Cordal native, David Walsh selected as 2025 Kerry Person of the Year.
Kerry All Ireland Senior Football team, management & Kerry GAA selected as 2025 Laochra Chiarraí winners.
Kerry Person of the Year
David Walsh is an exceptionally proud Kerry man – his entrepreneurial spirit, along with his huge commitment to social well-being and philanthropy and his profound link to Kerry and his tireless work to give back to his communities, make him a truly worthy recipient of the Kerry Person of the Year 2025.
Laochra Chiarraí
The Kerry Senior Team, management & Kerry GAA have been selected to receive the Laochra Chiarraí award which recognises exemplary leadership in community activity in the county.
The announcements were made on Radio Kerry on 1st September 2025.
Oíche Chiarraí and tickets
Both awards will be presented at the Association’s annual Oíche Chiarraí which will be held in the Louis Fitzgerald hotel, Dublin on Saturday 18th October 2025. Tickets for Oíche Chiarraí can be purchased directly from the Association, they can be purchased from the Association’s Chairperson, Mary Shanahan (email MaryShanahan0909@gmail.com, telephone (087 9262789) or any of the Committee at €85.
Kerry Person of the Year award
The Kerry Person of the Year award, now in its 44th year, recognises an individual who has shown leadership, brought honour to the county, and performed services for the county to such an extent that could be described as beyond the norm of everyday life.
During her tribute to David Walsh, a native of Cordal, the Cathaoirleach of the Kerry Association in Dublin, Mary Shanahan, said “this award is presented in recognition of David’s continuing endeavours to motivate and inspire all those around him, his life has been defined by brilliance, innovation, and benevolence. David is one of Ireland’s most prominent and admired entrepreneurs, built elite businesses from Ireland, and totally committed to enhancing lives locally, nationally and globally. David demonstrates an immense connection, like all Kerry people have, to his birthplace, reinforcing that no matter where life takes us, our hearts remain securely ingrained in the Kingdom.’’
David Walsh said “I am deeply honoured and humbled to be named Kerry Person of the Year 2025. To be recognised by the Kerry Association in Dublin and to stand alongside the many remarkable people who have received this award before me is a privilege beyond words. Kerry has always been at the heart of who I am, shaping my values, my ambitions, and my commitment to community. No matter where life has taken me, the Kingdom has remained my grounding and my inspiration. This award is not just about me—it is a celebration of the people and the place that have given me so much, and I am forever grateful.”
Brigid Laffan, President of the Kerry Association said, ”David Walsh has achieved outstanding results as an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs are a vital cog in the wellbeing of society by their leadership, innovation and by providing jobs for our communities”.
Laochra Chiarraí award
The Kerry Senior Football Team, management & Kerry GAA were selected as the 2025 Laochra Chiarraí award winners in recognition for the magnificent Gaelic Football on All Ireland day. They were crisp, sleek and unflappable and displayed huge intelligence and experience in reading and adapting to all that was thrown at them throughout the year and that is what makes champions! They have brought a huge sense of pride and joy to the county with the brand of football they played and the manner in which they represent the county and wear the Kerry jersey with pride. This award is also an acknowledgment of the trojan work put in by those behind the scenes at Kerry GAA. They delivered standout performances on and off the pitch on the 27th July 2025.
Valentia Island native Mary Shanahan, Cathaoirleach Kerry Association in Dublin in her tribute said ‘’Kerry on the day produced a complete performance of Gaelic Football and pulled a tactical masterclass to claim the Sam Maguire and our 39th title. I want to accredit all at Kerry GAA for their diligent & steadfast efforts in order for our extraordinary county to be successful’’.
Patrick O’Sullivan, Chairperson Kerry GAA, said “We in the county board are delighted that the Kerry Senior team, management & Kerry GAA have been chosen as Laochra Chiarraí 2025 winners. There has been a long affiliation between Kerry GAA & the Association and we want to thank the Kerry Association in Dublin for honouring the Kerry Senior team, management & Kerry GAA with this award’’.
Further queries
Mary Shanahan, Cathaoirleach, 087 9262789
Ed Diggins, PRO, 086 8134305
Jeremy Twomey, Treasurer, 087 9941077
Previous recipients of the Kerry Person of the Year Award
2024 – Louise Quill
2023 – Katie Hannon
2022 – Dr. Patricia Sheahan
2019 – Tomás Garvey
2018 – Colm Cooper
2017 – Ted Moynihan (RIP)
2016 – Brian McCarthy
2015 – Danny Tim O’Sullivan
2014 – Archdeacon Michael Murphy (RIP)
2013 – Luke Moriarty
2012 – Jimmy Deenihan
2011 – Crohan O’Shea (RIP)
2010 – Dáithí Ó Sé
2009 – Margaret Culloty
2008 – Sean Kelly
2007 – Tadhg O’Donoghue
2006 – Jeremiah O’Donoghue
2005 – Jack O’Connor
2004 – Denis Geaney
2003 – Mick Galwey
2002 – Brian O’Mahony
2001 – Páidí Ó Sé (RIP)
2000 – Dick Spring
1998 – Mick O’Connell
1997 – Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh (RIP)
1996 – Sr. Consilio
1995 – Ned O’Shea (RIP)
1994 – Paddy Culligan
1993 – John Curran (RIP)
1992 – Fr. Pat Ahern
1991 – Brendan Kennelly (RIP)
1990 – Dr. Paddy Moriarty (RIP)
1989 – John B. Keane (RIP)
1988 – Dr. Denis Brosnan
1987 – Dr. Bryan McMahon (RIP)
1986 – Mick O’Dwyer (RIP)
1985 – Con Houlihan (RIP)
1984 – Pat Spillane
1983 – Eamonn Kelly (RIP)
1982 – Pat O’Connell
1981 – Pat Roche (RIP)
1980 – Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy
1979 – Dr. Michael Carmody (RIP)
