Eugene Cloonan became the first player to receive a third AIB provincial club player award in Dublin yesterday. The Galway and Athenry hurler was sent off in his club's All-Ireland club semi-final defeat to Birr last Sunday fortnight.
Master of ceremonies Micheal Ó Muircheartaigh made a tongue-in-cheek reference to Cloonan's impending case before the Games Administration Committee. Noting that Croke Park had some difficulties with "your style", he advised the player to "have a word with Seán McCague" while the GAA president presented the award.
Cloonan wasn't the only award winner in this awkward position as Dunshaughlin footballer Niall Kelly had also been dismissed during his club's semi-final defeat by Crossmolina nine days ago. And Dunloy hurler Gregory O'Kane only played in his club's semi-final victory over Mount Sion after having a suspension reduced by the Ulster Council.
Nonetheless all three had solid claims to their accolades. Cloonan scored 4-17 between the Connacht club final and All-Ireland quarter-final against Seán Treacy's. Kelly's high fielding and kicking were a feature of Dunshaughlin's first Leinster title and O'Kane was his club's outstanding hurler, averaging 0-7 in the Ulster championship.
Honoured for the second time was Nemo Rangers and Cork's Colin Corkery who retained the Munster award after scoring 2-12 during the three matches of the Munster championship.
Another renowned scorer Peter Canavan received his first award in recognition of his input to Errigal Ciarán's march to a second Ulster title, which included two replays against three-times All-Ireland winners Crossmaglen Rangers. Crossmolina's Kieran McDonald was unable to attend the presentation.
Mount Sion and Waterford hurler Ken McGrath won the Munster award after an epic display in the Munster final against Sixmilebridge. Rory Hanniffy picked up Birr's fourth accolade but the first not to be won by the Whelahan family.
Also presented were the coaching and games development awards. Armagh's Francie Casey was honoured for his tireless promotion of the game at all levels but particularly juvenile.
The football citation went to former Cavan manager Val Andrews who also took Tralee RTC (now IT Tralee) to two Sigerson Cups in 1997 and '98. It recognised his contribution to games development with his club Ballymun Kickhams whose floodlit artificial pitch (the first in the country) he is overseeing and the IT in Blanchardstown.
WINNERS: Football- Connacht: Kieran McDonald (Crossmolina, Mayo); Leinster: Niall Kelly (Dunshaughlin, Meath); Munster: Colin Corkery (Nemo Rangers, Cork); Ulster: Peter Canavan (Errigal Ciaran, Tyrone).
Hurling- Connacht: Eugene Cloonan (Athenry, Galway); Leinster: Rory Hanniffy (Birr, Offaly); Munster: Ken McGrath (Mount Sion, Waterford); Ulster: Gregory O'Kane (Dunloy, Antrim).
Coaching and Development awards: Hurling: Francie Casey (Armagh); Football: Val Andrews (Dublin).
