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News has emerged this week that the GPA has retained the services of Platinum One to help the players’ organization with its ongoing marketing activities. Dessie, Donal Óg and the fellas will be very pleased with themselves altogether. Could we see an outbreak of Beckham style endorsement deals from the GAA? Will your Christmas ads feature a familiar face or worse?

Oh how times have changed since Galway hurler Joe Cooney stood astride a worried looking sheep in a grainy television ad extolling the virtues of Nilverm.

Nowadays Sean Cavanagh never leaves the house unless he’s wearing something by Puma and driving a tasty brand new Opel motor as GPA player of the year. We had Seán Óg and Paul Codd with their Paddy Power branded hurleys back in the old days a few years back when these things were more frowned upon. Colm Keys in the Independent recently reminisced about the Kerry squad endorsing Bendix washing powder, even though its unlikely any of them even knew what a washing machine was or looked like.

Colm also lists an extensive range of GAA amateur players lifting a decent wadge from their celebrity. He points out that the players promoting and attending the GAA’s Cúl camps sponsored by VHI can lift a handy €3000. The 10 players in the Club Energise TV ad earned €7,000 each. If they are used in local billboards they get an additional €2500. Lucozade sport is endorsed by the likes of Eoin Kelly, Oisin McConville and Brendan Cummins. Powerade have Padraig Joyce on their books.

It goes on – the Vodafone All Stars tour is worth around €2000; the All Ireland winning captain gets a wad of euros in promotional fees; for a basic appearance the GPA recommended fee is in the region of €1000.

Former GPA guru Donal O’Neill has suggested that such is the popularity of the GAA that it could only be a matter of time before the likes of Seán Óg with his uber image can earn €100,000.

We may live in interesting times. Talking Balls reckons the new generation of endorsements could come from a more unexpected source. Step forward Ricey…

Last week in Dublin as part of their PR duties as a flag bearer for adidas the All Blacks took part in a multi sports session featuring twenty lucky Munster fans, as well as the likes of Kieran Donaghy and Sean Og, taking time out from his banter with Gerald McCarthy.

During the ‘More Than a Game’ sessions the likes of Rodney So’oialo and Dan Carter got to have a go at hurling.

Judging by the way things panned out on Saturday evening in Croker, maybe the blazers in the IRFU should have agreed to play one half New Zealand’s national sport of rugby and one half hurling. Might have given us a chance of winning.

Or maybe not…

We all remember at school that there was always one b*****d that was good at everything. Whether it was golf, table tennis, squash this hoor would pure sicken your happiness he was that good at every sport he put his hand to.

If he was in Panama and the sport was Panamanian Donkey throwing he’d be deadly at it. Likewise the Afghan pastime of Bushkazi which is basically polo but with a headless goat as the ball.

Yes indeed, after his performance in Croker on Saturday and judging by the photos our friends in WHPR sent us for this article, Dan Carter is that hoor.

Look at the balance of the ball on the stick. Look at the thumb on the right hand controlling the hurley, which itself he has shortened for control. Looks like he was born to hurl.

If things don’t work out for him in Perpignan in January, and of course they will, maybe this Dan the Man is just what the doctor ordered for hurling.

But before you go reaching for the valium and bottle of vodka and a night’s depression at how talented these New Zealanders are, all is not lost. Carter’s teammate Rodney So’oialo was pictured in the Irish News holding the hurley upside down. In fact, he looked like someone’s ma trying to hurl. Here we show his response when asked to shorten the stick.

Maybe there only is one Dan Carter after all…

JANE Adams capped a superb week for Antrim camogie as her 2-9 haul inspired O’Donovan Rossa to All-Ireland senior club camogie glory on Sunday writes Jackie Cahill.

O’Donovan Rossa became the first Ulster outfit to capture the Bill Carroll trophy in the 44-year history of the competition as they recorded a 2-15 to 1-12 victory against Tipperary and Munster champions Drom & Inch.

A huge crowd witnessed a splendid game played on a fine pitch at Donaghmore, Asbourne and Adams was the undoubted star turn as two first half goals helped to establish a 2-7 to 0-8 interval lead for O’Donovan Rossa.

Adams collected Antrim’s very first camogie Allstar award eight days before this historic club final and she found the net twice in the final ten minutes of the first half to set 2006 runners-up O’Donovan Rossa on their way to a famous win.

With 20 minutes on the watch, Adams collected a fine ball from Seanín Daykin to open up a 1-4 to 0-4 advantage and after Joanne Ryan responded with a point for Drom & Inch, Adams struck a second goal in the 25th minute.

Drom & Inch hit back with a free from their top scorer Therese Shortt but the lethal Adams hit three frees before the end of the first half to open up a five-point interval lead.

O’Donovan Rossa opened the second half with points from Maorisa McGourty and Gráinne Connolly to put more daylight between the sides before Shortt opened Drom’s second half account with a free.

Three minutes from the end, Mary Looby scored a consolation goal with a fine handpassed effort to the net but it proved too little too late for Drom & Inch as O’Donovan Rossa secured a six-point win.

Adams, Daykin and Kerrie O’Neill were O’Donovan Rossa’s leading players while Shortt, Looby, Joanne Ryan and Geraldine Kinnane showed well for Drom & Inch.

Meanwhile, another large crowd was present in Nenagh as Laois outfit Harps secured a third successive All-Ireland junior club success with a 1-11 to 3-2 victory against Clare side Kilmaley. Harps won an entertaining match by three points after outscoring their opponents 0-4 to 0-1 in the second half.

Four goals were scored in the opening half as the sides were level at 3-1 to 1-7 at the break. Harps had four points on the board before Kilmaley opened their account with sixteen minutes on the watch. Kilmaley’s Maria Hehir and Harps star Áine Mahony traded goals before the Clare kingpins shocked their opponents with a quickfire brace from Claire McMahon just before half-time.

With two minutes remaining in the first half, McMahon’s free deceived the Harps defenders and ended up in the net before the same player struck again from play to hand Kilmaley a one-point lead.

Player of the match Louise Mahony converted a 45 to tie the scores at half-time and as Kilmaley shot five second half wides, Harps made better use of the chances that came their way to seal the three-in-a-row.

****
Scorers for O’Donovan Rossa: Jane Adams 2-9, Gráinne Connolly 0-2, Maorisa McGourty 0-2, Kerrie O’Neill & Maureen Stewart 0-1 each.

Scorers for Drom & Inch: Therese Shortt 0-7, Joanne Ryan 0-3, Mary Looby 1-2.
****
Scorers for Harps: Áine Mahony 1-3 (0-3f), Aisling Phelan 0-3, Joanne Prior 0-1, Louise Mahony 0-3 (1f, 1 45), Angela Hannon 0-1.

Scores for Kilmaley: Claire McMahon 2-2 (1-2f), Maria Hehir 1-0.

The Powers That Be launched the Oral History Project at Croke Park this week in association with Boston College.

The project is seeking oral tales of members present and past. It seeks to capture for posterity fond memories that, rather than being written down, can be given orally to provide pleasure for future members for years to come.

Welcoming the project, Nicky Brennan said: “No sporting organisation anywhere in the world has attempted to do what this project will do.” He added: “This is a project about the GAA, our games, our people, our history, our place in Irish life.”

The basic aim of this project, commissioned by the GAA and undertaken by Boston College, is to run a community-based public history project, to celebrate 125 years of the Association by collecting, preserving and embracing its past.

“It is one of the biggest sporting history projects ever undertaken in the world and will leave a remarkable legacy for future generations. It is a unique project and we invite every GAA supporter, club, and family to be part of it and to tell their GAA story.” he added at the launch. The project will draw together every section of the GAA and it is envisaged as being a centrepiece of the 125th anniversary celebrations.

They want to hear your stories. Do you know someone whose story should be told? Raconteurs, storytellers, seanachies and linguists with a cunning streak are all welcome. To talk to someone about depositing your tale, visit www.gaahistory.com, email info@gaahistory.com or call 003536625055.

Exclusive Talking Balls interview with Aussie Rules Agent Ricky Nixon – controversial bushranger or talent spotter and admirer of GAA Players. Make up your own mind. He’s not shy anyway…

TB: Ricky, thanks for agreeing to this interview with Talking Balls. Obviously you think Squareball is the best GAA fashion gear available. Just why is it so good?

RN: I guess because all the girls in Ireland stopped me and asked me where I got it and could they get a photo of me in it.

TB: There is a lot of media inches devoted to the International Rules series. Frankly Ricky, does anyone in Oz give a damn about the hybrid game or is it just an end of season jolly to blow off a bit of steam?

RN: The hybrid game was much more popular last time around rather than this time……I suspect the reasons for this is that the really big superstars of the AFL didn’t play and also a lot of people were a bit annoyed at the debate over the physical side of the game last time.

TB: The over-physical approach of the Australians in the last couple of series has had a detrimental effect on Irish Australian relations from this side of the world. Do you think we are bigger whingers than the Poms; just the same or not as bad?

RN: It was definitely seen as whinging however I think people here need to understand that Gaelic Football does not have tackling.

TB: What was it about Graham Geraghty do you think that led to one of your players feeling the need to bounce his head of the Croke Park surface? Would you agree that was a bit excessive?

RN: Maybe he had one of those heads ha ha.

TB: At any time watching the recent series have you thought ‘Hang on there mate, this is a bit suss. I’d rather be out rustlin’ kangaroos’ or whatever it is you Aussie fellas do in your spare time?

RN: To be honest I didn’t have a great interest in the series at all.

TB: How much do you think the winning margin would be if the compromise game was played with an Aussie Rules football as it was once back in the mists of time.

RN: Probably at least 100 points. The games seem to always go the same……early in the game the Aussie struggle with the round ball then as they adapt the game gets closer.

TB: Anyone who watched the BBC documentary on Marty Clarke, as you guys call him, can only have been impressed by the scientific approach of the game there and the attention to detail. Is this a recent phenomenon or has it always been that professional?

RN: I think that our game is probably the most advanced game in the world in respect to the scientific approach……it probably needs to be because it is such a physical game and you need to be so fit to play.

TB: For any young lads out there, if they are serious about making it down under. What skills should they work on? Physically what size do you need to be? How will they get discovered?

RN: The key is for them to build up their endurance and start to practice kicking an Australian Rules ball if they can get hold of one.

TB: Looking over the GAA scene at the minute, are there are players that you look at and think ‘Jeeze mate, if only i could have got him when he was a nipper’.

RN: Sean Cavanagh is a standout…..I think he would be a star over here.

TB: Dermot McNicholl is an old mate of yours from St Kilda days. He was famous here for two things – being a decent footballer and wearing very skimpy tight shorts. How did the ladies in Oz relate to the latter? What did you think of the former?

RN: He definitely could have been a star here if he had of come over at an earlier age and if he didn’t wear such tight shorts that he nearly strangled himself !!!!

TB: On the subject of ladies in Oz, all these young lads going over there to try their hand at Aussie Rules. Can they expect much interest from the local womenfolk? They will after all potentially be adding to the gene pool out there.

RN: The two boys already here – Conor Meredith and Niall McKeever took all of 3 minutes upon arrival to notice that the girls here wear a hell of a lot less than the girls in Ireland where the weather is decidedly different (ie colder)…..there is no doubt the Irish accent works well for the boys when they are chatting to the girls here.

TB: Obviously you must be fairly familiar with Ireland these days. Before we clamp a permanent exclusion order on you, what are the things you like best about Ireland. And least?

RN: I like the way the some of the managers over there rip in to me…..it makes me feel like I’m at home where the same happens……they obviously don’t know me well because the more they complain the harder I will go…..i love Ireland and the countryside and I actually like the miserable weather….the people are great and friendly and I am very surprised how much the “man in the street” knows about AFL. Lets just say that Ireland is the second best country in the world.

TB: Although Australia is a big place there’s only a few people live there. Did you ever meet the late Steve Irwin? What about Kylie Minogue?

RN: I never got to meet Steve Irwin and it was a real tragedy the way he died. Kylie I have met several times and she is not only a slashing girl but very friendly and of course very talented.

TB: Tyrone manager Mickey Harte is an opponent of the International Rule, to put it mildly. If you had Mickey round to dinner what would you talk to him about? Would you try to change his mind?

RN: Mickey Harte is a legend …….but I’m sure him and I would go the full 15 rounds if we went out for dinner…….the irony is I actually agree with him on a lot of what he says about the international rules…….I’m not a great supporter of it…..i would rather see AFL games played in Ireland or alternatively a full Irish team in the AFL……anyway ask Mickey if he’s got time for dinner…..my shout !!!!

TB: Going back to the physical thing, why do you think the players felt the need to resort to what Pat Spillane would call ‘Tuggery’. Can we offer counselling?

RN: Seriously the Irish particularly Spillane is seen as the worlds greatest whinger…….for god sake man….no one died……a few boys having a wrestle…..fit young men playing an aggressive competitive sport……get a life.

TB: The training camp you had in Mayo? What sort of stuff were the lads doing? Were you assessing them are or these already fellas that you will be recommending?

RN: We assessed them on Skills, Fitness and Psychologically then the clubs decided to invite 5 players out to Australia in November and they were Conor Meredith, Niall McKeever, Tommy Walsh, David Moran, James Kielt…..with Tomas McCann very unlucky not to get an invite but likely to next year.

TB: Do you get to watch many minor football matches/university matches/ college matches. Honestly do you think Irish players are in good physical nick or is it just OK given they are amateurs.

RN: I am more focused on the University matches than the Senior County games. We are watch 17-19 y.o. The single biggest attraction for the Clubs and myself is both Gaelic Football and AFL are starting to be played very similar……athletic run and carry the ball and good delivery.

TB: Just to really annoy the Powers That Be, what’s your opinion on pay for play. Should the GAA stop beatin’ about the bush and just pay the top players?

RN: Put it this way…..i hope they keep it amateur because the longer they do the more boys will come out to Australia because naturally a competitive athlete wants to see how good he can be and professional sport tests your limits.

TB: If there was no Ireland v Australia Series would you still be coming here?

RN: Absolutely!

TB: Finally Ricky. Will you be sending Nicky Brennan a Christmas card? What about Mickey Harte?

RN: Nicky Brennan was very decent and forthright with me and I respect the man. As for Mickey I might send him a beer for Xmas and some valium ……. What do you think ?

TB: Thanks for your time Rickey. Advance Australia Fair!

RN: Before I go don’t confuse the spelling of my name with Mickey Harte ie I’m Ricky not Rickey……..i would hate Mickey to deport me for pretending to look like him !!!!!!!!!!!!!! All the best.

This article was published in the Irish Examiner. Here we repoduce it in full without any further comment.

 

Brennan: Why I Flew Business Class to Oz

by Colm O’Connor

GAA PRESIDENT Nickey Brennan last night defended his decision to fly business class to the International Rules Series in Australia while Seán Boylan’s squad and management team travelled in economy.

Brennan insisted he had done so for health reasons stressing it was — and remains — GAA policy for all its officials on association trips to travel economy class.

Last week, the GAA president defended the GAA’s decision not to splash out the extra cash that would be involved in providing the players with business class seats.

“I think the fact that we won the two Tests blows that argument out of the water,” said Brennan at the time. “In the past, Ireland GAA teams going to Australia have always travelled economy class, and I don’t envisage any change in that arrangement in future years. It’s the same situation with the All Star tours – the teams always travel economy class, no matter how far away the destination is.”

However after it emerged that Brennan himself flew business class from Dublin to Sydney via Abu Dhabi, the GAA president issued a statement to The Irish Examiner yesterday outlining the reasoning for his upgrade. He stressed that the business class travel did not cost the Association any additional money as he flew with All-Ireland Hurling Championship sponsors, Etihad.

Explained Brennan: “I, and my family, were concerned for my health because of the number of flights I was taking in such a short space of time.”

He outlined his itinerary before and during the trip to Australia. “I went to Malaysia on October 9th for the Asian Gaelic Games Finals. I flew economy class from Dublin, Amsterdam, Kuala Lumpur, to Penang. I left Malaysia on October 13th and was back in Ireland on October 14th — again flying economy. The next day I had an all-day meeting of the All Star selectors and then on the Friday night I had the All Star function in Dublin. I had the Shinty internationals in Kilkenny on the Saturday the 18th and a function that night in Kilkenny.

“On Sunday, October 19th, I flew from Dublin to Abu Dhabi to Sydney with Etihad Airways.” The GAA president confirmed: “I flew business class. On arrival in Sydney I boarded a flight to Perth and flew economy class on Virgin Blue and arrived in Perth on Tuesday at 5pm, had a shower and then went to a function.”

He continued: “On the Saturday after the first test, the entire Irish party flew economy class on Qantas from Perth to Melbourne. We then spent a week in Melbourne. After the second test we went from Melbourne to Sydney. On Monday, November 3rd, I flew from Sydney to Dublin and was back in Ireland on November 4th and we came home with Etihad.

“I want to stress that the cost of all the Etihad flights was covered as part of our sponsorship arrangement with the airline.”

He said he had never planned to undertake such trips — but was forced to do so due to scheduling issues. “I had been in Malaysia and I had originally hoped that I could have travelled directly on to Australia from there. However we could not change the date of the All Star function so I had no choice but to return home for the All Stars before going back out to Australia. That would be hard on anyone’s system and there was no way that I was going to risk my health.”

Last week former Ireland rugby fitness coach Mike McGurn, who worked with Boylan’s squad prior to their departure, said he was amazed that the Irish squad didn’t travel business class on the long-haul flight.

“Travelling economy class six days before the first Test was a form of suicide. Also, six of the lads only arrived in Australia on the Tuesday before the first Test. Rugby teams, soccer teams wouldn’t do it, and I’m sure when the Aussies (International Rules team) come to Ireland, they don’t travel economy class. Because the lads would obviously be more tired after flying economy class, rather than business class, we deliberately decided in advance of the flight that they wouldn’t be pushed that hard in training in the days before the first Test.”

Brennan insisted in the wake of McGurn’s claims that it was not the policy of the GAA for officials to travel business class. And he again re-iterated that stance yesterday. “Again I want to say that it is not to the policy of the GAA to travel business class. Prior to this I had never travelled business class while I was GAA president. But I, and my family, were concerned for my health because of the number of flights I was taking in such a short space of time. I was not going to take any chances with things like deep vein thrombosis or anything like that.”

He insisted the trip undertaken by the players was done so after lengthy consultation with Boylan. “The players travelled out with Singapore Airlines and flew directly to Perth and arrived on the Monday. This was the way which Sean Boylan wanted things — that the squad could get to their destination in the most direct way.”

Added Brennan: “I don’t know who it was that travelled around the world in 80 days, but I was nearly travelling twice around the world in a week. But I used the time in business (class) to get a lot of paperwork done before meeting with Australian officials.”

Those great people down in WHPR have sent us through an intriguing PR piece promoting Captain Morgan rum.

Since they didn’t accompany the promo piece with any product, we don’t feel honour bound in any way to push a liquor that would leave any self respecting county player on their back, unable to muster even the weakest of passes from the hand. It’s amazing what a free bottle can do – Pernod have known that for years.

According to their ‘wacky’ new TV programme Captain TV, which documents the adventures of a buccaneering dandy with a hairdo not dissimilar to Laois’s Colm Parkinson in his hey day, the boul Captain Morgan is seen investigating claims that much maligned Kerry skipper Paul Galvin was trying to swat a Bee and accidentally slapped Paddy Russell’s notebook to the ground in a bid to protect him. Irrespective of the merits of calling Paddy Russell a Bee, the story is given some legs as Captain Morgan claims to have captured the offending Bee.

We don’t want to offend Paul any further by dwelling on this story, but the real B** Talking Balls is interested in talking to, is the hoor that’s wearing a tee shirt with one of our prints on it, about 36 seconds into the You Tube clip. All very well indeed. Well, if you know this person, hand him in and we’ll get Killian Burns and the good people down at WHPR to send you a bottle of the Captain’s finest.

If you want to watch this drivel, log on to http://www.captaintv.ie/. You’ll be particularly interested if you are one of the thousands of people that gave Paul a raucous welcome at Croker when he returned after his three month suspension. Captain Morgan can also leave a funny taste in the mouth.

Talking Balls was delighted to receive a breathless update from the Powers That Be on the fantastic Cúl Green scheme. With a loud and hearty self- congratulatory slap on the back it proclaims a “very successful first two months!”

Fair play to all you G-A-A tree-huggers out there who are doing your bit burning cow dung in your wood burners, thumbing to matches and sittin’ foundered in the cold at home in case you generate a bit of carbon. If you left a yeti-sized carbon footprint going to Australia then shame on you.

Sez the lads at Croker: “The Cúl Green website has been live for just over two months and thanks to the tremendous support of the fans there have been over 10,000 pledges made resulting in a direct saving of over 1,200 tonnes of carbon so far. Added to the energy saving initiatives within Croke Park this means we are well on our way to making Croke Park carbon neutral. The most popular pledges to date have been switching off lights when not in the room, taking the train to Croke Park instead of driving and taking a bus to work instead of the car.”

(How you switch lights off when you’re not in the room we’ll leave for another day but obviously it’s a good thing to be at!)

The PR blurb tells us that Dublin is top of the Cúl Green table having saved 212.252 tonnes of carbon. Statisticians project that had the Dubs not got hockeyed by Tyrone, the extra pints of Guinness they sank toegther with the attendant amount of rear-end emissions from those last few pre-throw in pints, would have landed them in the relegation position. Fear not ye Dubs and rest happy knowing that getting knocked out of the Championship meant ye did yer bit for the Environment. Plus, the rest of us didn’t have to listen to all that hot air from the Hill. Come on ye (Green) Boys in Blue.

Surprisingly Cork are high up the table in third place. Early projections had the Rebels in a precarious state, especially with all the trees that were chopped so they could issue all those press statements. It is thought that the Player Strike worked in favour of Cork’s green credentials as they didn’t have to drive to training thereby reducing emissions. Seán Óg of course was exempted because, as a living saint, he jogs to training anyway. Tyrone lost out because of the long drive to Dublin from the bushes, however by not shaving it is understood the players reduced their O2 consumption considerably. Still, we can’t win everything.

At this early stagethen, if anyone gives a f***, Dublin leads the County Challenge, followed closely by Limerick.
Position County Total Carbon Saved
1 Dublin 212.252 tonnes
2 Limerick 172.101 tonnes
3 Cork 114.545 tonnes
4 Waterford 97.426 tonnes
5 Kerry 95.002 tonnes
6 Kilkenny 55.433 tonnes
7 Wexford 45.168 tonnes
8 Galway 40.309 tonnes
9 Mayo 40.136 tonnes
10 Tyrone 36.434 tonnes

This year’s All-Ireland champions Cork were the big winners at the Camogie All-Stars in the Citywest Hotel taking home seven awards.

Gemma O’Connor has been rewarded with an unprecedented fifth consecutive All-Star following an impressive 2008. O’Connor won her previous four awards at midfield but collects her fifth award from the half back line. She is joined by goalkeeper Aoife Murray, full back and captain, Cathriona Foley, midfield pair of Briege Corkery and Orla Cotter as well as forwards Rachel Moloney and Síle Burns who scored two goals in the Gala All-Ireland final.

Championship and National League runners-up, Galway, received three awards. The 2008 Championship top scorer, Jessica Gill, has been rewarded with her first All-Star. The 18 year old sharpshooter amassed a total of 6-48 over the course of the Championship. Gill is joined by Captain Sinéad Cahalan and forward Therese Maher.

Beaten semi finalists, Wexford and Tipperary, have both been given one award each as has National League Champions, Kilkenny. Wexford’s full back, Catherine O’Loughlin, claims her second award while Tipperary’s Trish O’Halloran and Kilkenny’s Aoife Neary pick up their first awards.

Antrim and Offaly, won their first ever All-Stars. Michaela Morkan, who was part of the Offaly team that reached the Gala Junior All-Ireland final, has been named in the half backs while free scoring Antrim forward, Jane Adams, took home Antrim’s first All Star.

The O’Neills Camogie Young Player of the Year award went to Clare’s Carina Roseingrave. 2008 has been a fantastic year for the Clare forward. She had a prolific year in front of the posts, most notably her three goals in the All Ireland Junior semi-final against Waterford as well as the 1-1 she scored in the Gala All-Ireland final win over Offaly.

Liam Dunne and Stephen Dormer have been rewarded with the O’Neills Manager of the Year All-Star following their continued success with the Kilkenny underage setup. Dunne and Dormer have been instrumental in Kilkenny’s success at underage level, they led the Cats to their fourth consecutive All-Ireland U16 A title in May.

Speaking at the awards ceremony Liz Howard, President of the Camogie Association said “I want to congratulate the 2008 All Star recipients. Their commitment, skill and contribution to the game during 2008 was phenomenal. 2008 was a great year for Camogie and it is important that we recognise the contribution of our top players.”

Camogie All-Stars 2008 in association with O’Neills:

Goalkeeper
Aoife Murray (Cork)

Backs
Cathriona Foley (Cork)
Catherine O’Loughlin (Wexford)
Trish O’Halloran (Tipperary)
Michaela Morkan (Offaly)
Sinéad Cahalan (Galway)
Gemma O’Connor (Cork)

Midfield
Briege Corkery (Cork)
Orla Cotter (Cork)

Forwards
Jessica Gill (Galway)
Therese Maher (Galway)
Aoife Neary (Kilkenny)
Síle Burns (Cork)
Rachel Moloney (Cork)
Jane Adams (Antrim)

O’Neills Camogie Manager of the Year
Liam Dunne and Stephen Dormer (Kilkenny)

O’Neills Camogie Young Player of the Year
Carina Roseingrave (Clare)