Lohan crowned Munster GAA manager of the year, O'Sullivan scoops player of the year gong
Treacy/inpho Manager Final Pic: Morgan Whistle Brian Clare The Celebrates Lohan
Clare's All-Ireland SHC-winning boss Brian Lohan has been crowned Munster GAA's manager of the year.
Lohan, who has been in charge of the Clare senior hurlers since 2020, led his Banner charges to their fifth All-Ireland title last July, their first in 11 years.
Led onfield by stalwarts Tony Kelly and Shane O'Donnell, Pat Ryan's Cork were defeated after extra time at Croke Park in one of the most extraordinary finals of recent memory.
But that wasn't all that went right for Lohan, O'Donnell, Kelly and Co.
2024 was the year of years for this Clare side, as they completed a championship and league double.
Lohan’s side annexed the Allianz hurling league title last April, defeating Kilkenny, in what was another very entertaining final.
After consistently being one of the frontrunners for the All-Ireland, they needed a breakthrough and grabbed it with both hands in a year in which former full-back turned manager Lohan got the very best out of his players.
On the players' side, Kerry corner-back Tom O'Sullivan has been named the Munster footballer of the year.
O'Sullivan's ability to not only defend to an extremely high standard but to work his way up the field and comfortably kick scores was on full show once again in 2024 as Kerry won the Munster SFC and made it to the last four in the All-Ireland series.
The Dingle club man has been a linchpin in Kerry's defensive structure for many seasons now, showing a serious level of consistency throughout.
Although the two-time All-Star, 28, enjoyed a fruitful year on the club scene, Dingle's hunt for Kerry SFC glory was halted by Dr Crokes at the final hurdle.
Meanwhile, the ladies' football award has also gone to a Kerry representative. Ciara Murphy has been named the province's top footballer for 2024.
The Keel native was an integral part of the Kerry setup that won the Munster and All-Ireland 2024.
Murphy - one of the top markers in the country - negotiated the tasks of tagging the likes of Lauren McConville, Niamh McLaughlin and Louise Ward during the Kingdom's championship campaign. Her role in their success led to her being nominated for an All-Star in 2024.
And the award for under-20 hurler of the year has been awarded to Tipperary sharpshooter Darragh McCarthy.
McCarthy has enjoyed a hugely successful 2024, having begun the year captaining Nenagh CBS to their first-ever Dr. Harty Cup title, he also played a major part in Toomevara’s successful run in the Tipperary SHC.
His real moment in lights came when he scored the winner in Tipperary's under-20 Munster hurling final triumph over Cork. With the tie level and time desperately close to running out, McCarthy launched a point over the bar from under the stand at the Gaelic Grounds to give Brendan Cummins' outfit a 1-19 to 0-21 win over Ben O'Connor's Cork.
The award winners will be honoured at a function in the Fota Island Resort this Saturday, December 14.