Tommy Lonergan named June winner of Waterford Sports Award

Waterford FC striker Tommy Lonergan has been named the June winner of the WLR Granville Waterford Sport Award following a month in which he continued to establish himself as one of the leading goalscorers in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

The 24-year-old has been in outstanding form for Graham Coughlan’s side and currently sits at the top of the Premier Division scoring charts with 12 goals to his name.

Lonergan’s rich vein of form has seen him score seven goals since the beginning of May, playing a key role in Waterford FC’s recent upturn in fortunes and helping the Blues move away from the relegation places.

The striker has also become the first Waterford FC player to receive the WLR Granville Waterford Sport Award, adding another significant achievement to what has been an impressive season on Suirside.

Originally from Meath and now living in Tramore, Lonergan has quickly embraced life in Waterford, while his goals and work rate have seen him become a firm favourite among the Blues supporters.

Speaking after receiving the award, Lonergan said he was humbled to become the first Waterford FC player to receive the recognition.

“Being the first Waterford player, there have been some really good Waterford players who have played for Waterford, so to be the first one, I’m very humbled.” The striker also spoke about his growing connection with the county and the welcome he has received since joining Waterford FC.

“Waterford has definitely welcomed me with open arms. The people here are just so lovely and so down to earth. I really feel at home in Waterford right now, and I think it’s a really good place to be.” Lonergan has been a central figure in Waterford’s recent resurgence, with the striker crediting the arrival of Graham Coughlan for helping to bring greater confidence and clarity to the squad.

“Since Graham came in, he’s taken the reins of the team. He’s very real with an iron fist, but I think all the lads take to it so well.” “He has a clear picture of what he wants to do for a game, and we try and execute it. To be fair to us, we have executed most of the games he’s been in charge of.” Waterford’s improved form has seen the club build significant momentum in recent weeks, with Lonergan believing the confidence within the squad is continuing to grow.

“We have a lot of momentum right now, and I think we can just keep building that and keep going into every game and get more and more confident.” Tommy Lonergan’s performances throughout June have made him a worthy winner of the WLR Granville Waterford Sport Award, recognising a player who has played a major role in Waterford FC’s recent revival and has become one of the standout performers in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

SEAMUS BARRY Sports Content Manager WLR