
Treaty begin their 2023 Airtricity First Division season with a visit from Bray Wanderers to the Markets Field in mid-February.
Greyhound Racing:
IN THE season-ending classic, Bobsleigh Dream came from way off the pace to win a thrilling €30,000 Matchbook Betting Exchange Irish St Leger Final in front of a healthy crowd at Limerick’s Greenpark Stadium.
Fifth into the opening bend, and still well adrift of Mustang Jet heading towards the penultimate turn, Dream looked a beaten docket only to produce a stunning display late-on and win a third Leger for Team Buckley – an operation headed-up in Doon by father-and-daughter Pat and Emma.
Willie Joe Murphy from Gneeveguilla in East Kerry, was the winning owner.
The time was 28.94.
Team Buckley previously won in 2004 with Never Give Up and Paradise Silva in 2014.
Six charities were drawn as nominators with the €5,000 winners prize going to NOVAS, a local voluntary organisation that works largely with the homeless across Limerick.
Cheques of €500 were also presented to local charities Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention, Rape Crisis Mid West, and the Children’s Grief Centre.
