THE 28th staging of the West Cork Sports Star Awards was the latest illustration of the extraordinary calibre of sporting talent within the region – one that special guest and athletics legend David Gillick commended for its strong community spirit and volunteerism.

Last year was special for so many people, and it was no surprise that attendance at the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery was one of the largest, if not the largest, since the awards began in 1998.

From the outset, Helen Wycherley of the Celtic Ross Hotel welcomed everyone and spoke about the incredible talent that continues to emerge in West Cork, paying tribute to all involved in the proceedings.

For the sixth time, athletics produced the overall winner, with Kilbrittain hammer thrower Nicola Tuthill scooping the prestigious award on a night that also saw the exploits of the Kilbrittain hurlers recognised with the Team of the Year honour following their All-Ireland junior hurling success.

Success can thrive in communities that inspire one another – and so too can an entire region, as we have seen time and again in West Cork, where the familiar hallmark now rings true: West is best.

Throughout what was a most enjoyable evening, parental involvement, commitment and support were constant themes, imbued with what Hall of Fame inductee, Bantry and Cork GAA legend Graham Canty, described as a ‘sense of madness’. It’s the final ingredient in sealing sporting success.

Having previously described the awards night as the ‘Oscars of West Cork’, The Southern Star sports editor Kieran McCarthy remarked:

‘You can understand why – this room is filled with sporting stars, headline-makers and the local people we cheered on to great success in 2025.

‘West Cork sport really is the gift that keeps on giving. Just look at the triumphs that have bookended our monthly awards – the Skibbereen Community School team winning All-Ireland honours back in March and, just last weekend, the Kilbrittain hurlers crowned All-Ireland champions. Two huge firsts for the region. More All-Ireland champions from West Cork.’

Enjoying the 2025 West Cork Sports Star Awards in the Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery on Saturday night last were, front from left, Jake McCarthy, Mary Barrett representing her daughter Moira Barrett, Abbie Salter-Townshend, Michelle Duggan, John Paul McNamara (adjudicator, C103), Ann Downey (manager, Celtic Ross Hotel), Helen Wycherley (Celtic Ross Hotel), David Gillick (special guest), Kieran McCarthy (Adjudicator and Southern Star Sports Editor), Niall Cahalane representing Damien Cahalane, Allie Tobin, Leah Carey and Caoimhe Flannery. Standing, from left, Kate Wall, Philip Wall, Joe Ryan, Richard O'Regan, Chris Collins, Jack Cullinane, Adaora Nnaemeka, Shane Crowley, Graham Canty, Barry Glavin, William Williamson, Ian Jennings and Nicola Tuthill, who was subsequently crowned the 2025 West Cork Sport Star of the Year. (Photo: Martin Walsh)

He thanked all involved in the West Cork Sports Star Awards and, as he added, ‘the brilliant sportspeople of West Cork. It’s a privilege to follow your journeys and to tell your stories in The Southern Star every day online and each week in the paper.’

Each of the 2025 monthly award winners was introduced to the audience and presented with a framed photograph of their award presentation.

Introducing Hall of Fame inductee Graham Canty, McCarthy said: ‘Some players collect medals. Others collect moments. And then there are the rare few who leave a legacy that stretches far beyond the white lines – players who define an era, inspire a generation, and remain synonymous with excellence long after the final whistle has blown.’

He added: ‘What he loved most was the chance to represent his home place, his club, and to play football alongside his brothers. Those moments are the real highlights.’

In his acceptance speech, Canty, clearly appreciative of the honour, congratulated all of the award recipients and thanked the organisers.

‘What you do with West Cork sport is ferocious, it’s savage, and I always keep my eye out for the latest monthly award winners. The standard is unbelievable,’ he said.

Mentions of Kilmacs and Kilbrittain proved extremely popular, as did his references to Olympians.

‘Like, you have them all over the place,’ Canty quipped, before admitting he was starstruck sitting beside Nicola Tuthill during the outside broadcast with JP McNamara from C103 that preceded the awards.

McNamara later announced Bandon AC’s Adaora Nnaemeka as the recipient of the Paudie Palmer Youth Award, listing her many achievements before a video message from former West Cork Sports Star Award double winner Phil Healy, who congratulated Adaora on her success.

The West Cork Sports Star Team of the Year award was presented to the Kilbrittain premier junior hurlers, with a special and poignant mention of Oisin Gillain, who sadly passed away from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome last March. The Club of the Year honour went to Kilmacabea, while Bandon AFC’s Richard O’Regan received the Special Achievement Award. A special video message from 2019 West Cork Sports Star winner and current Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane provided a fitting tribute.

Very much aware he was in West Cork, special guest David Gillick remarked:

‘Having had the privilege of attending so many awards over the last two years, it’s these types of awards that resonate with me. This is where it all starts – the grassroots, the volunteerism, the parents, the families.’

Kilbrittain's Nicola Tuthill is presented with the 2025 West Cork Sports Star of the Year award by David Gillick, special guest. (Photo: Martin Walsh)

In a lengthy and often humorous address, Gillick spoke about the opportunities sport had afforded him, charting his own journey, relationships and the bonds formed within teams. He reflected on his career, the winning moments, and the relationships built along the way that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Gillick also spoke about how quickly a sporting career can pass and how, after retiring in 2013, he missed the thrill of competition.

‘I was blessed with the opportunities that sport gave me, but I still wanted to say goodbye to it on my own terms,’ he said.

Admitting he struggled with his mental health during retirement, Gillick revealed that counselling helped him refocus.

‘I was told to forget my ego,’ he explained – advice that led him back to racing, not in Ireland, but in a small town in Italy, where he competed simply because he wanted to do it for himself.

As Nicola Tuthill was crowned the best in the west, celebrations continued long into the night. For some, their own celebrations are still to come – and then, for all these West Cork athletes, it begins again.

Yes, sport in West Cork keeps on giving.