Tributes paid to legends of games at third annual GPA Former Players Event
Hundreds of former GAA stars gathered in Croke Park on the eve of the All-Ireland football final and paid tribute to two legends in Kerry’s Mick O’Dwyer and Tipperary’s Jimmy Finn.
O’Dwyer and Finn were presented with the prestigious GPA Lifetime Achievement Awards by GPA Chairman Dónal Óg Cusack and President Dermot Earley acknowledging both men’s contribution to football and hurling.
Tributes were also paid to the All-Ireland winning sides from the past five decades were also acknowledged at the GPA event.
Borrisoleigh native Finn, 84, won three All-Irelands with Tipperary in the 1950s and lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup as captain in 1951 at just 20 years of age. He also won six National League medals, three Munster titles and two Railway Cups before an eye injury brought his career to an end.
O’Dwyer’s retirement from inter-county management last year brought six decades of involvement in the game to a close. His extraordinary legacy as manager, however, was preceded by his four All-Ireland medals, 11 Munster titles and seven National League successes on the field of play.
The Former Players Event, which is open to all former county hurlers and footballers, is now in its third year and was initiated by the GPA to help develop a county player alumni.
The GPA currently assists former players through its development programme particularly in the areas of career development, return to education bursaries, career development, counselling services, medical assistance and hardship support.
By Jonathan Cullen Wed 23rd Sep
