Carlow footballer JJ Smith and hurling star John Rogers are included in an 11-strong shortlist for the annual Co Carlow Sports Personality of the Year award in two weeks' time.

The winner will be announced at a gala ceremony in the Seven Oaks Hotel, where the guest speaker will be former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland striker John Aldridge.

JJ Smith has been a key performer for the Carlow footballers and has also been in good form for Carlow IT, scoring a goal in the college's recent Sigerson Cup defeat to the University of Limerick.

Stout defender John Rogers helped Carlow to a second successive victory in the Christy Ring Cup last summer.

Other candidates for the overall award are the entire Christy Ring Cup-winning side as well as Leinster and Ireland rugby star Sean O'Brien, golfer Rebecca Coakley and horseracing champion trainer Willie Mullins.

For more details, check out this week's The Nationalist. Tweet

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