NICKIE Quaid has been named Hurler of the Year by Munster GAA.
The veteran netminder was key to Limerick winning the Munster Senior Championship for the fifth year on the trot in the summer (with victory over Clare in the Final at Semple Stadium in Thurles).
Quaid’s performances this season also earned him All-Star recognition once again in the autumn.
Described in the citation from Munster GAA as “one of the finest goalkeepers ever to grace the game, Quaid’s story is one of playing a major role in the transformation of the fortunes of Limerick hurling”.
“An ever-present between the sticks, Quaid’s incredible save from Séamus Harnedy (Cork) in the dying embers of the 2018 All-Ireland Semi-Final was crucial in setting his county on the road to a glorious odyssey of unprecedented success.”
Unfortunately, the 15-year servant with the county is now under pressure for next year after suffering a cruciate ligament injury.
Quaid underwent surgery recently, and the award was accepted on his behalf by Séamus McNamara, Limerick GAA Chairman, at Fota Island Resort in Cork.
Kerry’s Tom O’Sullivan won the Football equivalent.
Not surprisingly, Brian Lohan, who guided Clare to the promised land in hurling, was chosen as Manager of the Year.
Sarsfields (Cork), recent winners of the Munster Club Hurling Championship, were chosen as Club of the Year.
Other awards were claimed by Cork’s Laura Hayes (camogie), Killian Dennehy of Kerry (Minor, Football), Ciara Murphy (Ladies, Kerry), Tipperary’s Euan Murray (Minor Hurling), Cormac Dillon (Under-20 Football, Kerry), and Darragh McCarthy (Under 20 Hurling, Tipperary), along with handball pair Michael Hedigan and Daniel Relihan, both of Cork.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame were Clare’s Anthony Daly and Larry Tompkins of Cork.
There was recognition also for Limerick referees Timmy McGrath (Oola) and Donnacha O’Callaghan, Feohanagh/Castlemahon.
