April 2013 NUI Galway GAA Inaugural Player of the Year Awards

NUI Galway graduate and Galway GAA hurling committee representative, Joe Byrne presented the University’s inaugural Player of the Year Awards at a special ceremony at the University last night (Monday, 8 April).

The Player of the Year Awards honours all teams led by the outstanding players who participated on behalf of NUI Galway during the past third-level GAA season. A number of intercounty players from different counties were winners in hurling, camogie, ladies football and men’s gaelic football. Special Merit awards were also presented to those who, whilst not winning individual awards, achieved distinction by playing with both fresher hurling and football awards, as well as club administration.

NUI Galway GAA Officer Michael O’Connor said: “This is part of NUI Galway GAA's increased involvement with the community and the players that represent the University. NUI Galway is also involved in the sponsorship of Man of the Match Awards in all Connacht hurling and football finals at second level to help showcase the best Gaelic games talent and highlight the games that take place at this level.”

2012-13 Player of the Year Awards:

Fresher A Football: Lee Cullen from Bellanleck, Co. Fermanagh

Fresher B Football: Ger McWalter from Foxford, Co. Mayo

Fresher C Football: Éanna Bane from Caherlistrane, Co.  Galway

Junior Football: Joint winners - Paddy Collins from Breaffy, Co. Mayo and Ruardhí McLoughlin from Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim

Intermediate Football: Kieran O’Donnell from the Aran Islands, Co. Galway

Senior Football: Shane Nally from Garrymore, Co. Mayo

Fresher A Hurling: David Reidy from Ennis, Co. Clare

Fresher B Hurling: Hannan Iqbal from Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

Intermediate Hurling: Eoin O’Farrell from Blackpool, Cork

Senior Hurling: Joseph Cooney from Bullaun, Co. Galway

Camogie: Aisling Dunphy from Graigue Ballycallan, Co. Kilkenny

Fresher Ladies Football: Emer Gallagher from Termon, Co. Donegal

Lynch Cup Ladies Football: Michelle Guinan from Tullamore, Co. Offaly

O’Connor Ladies Football: Ciara Hegarty from Moville, Co. Donegal

Special Merit Awards: Conor Cleary from Kilmaley, Co. Clare (Dual Fresher); Kevin McMahon from Marino, Co. Dublin (Dual Fresher); Gordon Joyce from Fairhill, Cork City (Dual Fresher); Dinny Mulvey from Butlersbridge Co. Cavan (Junior Football Manager); Maureen Heneghan from Portstewart, Co. Derry (Camogie); Rebecca Towey from Ballaghadeeren, Co. Mayo (Ladies Football); and Byran O’Loughlin from Kilmaley Co. Clare (Intermediate Hurling).

-ENDS-