Awards: Best U21 Hurler
January 17, 2012
Derek Doran gains possession for Kildalkey
Meath lost out to neighbours Westmeath in the Leinster U21 A hurling final after extra time at Lomans Park Trim. On the local front there where victories for Kilmessan and Kildalkey in their respective championships.
Although unsuccessful on the club front Kiltale's Shane McGann has been one of the best goalkeepers the Royal county has seen in years. McGann was a key figure with the Kiltale seniors hurlers that reached the championship semi final. Shane was captain of the county U21 side and was also the Royals seniors No1.
Derek Doran has been mentioned on these awards on numerous occasions. The ace marksman was a key figure as Kildalkey claimed their 3 in a row. In the opening round of the Leinster championship Doran scored 1-3 out of Meath's 1-10 total. His goal towards the end finally killed off the Kildare challenge. Derek also made the Meath senior squad. Kildalkey rounded off a great year by winning the U21 B Hurling Championship. Moylagh Kilskyre were beaten 2-17 to 3-9 at Dunganny and Doran scored a massive ten points.
Keith Keogan has been one of the best free takers in Meath hurling circles these past few years. A constant top scorer with his club Killyon, Keith was also the main shooter for the Meath Under 21's. The talented forward scored six points against Kildare in the semi final and eight in the decider against Westmeath.
Willie Mahady was outstanding for club and county during 2011. The teak tough defender has won every honour at club level that Meath minor and underage has to offer. He was one of the best defender in the senior hurling championship as his club Kiltale marched to the semi finals. Willie was also centre back on the county under 21 team.
One of the playmakers on that under 21 team was Eoin Marsh. Lining out at centre half forward he was central to all on Mike Cole's team. Eoin has starred with Kilmessan seniors these past few years and was outstanding in their bid to dethrone Kildalkey in the semi final. Kilmessan defeated Killyon to win the Meath U21 hurling championship. Marsh lined out at centre field and was one of the best players on the pitch.
Honourable mentions. Ray Hatton Boardsmill, Tommy Raleigh Killyon, Kevin Keenan Kilmessan, Seanie Geraghty Kilskyre Moylagh and Eoin Lynch Longwood.
Our award goes to Derek Doran
Tomorrow we pick our best captain's speech
Our previous award winners
Awards: Best camogie player
Awards: Best U16 Footballer
Awards: Best Senior Hurler
Awards: Unluckiest team
Awards: Best former county man still playing
Awards: Best Ladies Footballer
Awards: Best U21 Footballer
Awards: Best combination of referee and player
Awards: Best Minor Hurler
Awards: Best Intermediate Club Footballer
Awards: Best Club Grounds
Awards: Best Dual Player at Club Level
Awards: Club of the Year (on the playing field)
Awards: Best referee in a pressure situation
Awards: Best Intermediate Club Hurler
Awards: Senior Club Footballer of the Year
Awards: Best Junior Championship Player
Awards: Best Meath star in a club management role
Awards: Minor Footballer of the Year
Awards: Best comeback in a championship match
Awards: Best togged out team at adult level
Awards: Best display in a ladies football final
Awards: Most medals won Tweet
