Villa FC forward Dean Walsh has been named the May winner of the WLR Granville Waterford Sport Award following a month that saw the Waterford club achieve one of the greatest successes in its history.

Villa created history in May by capturing their first-ever Munster Junior Cup title, defeating Aisling Annacotty 3-0 in the McCarthy Insurance Group Munster Junior Cup Final at Turner’s Cross.

After suffering heartbreak and near misses in previous seasons, the Waterford side delivered a composed and clinical performance on one of the biggest stages in junior football to finally get their hands on one of the game’s most prestigious provincial trophies.

Dean Walsh was instrumental in the victory, scoring twice in the opening half to put Villa in control before Shane Keenan added a third goal to seal a famous win and a landmark achievement for the club.

Managed by Conor Coad and captained by Luke Walsh, Villa showcased exceptional quality, resilience, and determination throughout their Munster Junior Cup campaign, overcoming some of the strongest junior sides in the province on their route to glory.

The success represents a proud moment not only for the players and management but also for the volunteers, supporters, and wider Villa community who have helped build the club’s sustained success over recent years.

Winning the Munster Junior Cup completed another significant milestone for a Villa side that has established itself as one of the leading junior clubs in the country and further underlined the strength of football in Waterford.

Speaking after receiving the award, Walsh admitted he was surprised to receive the recognition.

“I didn’t expect it for a start. Not many people from the junior league would get it, so it’s a good honour, and I’m proud to win the award for May.”

Reflecting on the Munster Junior Cup success, Walsh described the victory as the final piece of the puzzle for the club.

“We got the Munster Junior Cup over the line and that was probably the last piece of the puzzle for Villa as a club in junior football. We were just delighted to get that one over the line.”

Villa’s historic triumph ensures May 2026 will forever hold a special place in the club’s history as they became Munster Junior Cup champions for the first time.

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