Banner star Honan named U21 player of the year

CLARE Under 21 star Darach Honan has been selected for the inaugural Bord Gáis Energy ‘Breaking Through’ Player of the Year award.

The Clonlara club man was picked from a shortlist that included heavy hitters Joe Canning and Richie Hogan to claim the €1,000 prize. Also in the running were Honan’s team mates John Conlon and Colin Ryan and Kilkenny’s John Mulhall.

Honan was selected as the outstanding player of the 2009 U21 Hurling Championship following the pivotal role he played in bringing Clare to their first ever All-Ireland final at the level. It was a historic victory for the Banner and, despite having only just emerged from the county’s minor set up last year, the forward put in two man of the match performances during the journey, against Waterford in the Munster Final and in the thrilling semi final encounter with Galway.