The official Opel Gaelic Team of the Year for Hurling for 2006 has been announced by the Gaelic Players Association. The team reflects the most successful counties in this year's championship, with 15 players hailing from four different counties - Cork, Kilkenny, Waterford and Tipperary. All-Ireland champions Kilkenny have four representatives - Tommy Walsh, James "Cha" Fitzpatrick, Henry Shefflin and Martin Comerford while losing All-Ireland finalists Cork have six players included - Donal Óg Cusack, Brian Murphy, Ronan Curran, Jerry O'Connor, Ben O'Connor and Joe Deane. The five remaining places on the 2006 Opel Gaelic Team of the Year for Hurling are filled by three Waterford players - Eoin Murphy, Tony Browne and Dan Shanahan and two Tipperary players - Paul Curran and Eoin Kelly. Commenting on the announcement, Chairman of the Hurling Selection Committee, Donal O'Grady, said "These awards are special for players because, ultimately, they have been voted on by their peers. I know there will be some who may find it strange that this year's runners-up received more awards but, regardless of the reaction of people, each position was carefully teased out by the selection committee before being put to the playing body to vote. I congratulate all the award winners for their outstanding contributions this season." Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the Gaelic Players' Association said, "Opel Ireland have afforded inter-county players a unique opportunity this season to honour 15 outstanding hurlers in their positions and the GPA is delighted to have initiated this ground-breaking award scheme, the most lucrative of its kind. I would like to congratulate the winners on behalf of the GPA executive, and remind them, along with all the nominees and, indeed, all the participants in this year's championships, that you continue to contribute an immense amount to the social and cultural fabric of this country through your skills and dedication. I'd also like to point out again to players, fans and commentators, that that the best hurling team in Ireland this year is Kilkenny, and the priceless Celtic Crosses in the All-Ireland Champions' pockets will testify to that. However, the Opel Gaelic Team of the Year was compiled through the subjective shortlist of our committee and then voted upon by the players. It is therefore a subjective selection and reflects the individual efforts of players in their positions. The Opel Gaelic Team of the Year for Hurling is a hugely important addition to the GPA's portfolio and we hope it will go from strength to strength." Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland, said, "The contributions of the fifteen individuals named on the Opel Gaelic Team of the Year for Hurling during the course of the championship have been recognised by their peers and I am delighted to be in a position to reward them. I look forward to meeting the team at the gala event on November 10th in Citywest." Tweet

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