Coolderry's Cathal Parlon, Shane Dowling of Na Piarsaigh, Limerick and Loughgiel Shamrocks Joey Scullion have been announced as the AIB Provincial Player Award winners for hurling, ahead of this Saturday's All-Ireland Club SHC semi-finals involving their respective sides.

“I’VE not much left to say to ye,” laughed Oisín McConville as he greeted a congregation of journalists at last week’s AIB provincial player awards.

There was early cause for celebration for seven of the AIB GAA Club Championship semi-finalists ahead of this weekend's fixtures, with players from each of the clubs receiving accolades for outstanding performances in the Championship in 2009.

With less than two weeks to go before the 2006 AIB All-Ireland Club finals in both hurling and football, today saw players from each of the four finalist clubs rewarded for their efforts throughout the season.

BOTH Newtownshandrum and O’Loughlin Gaels have injury worries ahead of next Sunday’s AIB All-Ireland club hurling semi-final in Semple Stadium.