Cork senior and current Cadbury All-Ireland U21FC winner Fintan Gould has been named as the Cadbury Hero of the Future 2007, following a special Awards ceremony held in the Westin Hotel, in Dublin. Macroom clubman Fintan was presented with the Cadbury Hero of the Future Award by Nickey Brennan, GAA President and Michael Smith, Marketing Director, Cadbury Ireland. The Awards brought together all twelve of the Cadbury All-Ireland U21 Heroes, shortlisted as part of the 'Cadbury Hero of the Future' initiative which ran in tandem with the Championship to highlight the achievements of individuals for outstanding teamwork, passion and performance on the field. A 'Hero of the Match' award was presented to a player at each provincial semi-final, each provincial final and the national semi-finals with the last Hero selected at the Cadbury U21 Football Final in Thurles. Fintan is no stranger to success on the football field having already played in the U17 International Rules Series in 2003, the Munster Senior Championship in 2006 and in the Cadbury U21 Football Championship in 2005 and 2006. Fintan was a member of the Cork U21 team which was beaten in last year's Cadbury's All Ireland U21 Gaelic Football Final by Mayo. Fintan is a third year Process and Chemical Engineering student in UCC and was the recipient of the Cadbury Football Scholarship in UCC for 2006/2007. This was the first year of the Cadbury Football Scholarships which are awarded in recognition of the sporting potential of U21 footballers attending various universities in Ireland as part of the Cadbury sponsorship of the Cadbury U21 Football Championship. Fintan is also a member of the UCC Sigerson Cup team. Fintan was crowned the overall Cadbury Hero of the Future, as voted by members of the public and an expert judging panel, which included Kildare's Dermot Earley and TG4 journalist Michael O'Domhnaill. The Award recognises the skill, passion and dedication of one U21 Footballer. Keith was nominated the Cadbury Hero of the Match after the Waterford v Cork game in March, the Cork v Tipperary game and the Cork v Armagh game in April and was one of twelve players short listed for the overall Cadbury Hero of the Future Award. Commenting at the Cadbury Hero of the Future Awards, Michael Smith, Marketing Director, Cadbury Ireland said: "This is Cadbury's third year as sponsor of the U21 Football Championship and, as we continue to invest in and commit to Gaelic Games in Ireland, I am delighted to say that the Championship continues to go from strength to strength. The Awards are a positive means of thanking each of the shortlisted players for their commitment, skill and passion for the sport". As the overall winner Fintan received a specially commissioned bronze award, and a travel voucher to the value of €1,000. In addition to this, Fintan's GAA Club (Macroom) also received a grant of €1,000 as did the Cork County Board. Commending on the winning player, Dermot Earley said: "It was a tough decision, but we felt that at the end of the day, Fintan has had an outstanding playing season, and has been at the forefront of virtually all that Cork have done." Micheal O Domhnaill, TG4 commentator commented: "Despite being the subject of much debate this year, the Cadbury U21 Football final was one of the if not the best games of the year. It was a fantastic team performance by both sides, but especially by the Cadbury Hero of the Future, Fintan Gould." Cadbury Ireland has engaged in a four year sponsorship of the U21 Football Championship. The sponsorship deal is worth €0.5million. Cadbury is actively supporting its sponsorship of the Championships through television, press and radio advertising and an integrated marketing and promotional programme both at national and regional level. The importance of supporting and nurturing an interest in sport, team competition and Gaelic games at under 21 level is imperative. Undertaking this investment role is central to Cadbury Ireland's commitment to provide for the future of the sport while lending a supporting hand to all those who commit to playing football at County level. One thing is for certain - today's 'Heroes of the Match' are tomorrow's County Senior Super Stars and Cadbury Ireland is proud to play a part in the development of the country's top sporting stars. Tweet

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