A listener poll spanning the month of June on WLRFM has decided that John O Shea is Waterford’s Greatest Sporting Hero.
John was in attendance at the WLR FM broadcast Centre this afternoon with his wife Yvonne, his mother Mary and his kids to accept his award – a beautiful Waterford Crystal bowl.
John said that during his career "the support I got was incredible and I always had that in the back of my mind really, knowing that I was not only representing my family who have always given me great support, but the people of Waterford as well"
John went on to say that the sportspeople - both individuals and teams -that Waterford has produced over the years has been incredible.
The competition was last run 15 years ago when O'Shea scored the fourth goal by chipping Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia from the edge of the 18-yard box. At that time, Carrick-On-Suir cyclist Sean Kelly won the award having just pipped Olympic silver medalist John Treacy.
This year, John was faced with a strong competition in hurlers Ken McGrath, John Keane and John Mullane, former Ireland Rugby Captain Niamh Briggs, Olympian John Tracy, Camogie All-Star Beth Carton, Olympian Thomas Barr and boxer Neil Gough.
Having won 14 trophies while at Manchester United – 5 Premier Leagues, 1 FA Cup, 1 Champions League, 2 Football League Cups and 4 Community Shields – John is one of the most successful soccer players Ireland has produced.
He has been capped for Ireland 118 times and played for Man United 393 times playing in all positions in the defensive line as well as in midfield, averaging 45 games per season across ten years
He played in some of the greatest Manchester United teams in Ferguson's reign as manager – playing alongside the likes of Ronaldo, Beckham, Keane, Scholes and more.
Des Whelan has thanked all who voted in the poll to find Waterford's Greatest Sporting Hero. He went on to pay tribute to John and his outstanding list of achievements throughout his career – but also for being such a great role model for the young people of Waterford and as an ambassador for the county.
Special thanks must be paid to Flahavans who sponsored the competition - as such a recognizable Waterford company, its fantastic to have their support knowing they have supported and fueled so many of Waterford's athletes throughout the years.
John O Shea
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