Card-free Kerins wins first GPA Fair Play award

The Gaelic Players Association have announced Galway hurler Alan Kerins as the recipient of the inaugural GPA Halifax Fair Play award and brand ambassador for Gaelic Performance.

Kerins was nominated for both the GPA Team of the Year and All-Star hurling awards for his endeavours with Galway this season - a campaign in which he performed with distinction and without incurring any sanctions from referees.

However, it is Kerins' remarkable activities off the field which brought him to the attention of the GPA's Fair Play Committee and marked him apart from many of the front-runners for this honour in 2007.

Kerins is founder of the Alan Kerins African Projects charity which is spearheading a range of vital projects and services helping to improve the lives of some of the most impoverished and vulnerable people on earth.

Kerins, who until recently was a dual star with his county, has raised more than €750,000 through his charity foundation since its creation in 2005 and he has skilfully harnessed his profile as a major GAA talent to advance the most worthy cause of poverty and deprivation in Africa.

As part of the Fair Play accolade, he will receive a cheque from Halifax for €15,000 towards his mortgage. Kerins will also take on the role of Brand Ambassador for Gaelic Performance, the GPA's summer camp scheme, for 2008.

Speaking at the announcement of this award, Bank of Scotland (Ireland) head of retail and intermediary, Gabriel Bannigan, said: "We recognise the dedication and commitment Alan has shown and the pivotal role he has played in Galway through his hurling and off the field, through his charity work.

"His significant achievements make him an excellent choice as Brand Ambassador for Gaelic Performance and we are delighted to support a most deserving recipient like Alan."

GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell added: "We are delighted to be able to honour Alan for his wonderful commitment on and off the field this year. As a long time dual performer, Alan is a credit to club and county and delivered another outstanding season for the Galway hurlers this year with an exemplary disciplinary record.

"His charity work is inspirational and he is a most worthy recipient of this inaugural award."