A quartet for Kilkenny - four Gaels named on Team of the Year

Kilkenny senior hurling champions O'Loughlin Gaels have taken four spots on the club team of the year.

The Leinster champions and All-Ireland finalists picked up four honours after the players were selected for this year’s AIB GAA Club Players Awards.

Huw Lawlor was a unanimous choice in the full-back line, as were David Fogarty and Paddy Deegan in front of him after their impressive seasons. Captain Mark Bergin was also rewarded for his stellar form in attack.

All-Ireland champions St Thomas of Galway picked up six awards, starting with goalkeeper Gerald Kelly and full-back Fintan Burke, while the influential Shane Cooney is named wing back. Evergreen star David Burke was selected in midfield, with Conor Cooney and Éanna Burke named as centre and full-forward respectively.

Munster champions Ballygunner are represented with Dessie Hutchinson winning his third Club Player Award since 2020 with Paddy Leavey honoured for the second year in a row in midfield and Peter Hogan deservedly joining them. The team is completed by the presence of inspirational Cushendall players Paddy Burke at corner-back and Neil McManus at top of the left.

The players will be honoured at a special function at Croke Park this Friday, where they will be presented with their awards by Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns.

"I want to congratulate all the players who have been selected for an AIB GAA Club Players Award," he said. "The high calibre of the teams is a reflection of what was another outstanding campaign.

"The club championship is like a Holy Grail at county level, then for a special few there is a shot at provincial success and if you are fortunate enough, the chance for All-Ireland history. Year after year this pursuit of glory by clubs and their communities produces fantastic competition that leaves us enthralled. I want to acknowledge the support of our partners in AIB for their assistance in sustaining this great success story for the GAA."

Hurler of the Year

Also announced on the night will be the overall AIB GAA Club Footballer and Hurler of the Year. O’Loughin Gaels’ pillars David Fogarty and Paddy Deegan are shortlisted after they spearheaded the Kilkenny champions drive for Croke Park. Alongside them is St Thomas’ hero David Burke who was prolific when he was needed most.

AIB Club Hurling Team of the Year

1 Gerald Kelly (St Thomas’)

2 Paddy Burke (Ruairí Óg, Cushendall)

3 Fintan Burke (St Thomas’)

4 Huw Lawlor (O’Loughlin Gaels)

5 David Fogarty (O’Loughlin Gaels)

6 Paddy Deegan (O’Loughlin Gaels)

7 Shane Cooney (St Thomas’)

8 David Burke (St Thomas’)

9 Paddy Leavey (Ballygunner)

10 Mark Bergin (O’Loughlin Gaels)

11 Conor Cooney (St Thomas’)

12 Peter Hogan (Ballygunner)

13 Dessie Hutchinson (Ballygunner)

14 Éanna Burke (St Thomas’)

15 Neil McManus (Ruairí Óg, Cushendall)