Dolan cousins win at AIB Club Football awards

There was early cause for celebration among the AIB GAA All-Ireland Club SFC semi-finalists today, with players from each of the clubs receiving accolades for outstanding performance in the Championship in 2011.

Frankie Dolan (St Brigid's) and Colm Cooper (Dr Crokes) are each receiving the award for the second time.

Dolan was awarded the Connacht Football award last year, while Cooper also picked up the award for Munster Football in 2006.

Meanwhile, Dessie Dolan (Garrycastle) and Crossmaglen Rangers' Jamie Clarke are each being honoured for the first time, with the awards due to be presented in Dublin on Tuesday, March 6.

Prominent performances in the 2011 AIB GAA provincial Club football campaigns earned recognition for the players who are in action this coming weekend in the All-Ireland semi-finals.

It is the first time in the history of the awards that two close relations have been honoured with Dessie Dolan, making his first appearance in an All-Ireland Club semi-final this weekend with his club Garrycastle, honoured alongside cousin and club rival Frankie Dolan.

Both men will put family ties to one side at Pearse Park as they aim to secure a place in the All-Ireland decider.

The award winners are selected by GAA media around the country based on who they deem to have had outstanding performances in the provincial Club Championships for the previous year.

2011 AIB PROVINCIAL PLAYER AWARD WINNERS:

FOOTBALL:

Leinster - Dessie Dolan (Garrycastle)

Connacht - Frankie Dolan (St. Brigid's)

Munster - Colm Cooper (Dr. Crokes)

Ulster - Jamie Clarke (Crossmaglen Rangers)