Today, Friday, 7th November 2008, Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny) and Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone) have been announced as the Opel Gaelic Players of the Year for Hurling and Football for 2008 by the Gaelic Players Association at the GPA’s Annual Gala and Awards Evening at the Citywest Hotel. Eoin Larkin and Seán Cavanagh won the accolades following a vote by the GPA membership after being shortlisted for the prize in October. Due to their outstanding performances throughout the GAA season, both players will receive a brand new Opel Astra worth approximately €25,000. Commenting on the announcement, Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the Gaelic Players' Association said, ““Congratulations to Eoin and Seán who have received a ringing endorsement from their fellow players for their displays this year. Both men contributed enormously to their respective county’s campaigns and were stand-out figures despite the stiff competition. Their pursuit of excellence as players was evident throughout the summer but, as always, they were part of a collective effort and we must acknowledge the role of the team when honouring the contribution of the individual. Sincere thanks to Opel for their commitment to players in 2008 and thanks to all the GPA members who voted for our award winners.
Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland, said, “Opel Ireland is proud to be associated with Eoin Larkin and Seán Cavanagh, a pair of individuals who epitomise the spirit of Gaelic Games. Both players have created a fantastic sense of excitement across the country throughout the GAA season and we are delighted to acknowledge their magnificent achievements.”
The three nominees for the Opel Gaelic Player of the year for Hurling as chosen by the Hurling Selection Committee were: Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny), Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny) and Shane McGrath (Tipperary), while the four nominations for the Opel Gaelic Player of the year for Football as chosen by the Football Selection Committee were: Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone), Brian Dooher (Tyrone), Tomas Ó Sé (Kerry) and Declan O’Sullivan (Kerry).
GPA TV: Opel Player of the Year Award Winners 2008
The Opel Gaelic Teams of the year for Hurling and Football were named in late October/early November; with each player on the team receiving €2,500, making the total value of prizes given out on the night worth approximately €125,000.
The 2008 Opel Gaelic team of the Year for Hurling in full consists of:
1. Brendan Cummins (Tipperary)
2. Michael Kavanagh (Kilkenny)
3. Noel Hickey (Kilkenny)
4. Jackie Tyrell (Kilkenny)
5. Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
6. Conor O’Mahony (Tipperary)
7. JJ Delaney (Kilkenny)
8. Shane McGrath (Tipperary) &9 James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick (Kilkenny)
10. Ben O’Connor (Cork)
11. Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)
12. Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny)
13. Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny)
14. Eoin Kelly (Waterford)
15. John Mullane (Waterford)
The 2008 Opel Gaelic team of the Year for Football in full consists of:
1. Anthony Masterson (Wexford)
2. John Keane (Westmeath)
3. Justin McMahon (Tyrone)
4. Conor Gormley (Tyrone)
5. Davy Harte (Tyrone)
6. Philip Jordan (Tyrone)
7. Ryan McMenamin (Tyrone)
8. Darragh Ó Sé (Kerry) & 9 Enda McGinley (Tyrone)
10. Brian Dooher (Tyrone)
11. Declan O’Sullivan (Kerry)
12. Joe McMahon (Tyrone)
13. Colm Cooper (Kerry)
14. Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone)
15. Michael Meehan (Galway)
Other awards for 2008 announced by the GPA last night were:
GPA Player of the Tournament, Tommy Murphy Cup – Tony Hannon (Wicklow)
GPA Player of the Tournament, Christy Ring – Brendan Murtagh (Westmeath)
GPA Player of the Tournament, Nicky Rackard Cup – Keith Raymond (Sligo)