Roarty to receive Gradam Shéamuis Mhic Géidigh

RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta have announced today that the Gradam Shéamuis Mhic Géidigh award for the player of the Donegal Championship 2025 is to be presented to Naomh Conaill’s Finnbarr Roarty.

Naomh Conaill beat Gaoth Dobhair in this years Championship Final that went to extra-time and Finnbarr was exceptional in this year’s championship campaign.

Damien Ó Dónaill, of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, said: “Roartys performance in this year’s championship was consistent throughout. He
was a leader for Naomh Conaill in the games where they needed leaders on the field to get them over the line. For such a young man at 19 years of age, Roarty was one of the main men that led Naomh Conaill to another senior championship victory.

“Finnbarr had a very special year with his county and club and I’m sure it is one that he will always remember. I’m certain that there are many more awards to come Finnbarr’s way. Comhghairdeas le Finnbarr, and my thanks to the Donegal sports journalists and to Sinead Breen, Donegal GAACommunications Officer who came together to make the selection for this year’s award recipient.”

The Gradam Shéamuis Mhic Géidigh award is presented each year to the player of the Donegal Championship, as selected by a committee, chaired by Damien Ó Dónaill of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.

Broadcaster Séamus Mac Géidigh was synonymous with Donegal GAA, and the voice of Gaelic Games in that county until his untimely death in 2016. This award was established to honour his memory. Recipients to date are Michael Murphy, Mark McHugh, Odhrán Mac Niallais, Ciarán Thompson, Caolan Ward, Brendan Mc Dyre, Oisín Gallen and Shane O’Donnell.

The award was created by sculptor Redmond Herrity using Donegal Granite carved in the shape of Errigal, with an image of Séamus Mac Géidigh engraved to the front.