Gaelic Games

GAA cancel All-Star awards ceremony due to Covid situation

Second year running that the banquet hasn’t gone ahead

Limerick have 15 nominations for the hurling All-Stars. Photo: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

Seán Moran's face
Seán Moran
Fri Nov 19 2021 - 14:59

The GAA has cancelled this year’s All Stars banquet, scheduled for December 10th in Dublin’s Convention Centre. A statement released on Friday afternoon confirmed that this year’s event would not now go ahead in light of the worsening public health situation.

“Due to the ongoing challenges with Covid, the GAA, and the GPA, along with partners PwC, have taken the decision to cancel this year’s All Star, Joe McDonagh Cup TOTY (team of the year) and Champion 15 TOTY banquet originally planned for the CCD on Friday December 10th

“This decision has been taken with health and safety in mind.

“An awards programme will be broadcast on Friday December 10th, from 19:00 to 20:30 on RTÉ Two.”

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This means that the pandemic has caused two All Stars evenings to be cancelled, as last year’s awards were also presented online rather than in person.

It has been a particular disappointment for the GAA, as the awards scheme celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, as the first All Stars were presented in December 1971.

Last year marked the 50th awards and no commemoration was possible then, either.

Later on Friday it was confirmed that the camogie All-Stars, due to take place next Saturday, November 26th, have been postponed.

A statement read: “Due to the ongoing challenges with Covid-19, The Camogie Association have taken the decision to postpone this year’s All-Stars Awards ceremony which was due to take place next Friday 26th November in the Osprey Hotel, Naas.

“While we appreciate the disappointment of all who were planning to attend, this decision has been taken with the health and safety of all in mind.

“The Camogie Association look forward to holding The 2021 All-Stars Awards in 2022 when the opportunity presents.”