Steven Sherlock crowned overall winner at 96FM/C103 Sports Star Awards 

The 22nd annual 96FM/C103 GAA Sports Star Gala Banquet, held in association with the Rochestown Park Hotel, took place last Friday and culminated in Steven Sherlock being named the prestigious overall winner for 2025.

The St Finbarr’s sharpshooter enjoyed a remarkable season, playing a central role in the club’s league and championship double.

Sherlock scored an impressive 0-18 in the McCarthy Insurance Group Division 1 Football League final against Clonakilty, and his championship tally of 6-41 underlined his status as one of the county’s most prolific forwards.

The Barrs won the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC for the first time since 2021 after edging out local rivals Nemo Rangers in the decider by a point.

Speaking at the awards event, Steven said he was “absolutely thrilled” to be recognised after such a memorable 2025 for the club. Reflecting on St Finbarr’s historic victory over Nemo, he was happy to look back on it.

“It was a very special year for the club. It was a collective effort. We set out at the start of the year to win every game. When it came to the league and championship, thankfully we won them. 

"To get over the line against Nemo in the county final was probably extra special. We are great rivals and we have massive respect for them. They had our number so to win that game was brilliant.

“While the Munster final didn’t go our way, we still had a very good year. We were very close to Dingle and then to see them go on and win the All-Ireland, it made us realise that we are a very good team too and that we are in that calibre as well. Hopefully we can get back to that stage because we know we are capable of playing the best teams in Ireland.” 

Sherlock also confirmed his return to the Cork senior football panel at the end of last year, describing it as something he’s excited about after taking a year out.

“I’m delighted to be back. Training has been going very well. We are competing with the best every time we go out. We do want to get over the line the best we can and try and improve the best we can.” 

His early season form has been strong, kicking the winning score against Cavan and hitting 0-8 in Cork’s recent victory over Louth as Cork started their Allianz Division 2 Football League campaign with two wins from the first two games.

Two additional honours were presented during the evening at the splendid Rochestown Park Hotel.

The Kieran O’Driscoll Helping Hand Award was won by Craig O’Sullivan, Cork minor hurler, and standout performer for Gaelcholáiste Mhuire, who he helped guide the school to back-to-back O’Callaghan Cup titles.

The Donal Lehane Distinguished Career Award was presented to former Cork hurling great Seán O’Gorman of Milford. A dual All-Star and a central figure in Cork’s 1990 All-Ireland double.

The event was attended by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who congratulated all the monthly winners and praised the GAA’s vital role in communities across Cork.

He also acknowledged the ongoing contributions of Camogie and Ladies Football and the steps towards integration across all codes. The Taoiseach concluded with a tribute to the late Seán Ó Sé, whose connection to Cork GAA remains cherished.