Galway's storming run to the cusp of another senior title this summer was rewarded with a plethora of PwC Camogie All Star Awards nominations and shortlisting of star midfielder Aoife Donohue for the PwC GPA Player of the Year award.
Although Aoife herself expressed surprise at the nomination when it was made on Tuesday, her selection was assured by the magical performance she put in against hot favourites Cork in that close final in August, following on from key roles in the win against Tipperary in the semi-final.
This year’s champions, for a second year running, Cork, tally a total of 12 nominations, which recognises the talented players who made extraordinary contributions to the season. Galway, who made a triumphant return to the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior final this year, three years after climbing the Hogan steps themselves, follow closely behind Cork having received a total of 11 nominations.
The Galway nominations are:
Sarah Healy – Goalkeeper
Dervla Higgins – Corner Back
Rachael Hanniffy – Corner Back
Roisin Black – Full Back
Ciara Hickey – Half Back
Aine Keane – Centre Back
Aoife Donohue – Midfield
Niamh Kilkenny – Midfield
Carrie Dolan – Half Forward
Niamh McPeake – Centre Forward
Niamh Mallon – Corner Forward
The PwC GPA Camogie Senior Player of the Year nominees include two players from the reigning Rebels team, and one player from Galway who were commendable for their efforts in this year’s Senior championship:
Saoirse McCarthy – Cork
Aoife Donohue – Galway
Laura Hayes – Cork
Tipperary, who narrowly missed out on a place in this year’s senior final after their one-point defeat in the semi-final to Galway received seven nods, closely followed by Dublin with four players recognised for their fantastic contributions in helping Dublin to their first Senior semi-final in seven years this season.
Last year’s All-Ireland finalists Waterford received two nominations, after their efforts this year saw them reach an All-Ireland Senior quarter-final.
The 12 Cork players who are nominated for the PwC Camogie All Stars team of 2024 are:
Amy Lee – Goalkeeper
Pamela Mackey – Corner Back
Izzy O’Regan – Full Back
Laura Hayes – Half Back
Hannah Looney – Half Back
Laura Treacy – Centre Back
Aoife Healy – Midfield
Ashling Thompson – Midfield
Saoirse McCarthy – Half Forward
Amy O’Connor – Corner Forward
Orlaith Cahalane – Corner Forward
Katrina Mackey – Full Forward
Uachtarán of the Camogie Association, Brian Molloy said the 2024 Camogie inter-county season has been a remarkable one.
"We were honoured to witness some nail-biting battles between fierce rivals, and I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to all those who participated across the 2024 season.
A special congratulations to those select few who have been nominated for inclusion in the prestigious PwC Camogie All-Stars team of 2024. Each individual who has been nominated this year has made a significant contribution to our game and should be extremely proud of their achievements regardless of the outcome on the awards night. I am deeply grateful to our sponsors, PwC, for their steadfast support of the Camogie All-Stars Awards, and I look forward to continuing our excellent partnership in the years ahead.
"Additionally, I wish to congratulate the nine players nominated for the PwC GPA Camogie Player of the Year Awards across the Senior, Intermediate, and Premier Junior grades.
"These awards are voted upon by their fellow teammates and players, which demonstrates the high level of respect and camaraderie these players hold for one another, and the outstanding level of skill and performance these nominees have exhibited throughout the year.
The very best of luck to all the deserving nominees and I look forward to celebrating your fantastic achievements with you all in Croke Park on the 15th of November," he said.
Tom Parsons, GPA CEO, said that as the official representative association for inter-county players, the GPA is delighted to partner with the Camogie Association and PwC, who are a long-term friend of players, to reward the outstanding performers in 2024.
"While camogie is primarily about the collective of the team, it is important to recognise what each player brings to the game individually. I want to congratulate all of the nominees for making the shortlist.
“In particular, I want to acknowledge the nine players who are vying for the title of PwC GPA Camogie Player of the Year in their respective grades. To Aoife, Laura and Saoirse, Danielle, Emma and Lauren, and Aimee, Clodagh and Jenny, the very best of luck.”
