There was a celebration of the games but also memories of a life lost today as University of Limerick’s David Clifford and Bryan O’Mara were named as the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Star Footballer and Hurler of the Year.
Red Óg Murphy who tragically passed away this spring was also remembered as a fine player, person and student at this year’s host DCU.
Clifford, an Electric Ireland Minor Star award winner in 2017, was phenomenal throughout the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup, scoring six goals and 22 points in six Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup matches, as UL made it all the way to the final, for only the second time in the university’s history.
O’Mara, who was Man of the Match in the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup Final, was outstanding over the course of UL’s journey to the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup final. The Tipperary man also scored four points in the final as UL lifted the trophy for the first time since 2018.
The Rising Star Football Team of the Year 2022 included DCU DÉ player, Red Óg Murphy, who tragically passed away in April. Red Óg Murphy was a stalwart of DCU DÉ’s midfield and his skill and flair were evident throughout the Sigerson Cup in 2022 as DCU DÉ reached the semi-finals of the competition.
“It was wonderful, after such a long break, to see all the players back in action in the Electric Ireland Higher Education Leagues,” said Sarah Sharkey, Brand, PR and Sponsorship Manager at Electric Ireland.
“David and Bryan are certainly worthy winners of this year’s Rising Star awards, their commitment and performance on the pitch was significant in their team’s progression through the competitions.”
“On behalf of Electric Ireland, I would like to also extend our sincerest sympathies to the teammates, coaches, friends, and family of Red Óg Murphy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
“The intent and dedication both David and Bryan showed over the course of the Electric Ireland Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups is a true sign of how important these competitions are to the players and the GAA,” added GAA President Larry McCarthy.
“These competitions were a brilliant way to begin the year and I would like to congratulate all of those involved who were named in the Team of the Year in March. I would also like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Red Óg Murphy. Red Óg was a standout performer for DCU DÉ during this year’s Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup and his untimely death has been felt by all in the GAA family.”
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