Kilkenny hurling legend Henry Shefflin will this year bid to join an elite band of just two players at the top of the leader-board for GAA All Stars, after being nominated yesterday for his ninth award.
Shefflin, who will join his fellow county-man DJ Carey and Kerry football great Pat Spillane on nine awards if selected this year, is being nominated for the eighth successive time. Shefflin’s Kilkenny team-mate Tommy Walsh received his seventh successive nomination after being nominated for player of the year.
In total, 12 of the Kilkenny squad are nominated – 11 of the All Ireland final starting team plus influential sub and three-time All Star Martin Comerford. However losing side Tipperary can take solace in its 13 nominations.
Among those nominated for the first time is Michael Rice at midfield. Martin Comerford may also improve on his record this year if selected. The O’Loughlins man has already received three All-Stars. The players are no doubt looking forward to the banquet which is taking place on October 16.
The nominations from the Kilkenny team in full are as follows: Goalkeeper PJ Ryan, full backs JJ Delaney, Michael Kavanagh, and Jackie Tyrrell. The half backline nominations are John Tennyson and Tommy Walsh. At midfield Michael Rice was nominated. From the half forward Eddie Brennan, Eoin Larkin, and Henry Shefflin. The full forward line nominations are Martin Comerford and Richie Power. Tommy Walsh was also nominated for player of the year.
