Recognition For Irish Shinty / Hurling Stars | |
09 November 2016 Six players from the Ireland senior squad that lost 14-5 to Scotland in their Marine Harvest Shinty / Hurling international have been recognised in the GAA All Star nominations, Christy Ring 15 and Nicky Rackard 15. The Ireland senior squad to face the Scots is normally made up of three elite hurlers as well as players from the game’s second and third tier. The elite players in this year’s squad were Clare pair Cian Dillon and David Reidy as well as Tipperary’s Michael Breen and defender Dillon and midfielder Breen were both nominated for an All Star. Brothers John McGrath and Noel McGrath were also nominated and although they were named in the original Irish squad, they were forced to pull out because of Gaelic football commitments. The other 2016 All Star nominations who have previously represented Ireland in the Shinty / Hurling contest are TJ Reid, Patrick Maher, Richie Hogan, Tony Kelly and Austin Gleeson. The All Stars chosen from the list of nominations were revealed at the GAA GPA All-Stars event at the Convention Centre in Dublin on Friday 4 November 2016. Austin Gleeson, Patrick Maher, Richie Hogan and John McGrath were the only hurlers with an international link to receive a coveted All Star – none of whom faced the Scots this year. There was double delight for Austin Gleeson, who played for Ireland U21 against Scotland U21 last season, as he was named both Hurler of the Year and Young Hurler of the Year. Some of this year’s Ireland squad playing second and third tier hurling also caught the eye at their respective levels. The Christy Ring 15, the top performers in this year’s second tier championship, included James Toher and Damian Healy, who both play for 2016 Christy Ring winners Meath, as well as Gerry Keegan from Kildare. The Nicky Rackard 15 consisted of the best players competing in hurling’s third tier competition and there was a place for another Ireland cap; Donegal’s Danny Cullen. |