The title of EirGrid GAA Football U20 Player of the Year has been given to Dublin’s Ciarán Archer while Cork boss Keith Ricken has picked up the award for EirGrid GAA Football U20 Manager of the Year.

Ciarán, who also named Provincial EirGrid GAA Football U20 Player of the year, has been recognised for his fantastic performance throughout this year’s championship.

The 18-year-old marksman from Rush scored an incredible 8-30 in four championship games, including 1-05 in the final despite Cork’s best efforts to limit his scoring prowess.

Keith Ricken picks up the EirGird award for U20 Manager of the Year where his influence cannot be underestimated. In his first year in charge of the Rebels he guided them to an All-Ireland championship title ending a ten-year drought for the side at this age grade. Ricken’s side showed real character and resilience in claiming the title by coming back from 1-06 to 0-00 in a scintillating final.

The Player of the Year initiative has been running since EirGrid was announced as title sponsors of the GAA Football U20 All-Ireland Championship in 2015, while this is the first year that managers have been recognised for their efforts throughout the championship. The players and managers have been carefully selected by the Gaelic Writers Association.

Valerie Hedin, External Communications Manager at EirGrid commented: I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Ciaran and Keith for being named EirGrid U20 Player and Manager of the Year. The aim of the U20 Player and Manager of the Year awards is to acknowledge those outstanding performances and achievements throughout the season. Ciaran’s incredible scoring record speaks for itself while Keith’s inspirational leadership qualities have led Cork to its first EirGrid All-Ireland title in 10 years. Both are deserving recipients.”

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