GPA honours for Gardiner and O'Neill

Cork hurler John Gardiner and Tyrone footballer Stephen O'Neill were rewarded for their fine seasons tonight as they were crowned as the GPA (Gaelic Players' Association) Players of the Year.

Gardiner was following in the footsteps of his Rebel county team mate Sean Og O'hAilpin, the Hurler of 2004, after an outstanding year at wing-back for the All-Ireland champions Cork.

The 22-year-old Na Piarsaigh clubman was also the winner of the Hurler of the Year gong at last month's Irish Daily Star/Waterford Crystal 2005 GAA awards.

Just last Sunday, Gardiner captained Munster to the M Donnelly Interprovincial hurling title.

O'Neill, meanwhile, was at the centre of Tyrone's run to a second ever All-Ireland title in September.

He scored 5-50 in a stunning championship campaign.

The Aughabrack attacker also made his International Rules debut for Ireland in last month's Series Down Under.

The GPA's Gala evening, which was attended by upwards of 1,100 players, corporate and VIP guests, including An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, took place at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin tonight.