All-Ireland champions Ballyhale Shamrocks have six players on the final fifteen for the Club Players’ Awards.
Colin Fennelly and Adrian Mullen are on the shortlist for the overall Club Hurler of the Year where they are joined by Ballygunner marksman Pauric Mahony.
Joey Holden, Michael Fennelly, TJ Reid, Eoin Cody are on the list.
Munster champions Ballygunner have Philip Mahony honoured for the second year in a row, while goalkeeping star Stephen O’Keeffe, defender Ian Kenny, and midfielder Shane O’Sullivan join Philip’s brother Pauric in the side.
There are five clubs represented in total with Ruairí Óg Cushendall duo Eoghan Campbell and Neil McManus honoured on the back of their strong campaign.
All-Ireland finalists St Thomas’s of Galway have wing back Fintan Burke included, while there is an award for long-serving Coolderry forward Brian Carroll – a scorer of 2-16 in their Leinster semi-final clash with Ballyboden St Endas.
Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael John Horan said: “This is a great honour for the clubs, schools and families who have players represented on this prestigious selection – players who have given so much of their time to the perfection of their skills in the service of their clubs.
“Every year the hurling club championship can be relied upon to bring us so much about what makes the club campaign so enthralling – legends are born and history is made –and all for the glory of clubs and communities.
“These awards look to pay tribute to the stand out performers and our thanks to AIB for enabling us to make this scheme possible.”
Denis O’Callaghan, Head of Retail Banking, AIB, said: “Yesterday, we announced the AIB GAA Club Football team of the Year and today, I am delighted to announce our AIB GAA Club Hurling Team of the Year. AIB is proud to celebrate its 28th year sponsoring the Club Championships, and to partner with the GAA for the second time for the AIB GAA Club Players Awards.
“The awards honour some of the greatest club players across Ireland, who have shown immense passion and commitment to their club throughout #TheToughest competition. To be named on the Club Hurling and Football Teams of the Year is a real honour for these players, their families, communities, and clubs.”
“Again, 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 winner of the Hurler of the Year Award will be announced on Saturday night at Croke Park and presented by Uachtarán John Horan.
AIB GAA Club Players’ Awards – Hurling 2019
1. Stephen O’Keeffe (Ballygunner)
2. Eoghan Campbell (Ruairí Óg)
3. Joey Holden (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
4. Ian Kenny (Ballygunner)
5. Philip Mahony (Ballygunner)
6. Michael Fennelly (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
7. Fintan Burke (St Thomas’)
8. Shane O’Sullivan (Ballygunner)
9. Neil McManus (Ruairí Óg)
10. Adrian Mullen (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
11. TJ Reid (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
12. Pauric Mahony (Ballygunner)
13. Eoin Cody (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
14. Colin Fennelly (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
15. Brian Carroll (Coolderry)
CLUB HURLER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Colin Fennelly (Ballyhale Shamrocks), Adrian Mullen (Ballyhale Shamrocks), Pauric Mahony (Ballygunner)
