DONEGAL captain Michael Murphy was recognised for yet another stellar year when he scooped the Player of the Year gong at last night’s Irish News Ulster Allstar awards.
In addition to the top prize, it is an amazing seventh Irish News Allstar for the Glenswilly powerhouse – moving him level with Brian Dooher, Kieran McGeeney and Stevie McDonnell in the roll of honour.
Murphy, who turned 30 last month, first burst on to the inter-county scene as a teenager but exerts a greater influence over this Donegal team now than at any time in the past.
That was in evidence right the way through the year as he returned from injury in time to spearhead the Tir Chonaill’s promotion drive, with Murphy outstanding when they beat Meath in the Division Two decider.
He carried that form into the Championship, and was superb as Donegal landed a second Ulster title in-a-row before eventually bowing out against Mayo in their final Super 8 game.
And even though Tyrone went one step further, reaching an All-Ireland semi-final, it is Declan Bonner’s men who lead the way with eight nominations, with Murphy was joined on the Allstar 15 by team-mates Shaun Patton, Stephen McMenamin, Paddy McGrath, Ryan McHugh, Eoghan ‘Ban’ Gallagher, Jamie Brennan and Paddy McBrearty.
The Red Hand contingent consists of Ronan McNamee, Frank Burns, Mattie Donnelly, Peter Harte and free-scoring full-forward Cathal McShane, while Armagh pair Jarlath Og Burns and Rian O’Neill also got the nod after superb first seasons at senior inter-county level.
On a night when former Ireland rugby star Tommy Bowe was the guest speaker, The Irish News Allstar team from 1999 was also honoured, while Tyrone legend Peter Canavan was named the best player of the last 25 years.
Slaughtneil and Clonduff both picked up camogie excellence awards, while hurling excellence awards went to Christy Ring Cup finalists Down, Nicky Rackard Cup finalists Armagh and Antrim star Neil McManus.
Derrygonnelly and Fermanagh ace Eimear Smyth was the recipient of the ladies’ football excellence award.
