A black-tie ceremony at Croke Park on Friday honoured standout performers from the Tailteann Cup and the tiered hurling competitions, with individual Players of the Year announced for each competition. The awards put a spotlight on players from across the provincial and national divisions, recognising their influence on smaller-cup campaigns this season.
Wicklow captain Dean Healy was named the Tailteann Cup Football Player of the Year, capping a season in which he emerged as a central figure for his county.
Stephen Maher of Laois received the Joe McDonagh Cup Player of the Year award. He attended the ceremony alongside Claire Brophy, who wore a black column dress with ruching.
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Cormac O’Doherty from Derry was honoured as the Christy Ring Cup Player of the Year. He was accompanied by Kate O’Doherty, who chose a brown one-shouldered gown for the occasion.
Sligo hurler Andrew Kilcullen picked up the Nicky Rackard Cup Player of the Year title and was supported at the event by Ellen Smith, wearing an off-the-shoulder design.
Rounding out the winners, Longford’s Reuben Murray was named Lory Meagher Cup Player of the Year; he attended the awards with Anna Considine.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns paid tribute to the recipients during the ceremony, saying: ‘I want to pay tribute to our players of the year who are honoured at this special event.’
‘The personal stories, the class and strength of character behind Dean, Stephen, Cormac, Andrew and Reuben serve as a reminder of just how inspirational our players are.’
‘Each of them has been central to what their country’s achieved this year, and they are a credit to their clubs and families.’
‘This is a really important night where we rightfully give the spotlight and the Croke Park stage to hurlers and footballers who richly deserve it.’
‘It is part of our recognition and appreciation of everything these players in the Tailteann, McDonagh, Ring, Rackard and Meagher Cups do for the promotion of our games through exceptional performance.’
‘Comhghairdeas libh go leir.’
Photos from the night
A gallery of images from the Croke Park ceremony illustrates the winners and guests who attended the black-tie event.
