The provincial players of the year in football and hurling in the four provinces have been announced ahead of the All-Ireland semi-finals. Crossmaglen's dominance on the club scene cannot be debated. As the Armagh side prepare to capture their fifth All-Ireland Club Football title in ten years, the unquenchable Crossmaglen side have further cause for celebration-their top scorer, Oisin McConville, has picked up his fourth AIB Provinicial Player Award. This year sees the inspiring McConville pick up his second consecutive award and fourth overall since the inception of the awards back in 1996, when the star forward was honoured for the first time. The annual AIB Provincial Player Awards, now in their twelfth year, recognise the talent of players at club level, particularly those who may or may not participate at county level but who make a vital contribution to the grassroots of the GAA. The winners are selected by GAA media around the country based on who they deem to have had outstanding performances in the AIB club championships for the previous year. McConville is joined in the football honours list by previous winner James Masters, Nemo Rangers, who received his award in 2006. Prominent performances in the 2007 AIB club championships in 2007 have also earned due recognition for Ronan McGarrity, Ballina Stephenites, and St.Vincent's Ger Brennan. Damien Hayes, Portumna, is amongst the list of hurlers honoured this year. Damien previously picked up an award in 2006, the year his club went on to achieve All-Ireland success. Also recognised for their contribution to club hurling are first time winners Paddy Richmond, Dunloy, who beat off stiff competition from team mate Gregory O'Kane, David Kennedy, Loughmore-Castleiney, and Birr's Niall Claffey, who was hotly pursued by Brian Whelehan. The players will be presented with their awards at a function in AIB Bankcentre, Ballsbridge on Monday 3rd March, where the Coaching & Games Development awards will also be awarded. 2007 AIB Provincial Player Award Winners Hurling Awards: Damien Hayes - Connacht, Portumna Niall Claffey - Leinster, Birr David Kennedy - Munster, Loughmore-Castleiney Paddy Richmond - Ulster, Dunloy Football Awards: Ronan McGarrity - Connacht, Ballina Stephenites Ger Brennan - Leinster, St. Vincent's James Masters - Munster, Nemo Rangers Oisin McConville - Ulster, Crossmaglen Tweet

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