Kerry's Marc Ó Sé and Waterford's Dan Shanahan have been named this year's respective football and hurling Opel Gaelic Players of the Year at the annual gala awards dinner in Citywest tonight.
The announcement was made following a vote by the GPA membership after being shortlisted for the prize in October. Both players also receive a brand new Opel Astra worth approximately €25,000.
Today, Friday, 2nd November 2007, Dan Shanahan (Waterford) and
Marc Ó Sé (Kerry) have been announced as the Opel Gaelic
Players of the Year for Hurling and Football for 2007 by the Gaelic
Players Association at the GPA's Annual Gala and Awards
Evening in Citywest.
"I would like to pay special tribute to our two award winners,"
said Dessie Farrell, chief executive of the GPA. "While Waterford's
bid fell agonisingly short, Dan's contribution to the hurling
championship was simply spectacular and he has the
significant consolation of being honoured by his peers.
"It's often very difficult for defenders to grab the limelight but Marc's consistently inspirational performances for Kerry last summer were critical to his county's success. Congratulations to both players and all their team-mates who helped them on their way. "
Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland, said, "Opel Ireland is proud to be associated with Dan Shanahan and Marc Ó Sé, a pair of individuals who epitomise the spirit of Gaelic Games."
"Both players have created a fantastic sense of excitement across the country throughout the GAA season and we are delighted to acknowledge their magnificent achievements."
Football Shortlist:
Marc Ó Sé (Kerry)
Colm Cooper (Kerry)
Declan O'Sullivan (Kerry)
Hurling Shortlist:
Dan Shanahan (Waterford)
Ollie Moran (Limerick)
Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
The 2007 Opel Gaelic Football Team of the Year:
1. Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)
2. Marc Ó Sé (Kerry)
3. Darren Fay (Meath)
4. Conor Gormley (Tyrone)
5. Tomás Ó Sé (Kerry)
6. Aidan O'Mahony (Kerry)
7. Barry Cahill (Dublin)
8. Darragh Ó Sé (Kerry)
9. Nicholas Murphy (Cork)
10. Declan O'Sullivan (Kerry)
11. Alan Brogan (Dublin)
12. Paul Galvin (Kerry)
13. Colm Cooper (Kerry)
14. Paddy Bradley (Derry)
15. Thomas Freeman (Monaghan)
The 2007 Opel Gaelic Hurling Team of the Year:
1. Damien Fitzhenry (Wexford)
2. Michael Kavanagh (Kilkenny)
3. Stephen Lucey (Limerick)
4. Jackie Tyrell (Kilkenny)
5. Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
6. Ken McGrath (Waterford)
7. Mark Foley (Limerick)
8. James "Cha" Fitzpatrick (Kilkenny)
9. Michael Walsh (Waterford)
10. Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny)
11. Ollie Moran (Limerick)
12. Dan Shanahan (Waterford)
13. Andrew O'Shaughnessy (Limerick)
14. Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)
15. Martin Comerford (Kilkenny)