Well-known Kilkenny journalist inducted into GAA Hall of Fame

GAA journalist and Kilkenny native, Enda McEvoy, has been inducted into the GAA Hall of Fame as part of the association's list of MacNamee Award winners for 2021 and 2022.

The awards are presented annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made by individuals and Association units in the area of media and communications and are named after the late Pádraig MacNamee, former President of the GAA, Chairman of the GAA Commission and member of the RTÉ authority.

The presentation of the 2021 & 2022 Awards were delayed due to Covid 19.

Mr McEvoy was named on the list of 2021 recipients for his contribution to GAA coverage for over 30 years, joining Irish Times GAA journalist, Seán Moran, who's received the same accolade for 2022.

McEvoy has been a familiar figure in the GAA community during his journalistic career, writing for publications such as the London Times, Irish Examiner and the Kilkenny People.

The former St Kieran's College student is also an esteemed author, and has wrote an acclaimed book on the legendary Fr Tommy Maher: The Godfather of Modern Hurling who shaped generations of Kilkenny teams from within the walls of St Kieran’s and Nowlan Park.

The local writer has also chronicled the history of great St Kieran’s teams through the book Fennessy’s Field and worked on the hurling story of star player Charlie Carter.

Confirming the news earlier this afternoon, a GAA Spokesperson described Mr McEvoy as 'witty', 'razor sharp' and a 'a firm favourite with hurling fans for generations.'

In further good news for Kilkenny entries, 'The First Puck' by Derek Dooley, a radio play documenting the foundation of Danesfort GAA club in 1922, received the same award as part of the 2022 batch of winners.

This documentary, broadcast on Community Radio Kilkenny City, tells the story of the historic beginnings of the club through the descendants of the founding members.

A GAA Spokesperson labelled the script, acting and direction as 'first class'.

Reflecting on the announcement, GAA President, Larry McCarthy said: "We appreciate the coverage that our games command across the media at club and county level. I salute all of those who are being honoured, and in particular, pay tribute to Seán Moran and Enda McEvoy who are very worthy entrants to the Hall of Fame for the high standards, and longevity, with which they have reported on our great games and players.”