Seán Moran Receives GWA Lifetime Award After 32-Year Tenure

Seán Moran has been recognized with a lifetime achievement award by the Gaelic Writers’ Association. The honor acknowledges his career as a sports journalist, specifically his long-standing role covering Gaelic games for The Irish Times. He retired from that post following the All-Ireland senior football final between Mayo and Kerry in July.

Moran served as the Irish Times Gaelic Games correspondent from 1994 until his departure this year. The GWA cited his balanced and erudite commentary as key factors in the decision. The association noted that he was widely respected by colleagues and those involved in the game in playing, managerial, and administrative capacities.

The annual GWA banquet took place on Friday night at the Clayton Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin. The event recognized several other figures in the Gaelic games community. Mayo manager Andy Moran was named football Personality of the Year, while Limerick’s William O’Donoghue received the hurling accolade. Galway’s Kate Geraghty won the women’s football award, and Méabh Cahalane took the camogie prize after starring in Cork’s All-Ireland winning campaign.

Four individuals were inducted into the GWA Hall of Fame. Tony Scullion, a four-time All-Star who won an All-Ireland title with Derry in 1993, received the football honor. He played for Derry for 13 seasons and represented Ireland at International Rules in 1987 and 1990. Cora Staunton, who led Mayo to four All-Ireland titles between 1999 and 2003, was inducted for women’s football. She made her debut at age 13 and earned an All-Star award in 11 different years.

Edel Murphy, who played in five consecutive All-Ireland senior camogie finals for Dublin between 1982 and 1986, received the camogie Hall of Fame honor. Dublin won the title in 1984, which was the first camogie final to feature on the Sunday Game. Pete Finnerty, a five-time All-Star, was inducted for hurling. He was part of a half-back line that helped Galway win back-to-back All-Ireland titles in 1987 and 1988.

Bob Doheny, the Louth GAA Communications Officer, was named PRO of the Year. He was recognized for his engagement with media outlets during the year Louth’s senior football team reached an All-Ireland semi-final. Roma O’Connor, Chief Marketing Officer with the Dalata Hotel Group, stated that the company is proud to support the association's work in promoting Gaelic games.

The GWA awards ceremony concluded the annual recognition of contributors to the sport. The list of winners included Moran, Andy Moran, O’Donoghue, Geraghty, Cahalane, Scullion, Staunton, Finnerty, Murphy, and Doheny. These individuals represent the current and historical leadership of their respective counties and codes.