JOE Men of the Year Awards: There’s a new contender for the JOE Man of the Year sponsored by Virgin Media

We feel it’s the right thing to do.

It’s been nearly a week since we launched the JOE Men of the Year awards, which we kicked off by asking you to vote in the most important category of all: The JOE Man of the Year sponsored by Virgin Media. A lot of thought went into choosing the five contenders for the award, all of whom would be worthy winners considering their exploits in their particular fields in 2015. Although thousands of votes have been cast in the last few days, after the events of last night – when Ireland secured qualification for the Euros next summer – we don’t think it’s right that the man who was the biggest inspiration throughout the qualifying campaign should be excluded from the nominees. We are, of course, talking about Jon ‘God amongst men’ Walters. Not only did Walters score the two goals against Bosnia to add to crucial strikes against Georgia and Scotland, he has been immense all through a rollercoaster campaign, throughout which his heart has been permanently etched on his sleeve. It’s not only about what he does on the pitch either. Footballers are often accused of having lost touch with supporters, but perhaps because of the path his career has taken to date, it’s certainly not an accusation that can be thrown at the Stoke man. He may not be Irish born and bred, but you can tell how much playing for Ireland means to him and you’d have to have a heart of stone not to have welled up a little at his emotional post-match interview with Tony O’Donoghue last night. He’s one of us. He’s a hero. And if anyone deserves a late nomination for the JOE Man of the Year sponsored by Virgin Media, it’s super Jon Walters. If we haven't done enough to convince you already, check out our seven reasons why the entire country has fallen in love with the guy. He has a lot of catching up to do, but if anyone can, Walters can. Cast your vote for the JOE Man of the Year sponsored by Virgin Media here and on the rest of the JOE Men of the Year categories here.