Seven UL players make Fitzgibbon team of the year

Higher Education GAA has announced the selections for Electric Ireland HE GAA Rising Stars in football and hurling for 2018.

These awards acknowledge outstanding performances in the battle for the third level football and hurling championships and come at the end of what was another epic entertaining season of third level GAA action.

great night in croke park with these guys . congrats on making the team of the year pic.twitter.com/OALFIX6yKa

— Gary Kirby (@Gkirby67) April 16, 2018

Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup hurling champions UL dominate the final 15 with no fewer than seven players selected on a star-studded side that has a representation from across five teams and includes names already well-known at inter-county level such as Dublin’s Eoghan O’Donnell, Waterford’s Colin Dunford, and Tipp duo Jason Forde and John McGrath.

Three Limerick hurlers making the Rising Stars side.

Goalkeeper David McCarthy, Bruff corner back Sean Finn and St Patricks defender Gearoid Hegarty were all selected.

Clare’s Conor Cleary and  David Fitzgerald, as well as Tipperary forwards Jason Forde  and John McGrath were also selected.

While Mary I’s Liam Carey is the sole representative from Limerick’s only entrant in the Sigerson Cup this season.

Congratulating the winners, Uachtarán CLG John Horan said: “Over the last number of years it has become a real statement of intent from young players involved at third level football and hurling championships that the form they show here is a sign of things to come at inter-county level.

“Indeed, many of those chosen here have already embarked on senior inter-county careers and are making headlines. I’ve no doubt more of these names will follow them in the years to come.

“We are delighted that our third-level institutions, which are rated so highly all over the world for the calibre of young people they help to mould, are so committed to the promotion and playing of our Games and we appreciate that support.

“The Higher Education competitions produce games of the highest quality and these awards carry a major standing as a result.

“Our thanks to Electric Ireland for their support and we look forward to watching these young heroes continue to develop their talents at club and county level.”

Electric Ireland, Jim Dollard, Executive Director, Electric Ireland said: “We in Electric Ireland have been delighted to extend our GAA sponsorship portfolio this year to include the Higher Education Leagues and Championships. For those involved in sport at third level, representing their college is special and it is the Higher Education Leagues and Championships that provide this sporting opportunity.

“Electric Ireland wished to bring to the fore through the First Class Rivals campaign, the unique aspect of the Championships which sees rivals at County level, coming together in College with one goal – to win the highly coveted Fitzgibbon or Sigerson trophies. Through our campaign we sought to raise the profile of these wonderful competitions, celebrate the meaning and the emotion attached to the games.

“The Electric Ireland HE GAA Rising Star Awards offer a fantastic opportunity to recognise exceptionally talented players across the country for their enviable dedication to their sport but also to their third level institution.

“Electric Ireland wishes to congratulate not only the Hurling and Football Teams of the Year but also the 7,000 students who took part in the Championships, making it a huge success and a thrill to follow.”

Electric Ireland HE GAA Rising Stars Hurling Team 2018
1. David McCarthy (UL)
2. Conor Cleary (UL)
3. Eoghan O’Donnell (DCU DE)
4. Seán Finn (UL)
5. Gearóid Hegarty (UL)
6. Brian Hogan (Maynooth University)
7. David Fitzgerald (UL)
8. Colin Dunford (Carlow IT)
9. Joe O’Connor (DCU DE)
10. John Donnelly (DCU DE)
11. Martin Kavanagh (Carlow IT)
12. Donal Burke (DCU DE)
13. Niall O’Brien (DIT)
14. Jason Forde (UL)
15. John McGrath (UL)

Electric Ireland HE GAA Rising Stars Football Team 2018

1.Tadhg O’Malley (NUIG)
2. Andrew Mc Gowan (DIT)
3. Brian Power (DIT)
4. Sean Mulkerrin (NUIG)
5. Conor Mullally (UCD)
6. Gareth Mc Kinless (UU)
7. Michael Mc Kernan (UU)
8. Jack Barry (UCD)
9. Liam Casey (UCD)
10. Enda Tierney (NUIG)
11. Conor Mc Carthy (UCD)
12. Liam Carey (Mary Immaculate College)
13. Mark Bradley (UU)
14. Damien Comer (NUIG)
15. Evan O’Carroll (UCD)