Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny) and Paul Galvin (Kerry) have been announced as the Opel Gaelic Players of the Year for Hurling and Football for 2009 by the Gaelic Players Association at the GPA's Annual Gala and Awards Evening at the Citywest Hotel this evening.

Tommy Walsh and Paul Galvin 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 Tommy and Paul who have been acknowledged by their fellow hurlers and footballers as the outstanding players of the 2009 season. Both men made massive contributions to their respective county's efforts this year and though they were up against serious competition during the nomination process, they have been singled out by their peers. While in team sport the collective always comes first, Tommy and Paul showed great leadership throughout the summer. Sincere thanks to Opel for their commitment to players in 2009, thanks to our selection committee 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 Gaelic games and in particular to honour our sporting heroes in football and hurling from the 2009 season. The two All-Ireland Finals this year were particularly exciting and we congratulate both Opel GPA Teams of the Year. In particular of course we are delighted to celebrate with Tommy Walsh and Paul Galvin tonight, both worthy winners of their Player of the Year awards."

The three nominees for the Opel Gaelic Player of the year for Hurling as chosen by the Hurling Selection Committee were: Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny), Lar Corbett (Tipperary) and John Mullane (Waterford) while the two nominations for the Opel Gaelic Player of the year for Football as chosen by the Football Selection Committee were: Tomás Ó Sé (Kerry) and Paul Galvin (Kerry).

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 2009 Opel Gaelic team of the Year for Hurling in full consists of:

1. PJ Ryan (Kilkenny)
2. Ollie Canning (Galway)
3. JJ Delaney (Kilkenny)
4. Jackie Tyrell (Kilkenny)
5. Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
6. Conor O'Mahony (Tipperary)
7. Padraic Maher (Tipperary)
8. Shane McGrath (Tipperary)
9. Michael Rice (Kilkenny)
10. Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny)
11. Seamus Callanan (Tipperary)
12. Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny)
13. John Mullane (Waterford)
14. Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)
15. Lar Corbett (Tipperary)

The 2009 Opel Gaelic team of the Year for Football in full consists of:

1. Diarmuid Murphy (Kerry)
2. Marc Ó Sé (Kerry)
3. Michael Shields (Cork)
4. Tom O'Sullivan (Kerry)
5. Tomás Ó Sé (Kerry)
6. Graham Canty (Cork)
7. John Miskella (Cork)
8. Dermot Earley (Kildare)
9. Seamus Scanlon (Kerry)
10. Paul Galvin (Kerry)
11. Pearse O'Neill (Cork)
12. Paddy Kelly (Cork)
13. Daniel Goulding (Cork)
14. Declan O'Sullivan (Kerry)
15. Tommy Walsh (Kerry)

Other awards for 2009 announced by the GPA Awards were:

GPA Player of the Tournament, Christy Ring Cup - Shane Kavanagh (Carlow)

GPA Player of the Tournament, Nicky Rackard Cup - Neil Hackett (Meath)

GPA Players of the Tournament, Lory Meagher Cup - Justin Kelly (Tyrone) & Jamesie Donnelly (Donegal)