Cumann Camógaíochta na nGael announce All Star awards

PRESS RELEASE

7th November 2009

All-Ireland Champions Cork dominate Camogie All-Stars with Gemma O’Connor getting honoured for an unprecedented sixth successive time. While five players receive All Star awards for the first time. Six members of the 2009 All-Ireland winning Cork team have been named tonight in the Camogie All Star team which was announced at Citywest Hotel. It was a special evening for Gemma O’Connor – currently on army duty in Chad – who was rewarded with an unprecedented sixth consecutive All Star. O’Connor’s versatility is highlighted by the fact she has won awards in three different areas of the pitch. The St Finbarr’s player was represented by her mother Geraldine. Gemma is joined by goalkeeper Aoife Murray, full back Cathriona Foley, centre back Mary O’Connor, midfielder Briege Corkery as well as top scorer in the championship Rachel Moloney who are all taking home their third awards.

Championship runners-up, Kilkenny, received five awards with Jacqui Frisby, Elaine Aylward, Anne Dalton and Katie Power earning their first All-Star, in recognition of the Black and Amber reaching the All Ireland decider after a wait of eight years. Aoife Neary collected her second award in two years. Beaten semi-finalists Galway received three awards. Therese Maher picks up her third while Regina Glynn and Anne Marie Hayes are winners for the second time. Grainne McGoldrick is a first time winner for Derry. The O’Neills Young Player of the Year award went to Kilkenny’s Denise Gaule. This has been an incredible year for the Kilkenny forward who featured prominently in the Cats fourth consecutive All Ireland minor win. The Windgap player amassed an amazing 5-11 between the All Ireland minor semi-final and final. She also had a prolific season in front of the posts with the senior team.

Denise Cronin was named the O’Neills Manager of the Year following back-to-back victories with Cork. The former Glen Rovers and County star led the Rebels to their eighth successive final appearance in 10 years, and to their 24th title overall – just two behind titleholders Dublin. After a very successful playing career, Denise took over the management of the Cork team in 2008. Speaking at the awards ceremony Joan O’Flynn, President of the Camogie Association said, “The All Stars awards recognise the individual excellence and leadership of the leading camogie players this season. The Awards are a treasured keepsake as they signify the achievement of playing camogie to the highest standards. “This recognition is now also extended to players from the Junior All Ireland series through the inaugural Soaring Star Awards. In a season when 13 different counties won National League and All Ireland Championship titles, the 2009 All Star and Soaring Star Award winners claim their rightful place as wonderful exponents of all that’s best in Camogie”.

CAMOGIE ALL STARS 2009 IN ASSOCIATION WITH O’NEILLS

Goalkeeper

Aoife Murray (Cork)

Backs

Regina Glynn (Galway)

Cathriona Foley (Cork)

Jacqui Frisby (Kilkenny)

Anne Marie Hayes (Galway)

Mary O’Connor (Cork)

Elaine Aylward (Kilkenny)

Midfield

Briege Corkery (Cork)

Anne Dalton (Kilkenny)

Forwards

Katie Power (Kilkenny),

Gemma O’Connor (Cork)

Therese Maher (Galway)

Aoife Neary (Kilkenny)

Grainne McGoldrick (Derry)

Rachel Moloney (Cork)

O’NEILLS MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Denise Cronin (Cork)

O’NEILLS YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Denise Gaule (Kilkenny)

CAMOGIE SOARING STARS 2009:

Goalkeeper

Audrey Kennedy (Offaly)

Backs

Fiona Stephens (Offaly)

Eimear Moynan (Laois)

Karen Brady (Offaly)

Karen Tinnelly (Down)

Michaela Morkan (Offaly)

Louise Donoghue (Meath)

Midfield

Louise Mahony (Laois)

Niamh Coyle (Roscommon)

Forwards

Arlene Watkins (Offaly)

Catherine McGourty (Down)

Áine Lyng (Waterford)

Susie O’Carroll (Kildare)

Karen Kelly (Waterford)

Elaine Dermody (Offaly)