The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) has honoured Clare hurling great John Callinan and Cork camogie legend Fiona O’Driscoll with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the annual Legends Lunch for Hurling and Camogie (Croke Park, Friday 17th July)
The awards recognise two outstanding figures whose contribution to Gaelic games has spanned decades, both through their exceptional playing careers and their continued commitment to developing and promoting Gaelic games long after retirement.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented during the GPA Legends Lunch, to coincide with the All-Ireland Hurling Final weekend, bringing together past players from across generations to celebrate their enduring contribution to Gaelic games.
Fiona O’Driscoll
Few players have left a greater mark on Camogie than Fiona O’Driscoll, whose glittering career with Cork established her as one of the finest players of her generation.
A six-time All-Ireland Senior Champion, Fiona also won eight National League titles and eight Munster Senior Championship medals during a remarkable inter-county career. Her outstanding performances culminated in being named National Camogie Player of the Year in 2002.
At club level, Fiona enjoyed success across every grade with Fr. O’Neill’s, winning county championship medals from Junior through to Senior, while she also captained the University of Limerick to its first-ever Ashbourne Cup title in 1995.
Following her retirement, Fiona has continued to make an enormous contribution to Camogie as a coach, selector, administrator and volunteer. She helped coach Cork to All-Ireland titles in 2005 and 2006 before returning as a selector with the 2024 All-Ireland winning team. Her service to the game has also included roles as President of the Camogie Colleges Association of Ireland, Chairperson of the National Coaching Committee and Chairperson of Fr. O’Neill’s Camogie Club, helping to shape the next generation of players and coaches.
John Callinan
John Callinan is widely regarded as one of Clare’s finest ever hurlers, enjoying a distinguished inter-county career throughout the 1970s and 1980s while establishing himself as one of the game’s outstanding defenders.
Representing Clare with distinction, John won National Hurling League titles in 1977 and 1978, while also capturing three Railway Cup medals with Munster. His excellence was recognised nationally with All Star Awards in 1979 and 1981.
At club level, John enjoyed great success with Clarecastle, winning Clare Senior Hurling Championship titles in 1986 and 1987, adding to an already remarkable playing career that earned him widespread respect throughout the hurling community.
John’s contribution to Gaelic games has extended far beyond his playing days. He has remained deeply involved in Clare GAA, serving in a range of leadership and administrative roles, including as Clare’s representative on Munster Council and as a member of the Clare County Board Executive. He has also continued to support his beloved Clarecastle club and underage hurling within the county, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to the development of the game.
Speaking ahead of the event, GPA CEO Tom Parsons said:
“The GPA is proud to recognise two exceptional ambassadors for Gaelic games through this year’s Lifetime Achievement Awards.
“John and Fiona represent the very best of our games. They achieved extraordinary success as players, but equally importantly they have continued to dedicate themselves to supporting, developing and strengthening Gaelic games within their counties and communities.
“Their contribution has inspired generations of players and it is a privilege for the GPA to recognise their lifelong commitment to our games.”
This year’s event also honoured anniversary All-Ireland winning teams, bringing together Hurling and Camogie greats for a unique celebration of sporting excellence. These teams were as follows:
| Year | Anniversary | Hurling | Camogie |
| 2016 | 10 | Tipperary | Kilkenny |
| 2006 | 20 | Kilkenny | Cork |
| 1996 | 30 | Wexford | Galway |
| 1986 | 40 | Cork | Kilkenny |
| 1976 | 50 | Cork | Kilkenny |
| 1966 | 69 | Cork | Dublin |
