One of the leading figures in Birmingham's GAA community has been shortlisted for a BBC West Midlands Sports Awards.

Denis Neenan, a native of Kildare, is among five nominees shortlisted for the he 'Unsung Hero' category in the annual awards - which celebrate the dedication of individuals and clubs to grassroots sports in the region.

Neenan is currently secretary of Erin go Bragh in Birmingham and manages the club's reserve Gaelic football team and their soccer team, which he set up two years ago.

"It feels pretty good to be nominated," Denis told The Irish Post. "It's been good for the club and for Gaelic sports in the Midlands."

He added: "To be shortlisted to the last five, to get that far and to be in this arena with the other people shortlisted, who are people who have dedicated their lives to whatever they are doing, is really great."

Originally from the Curragh, Denis played a pivotal role in setting up the club's charitable branch, the Erin go Bragh Development Association Ltd, to "encourage people to play Gaelic sports and celebrate Irish culture, but also to celebrate and encourage people in all sports," he explained.

He is also one of the founding members of the GAA for Africa festival, which has raised more than £70,000 for impoverished children in the past decade.

The BBC West Midlands Sports Awards ceremony takes place tonight (Thursday) at the Holte Suite at Villa Park in Birmingham, where the winners of seven awards categories will be announced.

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