Three members of Clare’s All-Ireland U-21 hurling-winning side have been short-listed for the Breaking Through Player Of The Year Award.

Defenders Seadna Morey (Sixmilebridge) and Patrick O’Connor (Tubber) along with Ballyea’s Tony Kelly are in the running for the award along with Kilkenny duo Walter Walsh and Ger Aylward and Tipperary’s John O’Dwyer.

The award recognises the overall standout player of the 2012 U-21 All-Ireland Championship. A panel made up of Bord Gáis Energy Sports Ambassador and Cork selector, Ger Cunningham, Micheál Ó Dómhnaill of TG4, Bord Gáis Energy Ambassador Joe Canning and former Waterford great Ken McGrath will deliberate on the nominees before announcing a winner. The winner will receive a trophy and voucher worth €1,000.

Speaking about the award, Ger Cunningham said, “There is no doubt that this year’s championship has produced hurling of the very highest order, generating plenty of thrilling clashes and talking points. Whoever the judging panel eventually picks as the winner will thoroughly deserve it.”

Cathal O’Connell, winner of the man of the match award in the All-Ireland final, is a surprise omission from the shortlist. The Clonlara player was hugely impressive throughout the campaign. Paul Flanagan (Ballyea) and Conor Ryan (Cratloe) are others who played a key role in Clare’s victory.

Kilkenny’s Walter Walsh was one of the stars of the senior side’s All-Ireland win last week against Galway and he was named man of the match.

 

Bugler and Conlon in line for All-Stars

Two Clare hurlers have been short-listed for All-Star awards. Brendan Bugler (Whitegate) is in contention for a place in the half-back line while Clonlara’s John Conlon is amongst those nominated for the full-forward line.

The final team will be announced live on RTÉ television on Friday, October 26, at the annual Opel GAA/GPA All-Stars Awards ceremony.

All-Ireland finalists Galway lead the way with 14 nominees, two more than the All-Ireland champions Kilkenny. Tipperary have six nominees, Cork and Waterford have four each, Limerick have two and Dublin have one.

The final three in the running for the hurler of the year award are Henry Shefflin and Paul Murphy (Kilkenny) and Joe Canning (Galway).

In the young hurler of the year contest Johnny Coen and Niall Burke (Galway) and Danny Sutcliffe (Dublin) are the final three in the race.

The Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year will be selected by the inter-county playing body and announced on the night of the function.

All-Ireland champions Donegal lead the way in the nominations for the football team with 12 nominations followed by Mayo on ten.

The footballer of the year award will go to Donegal, with all nominees from the All-Ireland champions. They are Karl Lacey, Colm McFadden and Frank McGlynn.

Nominees for the young footballer of the year are Donal Keogan (Meath) Paddy McBrearty (Donegal) and Cillian O’Connor (Mayo).

Camogie nominations

Three Clare players have been included in the list of nominations from which the camogie All-Stars team will be chosen.

Maire McGrath, who plays her club camogie with Sixmilebridge, is one of the nine nominees from which the full-back trio will be chosen.

Orlaith Duggan (Clooney-Quin) and Niamh O’Dea (Kilmaley) are nominated for positions in the half-back line.