Jack O’Donoghue is the May winner of the Waterford Sports Awards, in association with WLR and the Granville Hotel.
May saw Jack O'Donoghue become the youngest ever player to make 200 appearances for Munster - and just the 14th person in history to do so.
The Waterford man was also instrumental in their URC campaign, returning from an injury picked up early in the year to deliver a number of starring performances at a crucial time in the season.
O'Donoghue powered over the line with a crucial try against the Lions in South Africa, whilst also playing his part in victories against Connacht, Edinburgh and Ulster.
Speaking on accepting the award, O’Donoghue said: “I’d like to thank WLR and the Granville Hotel for the award and for recognising me and my achievements. It’s always special when you get recognised from your home county and because I’m based in Limerick I don't see all too much, but to see that I’m still being recognised is special.”
A busy few weeks lie ahead for O’Donoghue, as he is getting married this July, and he spoke of his privilege when reflecting on making 200 appearances for the province.
“To play over 200 times, it's crazy - going back 10 years ago, I had my fair share of injuries but I was able to come back each time and to be able to put down a performance and have the drive and motivation to keep going”, said O’Donoghue.
“Probably towards the end of last year when I knew I was coming close to the number, it was definitely a goal of mine to get to the 200 mark. I had no idea that I'd be the youngest or anything like that, but I just think it was going to be a massive milestone for myself and it's something that when I retire, and I look back on my career, it's definitely one of the better achievements that I’ll look back on with a fond memory.”
Each month, an outstanding sports star will be crowned the winner of the monthly WLR Granville Waterford Sports Awards.
The 12 monthly recipients will then gather for a black-tie Gala Banquet at the Granville Hotel in January 2025, where the first WLR Granville Waterford Sports Star of the Year will be revealed.
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