Clare lead U-21 hurling award nominees

Three players who starred for Clare in their Hurling U-21 All-Ireland final victory have been named in the shortlist for the Breaking Through Player of the Year award.

Darach Honan, John Conlon and Colin Ryan are all in contention for the prize, as are Galway's Joe Canning and Kilkenny players Richie Hogan and John Mulhall.

The Breaking Through Player of the Year award will recognise the player who stood out overall during the 2009 U-21 Hurling Championship.

A panel made up of Bord Gáis Energy sport sponsorship manager and Cork legend Ger Cunningham, RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey, Micheál O Domhnaill of TG4 and the GAA’s sponsorship manager Paul Dermody will deliberate on a winner from the six nominees.

The winning player will receive a voucher worth €1,000.

Speaking about the award, Ger Cunningham said: "Bord Gáis Energy is delighted to be capping off the 2009 Championship with this Breaking Through Player of the Year award.

"It has been a truly memorable summer for U-21 hurling and I think it cemented for many the real importance this grade holds for developing our stars of the future.

"Deciding upon the eventual winner will be a very tough process and whoever comes out on top will be very well deserving of the prize.”

The winner will be decided and announced over the coming days.

Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year Shortlist:

Joe Canning (Galway, full-forward)

John Conlon (Clare, centre-forward)

Richie Hogan (Kilkenny, right corner forward)

Darach Honan (Clare, right corner forward)

John Mulhall (Kilkenny, left half-forward)

Colin Ryan (Clare, left corner forward)