Cork hurling star Donal Og Cusack’s autobiography ‘Come What May’ has won the 2009 Williamhill.com Irish Sports Book of the Year.

Cusack wrote the book with Irish Times journalist Tom Humphries,  and in it the three-time All Ireland medal winner tells the story of his life on and off the field, including the groundbreaking decision he made whn becoming the first major Irish sports star to come out of the closet.

"Taking the decision to write this book was a difficult one but once I decided, I knew it had to be an honest account of my life,” said the hurling star on Thursday.

“An essential part of this process was Tom Humphries' skill and dedication to the project and his outrageous sense of humor, which made the process less onerous. I would like to thank him sincerely."

“Since publication, I have been overwhelmed with the response the book has received both here and abroad. Winning this award is a great honor for me, and I would like to thank the judges and the general public for choosing my book from such a strong shortlist.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends, and teammates and work colleagues for their unwavering support in the last number of years.”

Tom Humphries paid tribute to the other candidates that made the shortlist, including Damian Lawlor's "Working on a Dream" and Kieran Shannon's "Hanging from the Rafters."

'To have been named in such a shortlist was a thrill and any prize for ‘Come What May’ is a bonus and an honor in that company.

'For me though the enduring rewards are the privilege I feel at having been asked to walk a few steps of Dónal Óg's journey with him, the welcome and the kindness of his family and gaining the friendship of an extraordinary man.'