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Kinsale’s Finn Claims Sports Award

Writes Ciaran Dineen

Orla Finn of Kinsale recently won the May 2019 Southside & District Sports Award following her fantastic display in the National League Football Final. Cork ladies faced off against their Galway counterparts in early May, a contest the Rebels won 1-12 to 2-7. Kinsale GAA’s Orla Finn bagged five points, with two of these coming from play. She was the highest scorer on the day and subsequently was awarded ‘Player Of The Match’.  

After such a fantastic achievement, Orla was awarded further honours when it was announced that she was chosen as the latest winner for the Sports Award. The inaugural 2019 winner was Ian McLoughlin of Ballincollig Basketball Club with the club retaining their President’s Cup Title in January.

In February the UCC Soccer, Hurling and Gaelic Football Teams were honoured for their hat trick wins in the Sigerson, Fitzgibbon and Collingwood Cups. Highfield Rugby Club received the March Southside & District Sports Award in recognition of their promotion to Division 1 and CIT Sailing Club received the April award for their achievements on the high seas, featuring on that CIT Team was Currabinny’s Grattan Roberts

The Awards are sponsored by the Cork International Hotel (Main Sponsors) in association with Awards Sponsor Gerald McCarthy. The awards scheme is now in its eleventh year and going from strength to strength. 

27 year old Orla Finn competed nationally and internationally in athletics up until the 16, running in events such as 400m hurdles, cross-country, 800m and pentathlons. At 16 she had to choose between athletics and Gaelic football; she chose football because of the team aspect and has not regretted it since!

Orla Finn, Kinsale and Cork LGFC Award Recipient with Pat O’Regan, chairman Kinsale LFC. Picture: Ger Bonus.

Orla has been on Cork ladies football teams from U14 up to senior. She has won many All Ireland titles; including U14 (two) U16 (one), U21 (one) and senior All Irelands (six – 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2012), seven National League Titles and 5 Munster Titles.

She has been playing with her local Kinsale Club since the age of ten and in 2016 and 2017 Kinsale won the county and Munster titles at Junior and Intermediate levels. Kinsale were All Ireland finalists on both occasions, losing out by 2 points and 1 point respectively in the finals.

The left corner forward won her first All Star in 2016. While Orla believes that personal accolades are secondary to team awards, it was still special to receive this award and she was particularly pleased for her parents who have been supportive of Orla all the way through her career.

Orla was outstanding in the National League Final win with her superb team work, scoring crucial winning points in the final. Her aim this year is to regain the Munster and All Ireland titles with her team mates. Winning the league title is a huge confidence boost for the squad in their quest for All Ireland glory. Orla is indeed a worthy winner – her second Southside and District Award, the first being in 2016. 

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