Munster Express Online

Tadhg De Búrca became the first Waterford man to take the Opel GAA-GPA Young Hurler of the Year award, with Maurice Shanahan and Noel Connors also picking up All-Stars on Friday night last.
The Clashmore-Kinsalebeg clubman beat off competition from Galway duo Jason Flynn and Cathal Mannion to take the accolade, while also picking up a first All-Star.
Said De Búrca “2015 wasn’t a surprise as we always had plenty of potential. Derek (McGrath) just told us to work hard. It wasn’t a surprise that we got so far in the year, but it was a surprise that I got this (Young Hurler of the Year). It’s down to all the good work that all the lads done during the year.
“The least amount of pressure was on me, because all of the other lads were working hard in giving me the ball.”
Maurice Shanahan was also a first time recipient and was delighted with the honour. “At the start of the year your aim is to win an All-Ireland and a Munster title and your personal goal is an All-Star,” said the Lismore talisman.
“It’s just great to be recognised here tonight. I probably dreamt of it, but I never thought I’d see it coming.”
And Maurice was delighted to be following in the footsteps of three-time All-Star winner – his big brother Dan!
“I was talking to Dan about it and they are great nights to be involved in, and I’m just delighted to be here,” he added.
Passage’s Noel Connors claimed his second All-Star, and was delighted with the award at the end of a memorable year.
“It was a great year for Waterford, with our first defeat being the Munster final loss to Tipperary,” he said. “We went into the year with no expectation and it took the pressure off us.”
But there’s little time for rest at the moment – the Ballygunner hurlers continued their march in Munster at the weekend, while Noel and his WIT colleagues have a big event to look forward to in Waterford this weekend.
WIT will face the Scottish Student Shinty teams in both Shinty-Hurling (1pm) and Shinty-Camogie this Saturday (3pm) in Carriganore, and he’s looking forward to it.
“When you are playing there’s never really a time when you want to sit down, and it’s great to have something like the Shinty game, and Ballygunner going so well, because ultimately they are representing Waterford.
“The Shinty is great to have in Waterford, because it’s great promotion for both the city and for the college.”