Awards boost for Parlon, Dowling and Scullion

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.

All three are honoured for the first time, with the players set to receive their awards on Tuesday, March 6 at the annual ceremony in Dublin.

Leinster award winner Parlon claimed the highest number of regional and national media votes, with his club Coolderry having secured their first Leinster crown before Christmas thanks to victory over Wexford's Oulart-the Ballagh in the decider.

Parlon registered 1-3 in that game, having previously scored six points in the semi-final win over Dublin's Ballyboden St Enda's. Coolderry face Galway champions Gort this Saturday in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Na Piarsaigh's Dowling picked up the Munster award after playing a pivotal role in the Limerick city club's successful Munster campaign.

The Limerick Under-21 star tallied up 1-7 for Na Piarsaigh as they earned a second bite at the cherry at the Munster final stage, drawing 1-11 to 0-14 with Crusheen at Semple Stadium, before claiming a 1-13 to 0-9 victory in the replay at the Thurles venue.

Na Piarsaigh's semi-final opponents this weekend Loughgiel Shamrocks also have cause for celebration after Scullion was named as the Ulster club Hurler of the Year.

Shamrocks won the first provincial title of the campaign on offer, as they retained Ulster honours thanks to a comfortable 2-18 to 0-8 win over Ballycran of Down at Casement Park.

Scullion registered just two points in this encounter, but produced a man-of-the-match display as the Antrim side took honours.

The winners of the AIB Provincial Player Awards in football will be announced next week and all seven award recipients will be presented with their awards at a function in the Radisson Blu St.Helen's Hotel in Stillorgan next month where two Coaching & Games Development award winners will also be recognised.

2011 AIB Provincial Player Award - Hurling Winners:

Leinster -

Cathal Parlon (Coolderry)

Munster -

Shane Dowling (Na Piarsaigh)

Ulster -

Joey Scullion (Loughgiel Shamrocks)

* No award for Connacht given automatic qualification