Eugene Branagan of Kilcoo and Dessie Hutchinson of Ballygunner have been named the AIB GAA Club Footballer and Hurler of the Year respectively following their Championship winning displays for their clubs throughout last season’s AIB GAA Club Championships.
Branagan has been honoured following a series of breathless performances for the recently crowned All-Ireland champions, Kilcoo. His versatility and all-action style were crucial to his side’s victory, as Mickey Moran’s charges swept all before them in both Down and Ulster before conquering the All-Ireland series.
Throughout both the Ulster and All-Ireland campaigns, Branagan’s hard-running game style and ability to find space and scores from nowhere was often the difference for the men from Mourne. This was never more true than in the final when Branagan delivered an inspired Man of the Match display to help Kilcoo claim their maiden All-Ireland title with a late goal against Dublin’s Kilmacud Crokes.
In hurling, Dessie Hutchinson’s naming as AIB GAA Club Hurler of the Year followed a season where the Déise man was at times unplayable, leading the line for Ballygunnerthrough the Waterford, Munster and All Ireland Championships.
His four points in the semi-final win over Slaughtneil, and 1-3 in the dramatic final win over Ballyhale Shamrocks were crucial.
The AIB GAA Club Football team and the AIB GAA Club Hurling Teams of the Year were also officially announced.
All-Ireland champions Kilcoo claimed seven places on the line-up, with goalkeeper Niall Kane, full-back Ryan McEvoy, wing-backs Miceal Rooney and Daryl Brangan, and half-forwards Ceilum Doherty and Jerome Johnston joining the AIB Club Footballer of the Year in the XV.
Kilmacud Crokes were rewarded for their run to the final, with four places on the team in corner-back Dan O’Brien, centre half-back Rory O’Carroll, midfielder Craig Dias and corner-forward Dara Mullin.
Champions of Connacht, Padraig Pearses, have two representatives in the selection with midfielder Niall Daly and corner-forward Paul Carey, while corner-back Sam Ryan and corner-forward Stephen Sherlock earn their place given their exploits for Munster kingpins, St. Finbarr’s.
The All-Ireland champions also dominate the Club Hurling Team of the Year, as Ballygunner’s maiden victory sees them rewarded with a similar seven slots on the team. Goalkeeper Stephen O’Keeffe is joined by Ian Kenny and Philip Mahony at corner-back and wing-back. Midfielder Paddy Leavey earns his place in the centre of the field, while Mikey Mahony and Billy O’Keeffe are both included as wing-forwards, with Hutchinson named at corner-forward.
Kilkenny’s Ballyhale Shamrocks claim five spots after another superb campaign which saw them claim a third consecutive Leinster title.
Veteran Joey Holden is named at full-back and he is joined by Darragh Corcoran and Richie Reid in the half-back line. Ballyhale talisman TJ Reid is named at centre-forward, while sharpshooter Eoin Cody earns his spot in the Number 15 shirt.
Midfielder Cormac O’Doherty and full-forward Brendan Rogers of Slaughtneil have also been recognised for their displays with the Derry club throughout the season, while corner-back Fintan Burke of St Thomas’s also makes the team following an outstanding season with the Galway champions.
“After what was another year of tremendous action in the AIB GAA Club Championships, we are delighted to recognise these players, particularly Dessie and Eugene, for everything they have given their clubs this season,” said AIB CEO Colin Hunt.
“All thirty players honoured today represented their clubs and communities with distinction, and should look back at their efforts this season with pride. AIB is delighted to recognise these exceptional athletes, and we look forward to our continued our support for these unique Championships.”
“I sincerely congratulate Eugene and Dessie and all of the players who have been announced today,” added GAA President Larry McCarthy.
“The AIB GAA Club Championship is a gift that keeps giving. Every year, without fail, we are treated to great games and great stories of clubs producing heroics for the glory of the communities and the people they represent.”
“Since this awards scheme was initiated in 2018 it has allowed us to pay tribute to the outstanding performers who made particularly memorable contributions. I look forward to another successful club championship being held in every county starting later this summer and I want to thank AIB for their long-standing support of these iconic competitions.”
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