John O'Shea
Waterford man John O’Shea is one of nine top Irish athletes to receive a Texaco Sportstar Award this year.
According to the judges, 2009 was a special year for the elegant Manchester United and Republic of Ireland star. He played a major part in United winning a third consecutive FA Premiership title and the Carling Cup and just missed out on a treble when losing to Barcelona in the Champions League final.
On the international front, John O’Shea’s versatility was called on, filling centre-back, full-back and midfield roles as the Republic of Ireland qualified for the World Cup play-offs.
The full line-up of this year’s Texaco award winners are: John O’Shea – Soccer; Olive Loughnane – Athletics; Bernard Dunne – Boxing; Tomás Ó Sé – Gaelic Football; Rory McIlroy – Golf; John Oxx and Michael Kinane – Horse Racing; Tommy Walsh – Hurling; Brian O’Driscoll – Rugby.
