GAA:Henry Shefflin and Jack O'Shea were today voted the favourite hurler and footballer respectively of the last 25 years as part of the concluding events to mark the GAA's 125th Anniversary celebrations today.
To mark the occasion TG4have broadcast a full day and night of Gaelic Games themed programming. All the various winners were announced during TG4's live coverage of the AIB Munster Club Hurling Quarter-Final between Newtownshandrum and Thurles Sarsfields at Semple Stadium in Thurles this afternoon.
The Irish-speaking television station asked viewers to vote for their favourite hurler and footballer before a panel of experts, including legendary broadcaster, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, selected a shortlist of twenty five players.
Over 104,000 viewers voted with Kilkenny’s Shefflin edging his fellow Kilkenny legend DJ Carey into second while Nicky English came third.
Shefflin has amassed seven All-Ireland medals with the Cats and has a record equalling nine All-Star awards. He was twice named hurler of the year.
O’Shea was voted topped the football vote and was closely followed by Tyrone’s Peter Canavan and Kerry midfielder Dara Ó Sé in third.
O’Shea was footballer of the year in 1980, 1981, 1984 and 1985 and a winner of seven All-Ireland senior medals and six All-Star awards. He was the driving force when Kerry won three in a row from 1984-1986.
Other programmes to celebrate the 125th anniversary including: documentaries on Sam Maguire, Micheál O’Hehir, Christy Ring, Cormac McAnallen and John 3:7, Top 50 GAA football Goals, Top 50 GAA Hurling Goals and a specially commissioned edition of the traditional music series Geantraí.
To mark the founding of the GAA at Hayes Hotel in Thurles on November 1st, 1884, a special mass took place at Thurles Cathedral this morning and was followed by a ceremony at the Dr Croke monument in the town.
Events were also held at the GAA Museum at Croke Park.