Top 21 players from U21FC chosen as Dublin's Aaron Byrne named POTY
May 22, 2017
The four winners of the inaugural EirGrid GAA U21 Player of the Province Award- clockwise Donegal's Michael Langan, Galway's Michael Daly, Aaron Byrne Dublin and Kerry's Andrew Barry
EirGrid, proud sponsors of the U21 All-Ireland Football Championship, today revealed details of the top 21 players of this year's competition through the 'EirGrid 21 Under 21 Awards' with Aaron Byrne from Dublin awarded the EirGrid U21 Player of the Year.
These awards, now in their third year, are run by EirGrid to recognise the outstanding talent at this age grade. The Gaelic Writers Association and EirGrid ambassador Seán Cavanagh selected the top 21 players of the Championship with the EirGrid U21 Player of the Year chosen through a public vote.
This year, the three nominees for the EirGrid U21 Player of the Year were Dublin duo Aaron Byrne and Brian Howard and Galway's Seán Andy Ó Ceallaigh. Fans casted their vote on the official GAA Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages between Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th May. Aaron Byrne from Dublin took the title, receiving 4,315 votes (46%).
Dublin made history this year by not only claiming their fourth successive EirGrid U21 Leinster title, but by capturing the U21 All-Ireland title for the third time in six years. Their efforts have been reflected with eight players from this panel selected as recipients of the 'EirGrid 21 U21 Awards'. (Evan Comerford, Eoin Murchan, Cian Murphy, Cillian O'Shea, Brian Howard, Aaron Byrne, Con O'Callaghan and Glenn O'Reilly)
All-Ireland finalists Galway have five players included (Ronán Ó Beoláin, Seán Andy Ó Ceallaigh, Cillian McDaid, Peter Cooke and Michael Daly) with three coming from Ulster champions Donegal (Eoghan Bán Gallagher, Michael Carroll and Michael Langan). Kerry also have three recipients (Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Andrew Barry and Matthew Flaherty) of the award. Offaly, who reached their first provincial final since 2007, are represented by Shane Tierney, while Sligo's Darragh Cummins has received an award for his impressive efforts in the Connacht Championship.
Speaking at the EirGrid U21 Player of the Year award presentation Aaron Byrne commented: "I'm honoured to be receiving this award from EirGrid today. To think of all the great players who are playing at U21 level this year in Dublin and other counties across the country, it really came as a shock! EirGrid contributed greatly to the recognition of this hugely competitive championship which has entertained GAA supporters for the past three years. We had a fantastic year with the Dubs and this is a nice way to cap off the last ever U21 Championship competition."
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail said: "I'd like to congratulate all of the 21 nominees following this year's EirGrid U21 Football Championship. Dublin were the victors in the All-Ireland Final, but many teams achieved success over the course of the campaign so I would like to again pay tribute to all management teams and players who took took part in the competition.
"2017 was historic as it was the final occasion this competition was played at the U21 age grade. These players from across the country should be proud to be named in this group as their names and achievements will now forever be associated in the history books with this superb competition. Comhghairdeas le gach duine."
EirGrid 21 U21's
GOALKEEPERS
- Evan Comerford - Dublin
- Ronán Ó Beoláin - Galway
DEFENDERS
- Eoin Murchan - Dublin
- Cian Murphy - Dublin
- Cillian O'Shea - Dublin
- Sean Andy Ó Ceallaigh - Galway
- Cillian McDaid - Galway
- Brian Ó Beaglaoich - Kerry
- Eoghan Bán Gallagher - Donegal
MIDFIELDERS
- Brian Howard - Dublin
- Andrew Barry - Kerry
- Peter Cooke - Galway
- Darragh Cummins - Sligo
FORWARDS
- Aaron Byrne - Dublin
- Con O'Callaghan - Dublin
- Glenn O'Reilly - Dublin
- Michael Carroll - Donegal
- Michael Langan - Donegal
- Michael Daly - Galway
- Matthew Flaherty - Kerry
- Shane Tierney - Offaly
