The Gaelic Writers’ Association (GWA) annual awards dinner, in association with the Dalata Hotel Group, took place at the Clayton Hotel in Ballsbridge last night (Friday).

Tipperary’s Noel McGrath, Dublin’s Carla Rowe, Galway’s Shauna Healy and Kerry manager Jack O’Connor were honoured as Personality of the Year in their respective codes.

The awards evening also saw Ger Canning handed the Lifetime Achievement award and Meath’s Brian Kelly named PRO of the Year.

Imelda Hobbins (Galway), Larry Tompkins (Cork), Juliet Murphy (Cork) and Nickey Brennan (Kilkenny) were all inducted into the GWA Hall of Fame.

Tompkins is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to lace up a pair of boots and was a pivotal figure at centre forward in the Cork side that reached four All- Ireland Finals (1987-90), winning two.

Juliet Murphy was a supreme player and athlete in the Cork side which dominated the game for a decade and a half, captaining her side to three All-Irelands, including their first ever title in 2005.

Nickey Brennan has done it all, winning five All-Irelands as a player for Kilkenny, managing the county senior hurlers and footballers and going on to be GAA President, the highest office in the Association.

Mullagh’s Imelda Hobbins captained Galway senior camogie team to their first ever All-Ireland title back in 1996, and is a widely respected analyst with Galway Bay FM.

Tonight’s awards also recognised the achievements of Ger Canning, the legendary RTE commentator, who was the voice of Gaelic Games on television for four decades, covering 81 All-Ireland Finals, as well as six World Cups and 10 Olympic Games.

Brian Kelly is the Meath GAA PRO and heads up a team that continues to set the standard in terms of their social media content across all mediums and their interactin with the wider media.

The Gaelic Writers’ Association awards also recognize the extraordinary contribution of current players and managers.

Personality comes in many forms, and Tipperary’s Noel McGrath showed his character to overcome testicular cancer and resume a GAA career that has to date saw him win four All-Ireland titles with Tipp and nine county senior crowns with Loughmore Castleiney - five football and four hurling.

Galway camogie’s Shauna Healy was a key member of the county’s defence as they upset the odds this year to land the All-Ireland title, a second for the Ardrahan player.

Carla Rowe skippered Dublin to this year’s All-Ireland ladies football title, her sixth in total in a 12-year senior inter-county career where she’s been a constant driving force in the capital side’s attack.

Kerry boss Jack O’Connor this year led his county to a fifth All-Ireland title in his third stint as manager, meaning he is only behind Mick O’Dwyer (8) and Jim Gavin (6) in terms of Sam Maguire wins. He has also led Kerry to back to back All-Ireland minor titles.

Dermot Crowley, CEO of Dalata Hotel Group said: “At Dalata, we are proud to support and celebrate the true difference makers in GAA on and off the pitch—those who inspire excellence and lead with integrity.

“This year’s GWA Awards shine a light on individuals whose commitment, resilience and passion uplift not just their teams, but entire communities. As proud sponsors, we are honoured to be part of recognising these remarkable people.”

The full list of Gaelic Writers’ Association award winners, in association with the Dalata Hotel Group, are as follows:

Football Personality of the Year – Jack O’Connor (Kerry)

Ladies Football Personality of the Year – Carla Rowe (Dublin)

Hurling Personality of the Year – Noel McGrath (Tipperary)

Camogie Personality of the Year – Shauna Healy (Galway)

Football Hall of Fame – Larry Tompkins (Cork)

Ladies Football Hall of Fame – Juliet Murphy (Cork)

Hurling Hall of Fame – Nickey Brennan (Kilkenny)

Camogie Hall of Fame – Imelda Hobbins (Galway)

PRO of the Year – Brian Kelly (Meath)

Lifetime Achievement Award – Ger Canning (RTE)

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