HURLING star Donal Óg Cusack is the Cork Person of Month for January. The first Person of the Month chosen for 2010is to mark Donal Óg's career in hurling and for his recent award winning Sports Book of Year autobiography.

"Donal Óg has a passionate interest in hurling, for his Cloyne club and county team, and as Cork goalkeeper has won All-star and All-Ireland medals, and has also been a great ambassador for sport, fitness and high training standards," said awards organiser Manus O'Callaghan.

President Mary McAleese, speaking to Joe Duffy on Radio 1 on December 28 last, said she was delighted with Donal Óg's decision to speak openly about his sexuality. "I think the more our young people are encouraged to believe in their identity, and particularly their sexual identity, I think the healthier it is for all of us," said the president.

Donal Óg will now go forward, with the other Cork Persons of the Month in 2010, to the final at year's end.