HE is one of the most successful and respected GAA coaches Kerry has ever seen so it came as no surprise when Pat O’Shea was honoured by his own club in a special way at the weekend.
He was the hugely popular choice for the Club Person of the Year Award and he received a standing ovation from players, officials and supporters at the annual awards night celebration in the Gleneagle Hotel.
Pat, who stepped down as manager of the Dr Crokes senior team at the close of the season, after leading them to a county championship crown and another All-Ireland club final, has been one of the most astute and talented coaches of the modern era.
During his most recent three-year term he led Crokes to an All-Ireland Club Championship title victory, two Munster Championships and three Kerry County Championships as well as County Club, County League and an East Kerry Championship crowns.
Pat (52) completed his second spell as manager as he previously led his beloved black and amber to successive county finals in 2005 and 2006.
He managed the Kerry senior team in 2007 and 2008 and won the All-Ireland title and he has also co-authored a book on training drills. During his own playing career, Pat was one of the most stylish and lethal corner forwards in the game, winning an All-Ireland Club title with Crokes in 1992.
At the awards night the players were presented with their county, Munster and O’Donoghue Cup medals while East Kerry League and Championship medals were handed over to the minor team, Molyneaux Cup medals for 2018 were presented to the juniors and 11 senior ladies who won the county championship with Killarney were also honoured.
The senior player of the year award went to veteran full forward Kieran O’Leary and the junior footballer of the year is the stylish Cillian Fitzgerald.
Ladies’ player of the year is Kayleigh Cronin, hurler of the year is Shane Lyne and the young player of the year is Harry Potts,
The supporter of the year award went to Maggie McAuliffe and she was a very popular choice.
Pictures: Ian Cronin. Click on individual images for details
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