hurling

Five Shamrocks players included on AIB GAA Team of the Year

04 March 2020 - 7:09AM

TJ Reid remains a key player for Ballyhale Shamrocks.

Back to back All-Ireland champions Ballyhale Shamrocks and beaten finalists Borris-Ileigh are the dominant presence with 10 places between them on the prestigious AIB GAA Club Players’Awards team of the year in hurling, which is announced today.

Earlier this year Ballyhale Shamrocks successfully defended their AIB GAA All-Ireland senior club hurling crown in what was a record eighth All-Ireland in all for the exceptional Kilkenny club.

Defenders Joey Holden, Darren Mullen and Evan Shefflin have been honoured on the team of the year – so too, their sharp shooting and experienced forward duo of TJ Reid and Colin Fennelly.

Tipp and Munster champs Borris-Ileigh are represented by goalkeeper James McCormack and defenders Paddy Stapleton and Brendan Maher with Dan McCormack’s midfield energy recognised and so too, Jerry Kelly’s form in attack.

Similar to the football selection announced yesterday, there are five clubs represented in all.

Derry star Chrissy McKaigue won an AIB GAA Club Football Award in 2018 and adds a hurling award here on the back of his inspirational work with Ulster champs Slaughtneil. He is joined by club mate Brendan Rogers, who is named among the forwards and was previously a hurling winner in 2018.

Elsewhere, the impressive Shane Cooney from St Thomas’ in Galway completes the defence,while Ballygunner ace Dessie Hutchinson and St Mullin’s of Carlow star Martin Kavanagh are also honoured for their massive contribution to their club campaigns.

The awards will be presented at a special banquet in Croke Park this Friday night.

The nominees for the AIB GAA Club Hurler of the Year have also been announced and they see Ballyhale Shamrocks duo TJ Reid and Evan Shefflin shortlisted alongside Borris-Ileigh’s Brendan Maher. This overall award will be announced live on Friday evening.

Congratulating the winners, Uachtarán CLG John Horan said: “In the space of three short years these awards recognising the AIB GAA club players of the year have become a prestigious honour and this year’s selection is comprised of players who left a major mark on another entertaining and memorable club campaign.

Brendan Maher produced several outstanding displays for Borris-Ileigh.

“To win something with your club is truly special because it is where we begin and where we finish and year after year this competition illustrates the importance of the club to the community and the people they represent. These players went above and beyond in their endeavours.

“I want to congratulate all of the players who have been honoured with a place on this team. I want to also extend our thanks to Denis O’Callaghan and our long-standing supporters in AIB for their commitment to this competition which continues to go from strength to strength.”

“Today, we are proud to announce the AIB GAA Club Hurling Team of the Year. The skill and talent displayed by these players puts their communities on the national stage. To be named on the Club Hurling Team of the Year is a real honour, and an immense source of pride for their families, communities and clubs.”

“On behalf of AIB I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each of the winners and to thank the national and regional sports media for taking the time to cast their votes and for their continued support for the AIB GAA Club Championships"

The AIB GAA Club Players’ Awards are selected by a panel of GAA media from across print, radio, tv and digital, and is chaired by Uachtarán CLG.

AIB GAA CLUB PLAYERS’ AWARDS – HURLING 2020