Ballygunner dominate club hurling team of the year
RECORD BREAKER: Ballygunner goalkeeper Stephen O'Keeffe has been included in the AIB club hurling team of the year for a record fifth time. He has also been nominated for club hurler of the year. Pic: Piaras Ó MÃdheach/Sportsfile
Ballygunner’s Stephen O’Keeffe has been included in the AIB GAA club hurling team of the year for a record fifth time.
Former Waterford goalkeeper O’Keeffe has also been shortlisted for club hurler of the year alongside his club-mates Dessie Hutchinson and Paddy Leavey as champions Ballygunner have eight selections in the 15. The winner will be announced at the club award night in Croke Park on Friday week, March 13.
Hutchinson has been named in the team for a fourth time, while it is a third acknowledgement for Leavey as well as Ian Kenny. Aaron O’Neill, Harry Ruddle, Peter Hogan and Kevin Mahony are the other ‘Gunners who have been recognised.
Runners-up Loughrea are represented by Shane Morgan, Cullen Killeen and Anthony Burns. Leinster champions St Martin’s have one more – Joe Barrett, Philip Dempsey, Jack O’Connor and Rory O’Connor.
Ballygunner’s haul of eight is three more than 2021 when they previous won the All-Ireland title.
Stephen O’Keeffe (Ballygunner) (previous winner in 2019, 2022, 2023, 2025); Aaron O’Neill (Ballygunner), Ian Kenny (Ballygunner) (previous winner in 2019, 2022), Joe Barrett (St Martin’s); Harry Ruddle (Ballygunner), Shane Morgan (Loughrea), Philip Dempsey (St Martin’s); Cullen Killeen (Loughrea), Paddy Leavey (Ballygunner) (previous winner in 2022, 2024); Jack O’Connor (St Martin’s), Rory O’Connor (St Martin’s); Peter Hogan (Ballygunner) (previous winner in 2024); Anthony Burns (Loughrea), Kevin Mahony (Ballygunner), Dessie Hutchinson (Ballygunner) (previous winner in 2020, 2022, 2024).
Dessie Hutchinson, Paddy Leavy, Stephen O’Keeffe (all Ballygunner).
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
