COR BLIMEY, SIX OF BEST FOR CHAMPS
THE first ever AIB GAA Club Players’ Football Team has been announced, with All-ireland champions Corofin leading the way with six representatives.
Additionally, the Galway outfit dominate the shortlist for the newly created AIB GAA Club Footballer of the Year with all three, Ian Burke, Michael Farragher and Liam Silke, coming from their ranks.
That trio is joined on the team by their clubmates Kieran Fitzgerald, Dylan Wall and Martin Farragher.
Ulster champions Slaughtneil had four players selected with two each from Moorefield, who claimed just their second ever Leinster title, and Nemo Rangers, who were well beaten by Corofin in last month’s All-ireland final.
The team is completed by Paddy Mcbrearty of Kilcar and Donegal, the only player not to have made the cut having not won provincial honours.
The new awards scheme is based on performances at provincial and All-ireland level in the AIB Club Championships, with a cross-section of GAA media voting on a final selection.
The players will be presented with their awards at a banquet at Croke Park on Saturday, April 21, when the AIB GAA Club Footballer of the Year will be announced live on the night.
The hurling selection will be revealed next week.
GAA president John Horan (inset) commented: “Every year the club campaign is responsible for some of the high points in the GAA season and it is fitting that we salute the star performers who go to such lengths for the pride of their club jersey.
“In recognising these outstanding performers we also pay tribute to the clubs who produced them.” AIB GAA CLUB PLAYERS FOOTBALL AWARDS TEAM 2018: Antóin Mcmullan (Slaughtneil); Liam Silke (Corofin), Kieran Fitzgerald (Corofin), Karl Mckaigue (Slaughtneil); James Murray (Moorefield), Chrissy Mckaigue (Slaughtneil), Dylan Wall (Corofin); Alan O’donovan (Nemo Rangers), Michael Farragher (Corofin); Eanna O’connor (Moorefield), Christopher Bradley (Slaughtneil), Ian Burke (Corofin); Patrick Mcbrearty (Kilcar), Luke Connolly (Nemo Rangers), Martin Farragher (Corofin). FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES: Ian Burke, below left, (Corofin); Michael Farragher, middle, (Corofin); Liam Silke, right, (Corofin).