Walsh and Galvin GPA Players of the Year
20:04, 06 Nov 2009
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Kilkenny hurler Tommy Walsh and Kerry footballer Paul Galvin have been announced as the Opel Gaelic Players of the Year for 2009 by the Gaelic Players Association.
The ceremony took place at the GPA's Annual Gala and Awards Evening at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin this evening.
Both players are receiving their second Player of the Year accolades in the space of a month after receiving the equivalent GAA Vodafone awards last month.
Walsh and Galvin won the wards following a vote by the GPA membership after being short-listed for the prize last month.
Due to their outstanding performances throughout the GAA season, both players will receive a brand new Opel Astra worth approximately €25,000.
Commenting on the announcement, GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell said: "Congratulations to Tommy and Paul who have been acknowledged by their fellow hurlers and footballers as the outstanding players of the 2009 season.
"Both men made massive contributions to their respective county's efforts this year and though they were up against serious competition during the nomination process, they have been singled out by their peers.
"While in team sport the collective always comes first, Tommy and Paul showed great leadership throughout the summer.
"Sincere thanks to Opel for their commitment to players in 2009, thanks to our selection committee and thanks to all the GPA members who voted for our award winners."
The three nominees for the Opel Gaelic Player of the Year for Hurling as chosen by the Hurling Selection Committee were: Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny), Lar Corbett (Tipperary) and John Mullane (Waterford).
The two nominations for the Opel Gaelic Player of the Year for Football as chosen by the Football Selection Committee were: Tomás Ó Sé (Kerry) and Paul Galvin (Kerry).
The Opel Gaelic Teams of the year for hurling and football were named in late October/early November, with each player on the team receiving €2,500, making the total value of prizes given out on the night worth approximately €125,000.
Meanwhile, four further Player of the Year awards were announced with Carlow's Shane Kavanagh, who lined out for Ireland in last weekend's Hurling-Shinty International win over Scotland in Inverness, receiving the Christy Ring Cup Player of the Tournament honour.
Meath's Neil Hackett received the corresponding accolade for the Nicky Rackard Cup, while Tyrone's Justin Kelly and Jamsie Donnelly of Donegal were jointly honoured with the Lory Meagher Cup player gong.
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