O'Connor crowned Camogie Player of the Year
November 08, 2015
Cork's Gemma O'Connor gets away from Aislinn Connolly of Galway during the All Ireland Senior Camogie semi final at Nowlan Park
All-Ireland Champions Cork and finalists Galway dominate the 2015 Camogie All-Stars team which was unveiled at Citywest last night.
Sponsored by Liberty Insurance, Gemma O'Connor of Cork also collected the inaugural Camogie Association/WGPA Senior Players' Player of the Year award.
Patricia Jackman of Waterford was the recipient of the Intermediate accolade while Kate Nolan of Carlow was chosen as the Junior Players' Player of the Year.
All three were selected from a shortlist as compiled by the WGPA after voting by inter-county players.
O'Connor collected her ninth All-Star award at centre-back while team-mate Aoife Murray was selected in goals; Pamela Mackey and Rena Buckley were named in defence; Cork captain Ashling Thompson was selected in midfield and Orla Cotter and Briege Corkery were named in the forward line.
Galway received seven awards. Defensive duo, Sarah Dervan and Heather Cooney, were named at full-back and corner-back respectively. Lorraine Ryan was selected at wing-back and Galway captain Niamh Kilkenny took a place at midfield.
Niamh McGrath was named at centre-forward while Molly Dunne and Ailish O'Reilly were named at full-forward and corner-forward. Wexford's Kate Kelly completed the team at left-wing forward.
Cork manager Paudie Murray was named as the Liberty Insurance Manager of the Year after guiding his county to successive All-Ireland titles.
Speaking at the event, Camogie Association President Catherine Neary said: "The Liberty Insurance Camogie All-Star awards are an important date in the camogie calendar. It provides us with the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate our players and I congratulate all of our award winners.
"They have entertained us all during the 2015 season with their skill, athleticism, determination and commitment. To win an All-Star Award or a Soaring Star Award is a wonderful achievement for any player and I have no doubt the players would be the first to acknowledge the role of their teammates. Congratulations also to the 2015 Manager of the Year, Paudie Murray of Cork.
"This year saw the introduction of the Camogie Association / WGPA Players' Player of the Year award and we have three fantastic winners. This award is a reflection of the esteem that the winners are held in by their fellow players who voted on this year's recipients."
Aoife Lane, Chairperson of the WGPA commented: "We would like to extend congratulations to all of the nominees for these inaugural awards, and in particular to the three worthy winners; Gemma O'Connor, Patricia Jackman and Kate Nolan.
"Each are excellent athletes and are strong role models in their club and county for the ambition and commitment they display on and off the field.
"It is great to be a part of such a worthwhile venture on a special night for the Camogie Association. Congratulations to all nominees and winners at the 2015 All-Stars event."
The 2015 Soaring Stars at Junior and Intermediate level, which were announced earlier in October, were also presented last night.
Laois trio, Sarah-Anne Fitzgerald, Laura-Marie Maher and Louise Mahony collected awards following their All-Ireland winning exploits with the O'Moore County while All-Ireland Junior finalists, Roscommon were awarded two Soaring Stars with Susan Spillane and Rachel Fitzmaurice. The final place on the 2015 Junior Soaring Stars selection went to Pamela Greville of Westmeath.
The Intermediate selection was led by Waterford with Beth Carton, Lorraine Bray and Patricia Jackman. Kildare duo Susie O'Carroll and Melissa Lyons each collected awards and the final spot went to Jane Dolan of Meath.
