Cork sextet make team of the year

Six players from beaten All-Ireland finalists Cork have been named in the official Opel Gaelic Team of the Year for Hurling for 2006.

Announced by the Gaelic Players assocation today, the team reflects the most successful counties in this year’s championship, with 15 players hailing from four different counties – Cork, Kilkenny, Waterford and Tipperary.

All-Ireland champions Kilkenny have four representatives - Tommy Walsh, James "Cha" Fitzpatrick, Henry Shefflin and Martin Comerford while Cork's inclusions are Donal Óg Cusack, Brian Murphy, Ronan Curran, Jerry O’Connor, Ben O’Connor and Joe Deane.

The five remaining places have been filled by three Waterford players – Eoin Murphy, Tony Browne and Dan Shanahan and two Tipperary men – Paul Curran and Eoin Kelly.

Commenting on the announcement, former Cork manager Donal O'Grady, who is Chairman of the Opel/GPA Hurling Selection Committee, said: “These awards are special for players because, ultimately, they have been voted on by their peers.

"I know there will be some who may find it strange that this year's runners-up received more awards but, regardless of the reaction of people, each position was carefully teased out by the selection committee before being put to the playing body to vote.

"I congratulate all the award winners for their outstanding contributions this season.”

Dessie Farrell, the GPA's Chief Executive, added: "Opel Ireland have afforded inter-county players a unique opportunity this season to honour 15 outstanding hurlers in their positions and the GPA is delighted to have initiated this ground-breaking award scheme, the most lucrative of its kind.

"I would like to congratulate the winners on behalf of the GPA executive, and remind them, along with all the nominees and, indeed, all the participants in this year’s championships, that you continue to contribute an immense amount to the social and cultural fabric of this country through your skills and dedication."

A Gala event will be held at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin on Friday, November 10 to honour the 2006 Opel Gaelic Team of the Year for Hurling.

2006 OPEL GAELIC TEAM OF THE YEAR (HURLING):

1. Donal Óg Cusack (Cork)

2. Eoin Murphy (Waterford)

3. Paul Curran (Tipperary)

4. Brian Murphy (Cork)

5. Tony Browne (Waterford)

6. Ronan Curran (Cork)

7. Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)

8. Jerry O'Connor (Cork)

9. James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick (Kilkenny)

10. Dan Shanahan (Waterford)

11. Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)

12. Martin Comerford (Kilkenny)

13. Ben O'Connor (Cork)

14. Eoin Kelly (Tipperary)

15. Joe Deane (Cork)