Dublin Ladies Claim 3 All Stars
- Nov 16,2009
By DECLAN DRAKE FM104
Click here to listen to interviews by Siobhan & Cliodhna
The 2009 TG4/O Neills Ladies All Star awards took place on Saturday November 14th at the City West Hotel. Dublin had 9 nominations as a reward for the counties run to the All Ireland Final in the process capturing back to back Leinster Titles. At the end of the evening the haul of awards was 3. Naomh Mearnogs Cliodhna O Connor earned her second award between the posts while there were first time gongs for the stylish wing back Siobhan Mc Grath (Thomas Davis) and the model of forward consistency Sinead Aherne (St. Sylvesters).
There is absolutely no doubt that these 3 awards were most deserved especially for Sinead Aherne after a number of previous nominations failed to earn her an award. As with most selections of this nature controversy is not far behind and this particular one is no different. From a Dublin perspective Denise Masterson who led the team superbly all season missed out on a midfield berth (Cork won both slots),while Na Fianna star Mary Nevin who was player of the match in the All Ireland Final was overlooked for what would have been a merited second award.
CLIODHNA O CONNOR (NAOMH MEARNOG)
The ever reliable net minder claims her second award having being previously honoured back in 2004. The Portmarnock natives year began well as part of the Dublin team that reached the Bord Gais National League Semi Final, her consistancy in that campaign earned her the no 1 slot in the Division 1 team of the year. Later in 2009 Cliodhna added a 5th Leinster Senior Football Championship medal to her collection in the defeat of Kildare. Cliodhna s outstanding display in the All Ireland quarter final defeat of Kerry no doubt a major factor in helping secure the award.
SIOBHAN MC GRATH (THOMAS DAVIS)
A First All Star award for the stylish Thomas Davis wing back who illuminated 2009 with some stirring displays not least in the semi final joust with Monaghan, a performance which earned her the player of the match award. The 21 year old Tallaght lady has a fine collection of honours from her career to date including 4 Leinster medals aswell as a Division 2 National League souvenir. When picking a team for club or county the name of Siobhan Mc Grath would be one of the first on the list. Just as comfortable in front of a microphone being interviewed as she is on the pitch in the heat of battle.
SINEAD AHERNE (ST. SYLVESTERS)
At last an All Star award for the lethal forward after knocking on the door for the last number of years. A regular visitor to the top end of the scoring charts in league and championship Sinead is a pivotal member of the Dublin team who has the full set of Leinster medals since 2002 aswell as honours in the League and at club level including an All Ireland club 7 a side winners medal. An Irish International like Cliodhna O Connor as she played against the Austrialians when they came to ireland a couple of years ago. Highlight of 2009 on the field that splendid goal against Monaghan in the semi final.
Pictured Above -(L-R)Sinead Aherne, Cliodhna O
Below - Sinead Aherne "Wonder Goal" against Monaghan in TG4 All Ireland Semi Final.
(l-r)Sinead Aherne, Cliodhna O Connor & Maria Kavanagh, pictured at Bord Gais team of the league awards