The Corkman
20th October 2000

PAT Mulcahy was presented with the TSB county senior hurling final man-of-the-match award at a lunch and reception at the Imperial Hotel in Cork last Monday. Glowing tributes were paid to the Newtown centre-back for his performance which did so much to pave the way for victory over Erins Own.

County Board Chairman, Jim Cronin, said that Pat's display could be favourably compared with the best ever seen in a county final. He went on to congratulate Newtown on what he described as a tremendous achievement for such a small club, adding that, with such a young team, they were bound to be major contenders for championship honours for several seasons to come.

Erins Own Chairman Micky O'Connor acknowledged that Pat gave a five-star display in the final and that his selection as man-of-the-match was richly deserved. He had special words of praise too for Pat's brothers, Donal and Brendan. 'The events of the past week must have made it very difficult for everyone in Newtown to remain fully focused going into the final. We all sympathised with the Mulcahy's on the unexpected death of their father Dan, but all three of them proved that they are wonderful ambassadors for the GAA with the displays which they produced in the final,' he said.

Pat Mulcahy accepting his 'Man of the Match' award

In presenting the award to Pat Mulcahy, Tomas Mulcahy, TSB, said his performance was truly out of the top drawer as he showed the leadership, when Newtown needed it, which was instrumental in breaking the back in Erins Own's brave challenge.

Incidentally, Pat Mulcahy is the 17th player to be honoured as county senior hurling final man-of-the-match since the award was inaugurated 20 years ago.

The complete list of winners is;
1980 - John Cremin(Barrs),
1981 - John Blake(Barrs),
1982 - Ger Cunningham(Barrs),
1983 - John Fenton(Midleton),
1984 - Phil Ryan(Ballyhea),
1985 - Jim Cashman(Blackrock),
1987 - John Fenton(Midleton),
1988 - Brian Cunningham (Barrs),
1989 - John Fitzgibbon(Glen),
1990 - Richie McDonnell(Na Piarsaigh),
1991 - Kieran McGuckin(Glen),
1992 - Timmy Kelleher(Erins Own),
1993 - Ger Cunningham(Barrs),
1994 - Pat Kenneally(Carbery),
1995 - Paul O'Connor(Na Piarsaigh),
1996 - Conor Hannon(Avondhu),
1997 - Timmy McCarthy(Castlelyons),
1998 - Mark Landers(Imokilly),
1999 - Jim Cashman(Blackrock),
2000 - Pat Mulcahy(Newtownshandrum).