Kerry footballer and current All-Ireland U21 champion, Killian Young, was named last night as The Cadbury Hero of the Future. Killian, who was twice named as 'Cadbury Hero of the Match' throughout this competitive championship has been honoured in recognition of his passion, excellence and commitment to the sport. Killian was presented with his Cadbury Hero of the Future Award by Nickey Brennan, GAA President and Audrey Buckley, Marketing Manager Cadbury Ireland. 13 footballers were short listed as part of the 'Cadbury Hero of the Future' initiative which ran in tandem with the Championship to highlight the achievements of individuals for outstanding teamwork, passion and performance on the field. A 'Hero of the Match' award was presented to a player at each provincial semi-final, each provincial final and the national semi-finals with the last Hero selected at the Cadbury U21 Football Final in Thurles on May 3rd 2008. Killian, who hails from Killarney in Co. Kerry, is no stranger to success on the playing field having broken in to the Kerry senior side in 2007 he went on to win an All-Ireland senior medal last year. He was also part of the Kerry senior team who won the Munster Senior Football Championship in 2007. In that same year, Killian also won The Young Player of the Year Award. Killian captained his winning team Kerry to the final in Thurles beating Kildare by seven points in Semple Stadium and was presented with the cup by the president elect Christy Cooney. Killian who was nominated as Cadbury Man of the Match at two separate games between Tipperary and Mayo respectively was thrilled with the win last night. Killian was crowned the overall Cadbury Hero of the Future, as voted by members of the public on www.cadburygaau21.com and an expert judging panel, which included senior footballer Dermot Earley from Kildare, and TG4 journalist Michael O'Domhnaill. Commenting on the Cadbury Hero of the Future Award last night was Cadbury's Marketing Manager Audrey Buckley: "This is Cadbury's fourth year as sponsor of the U21 Football Championship and, as we continue to invest in and commit to Gaelic Games in Ireland, I am delighted to say that the Championship continues to go from strength to strength. The Awards are a positive means of thanking each of the short listed players for their commitment, skill and passion for the sport". As the overall winner Killian received a specially commissioned bronze award, and a travel voucher to the value of ?1,000. In addition to this, Killian's GAA Club (Renard) also received a grant of ?1,000 as did the Kerry County Board. Commenting on the winning player, Dermot Earley said: "It was a tough decision, but we felt that at the end of the day, Killian has had an outstanding playing season, and is a deserving winner of this award." Micheal O Domhnaill reflected this sentiment by saying: "In a year when we saw a lot of teamwork, rather than outstanding individual performances, Killian showed the leadership required when it really mattered this year in pressurised situations. As an established Kerry Senior footballer he brought all of his experiences to bear in the final this year." Cadbury Ireland has engaged in a four year sponsorship of the U21 Football Championship. The sponsorship deal is worth ?0.5million. Cadbury is actively supporting its sponsorship of the Championships through television, press and radio advertising and an integrated marketing and promotional programme both at national and regional level. Tweet

Most Read Stories