O'Loughlin Gaels powerhouse Paddy Deegan and Watty Graham’s Glen’s midfield dynamo Conor Glass were last night named as the AIB GAA Club Players of the Year 2023/24.
Both enjoyed stellar campaigns in the hurling and football championships with Deegan on fire from centre back for his club, scoring frequently and dominating defensive lines.
Glass, meanwhile, seized the All-Ireland final by the scruff of the neck with a timely goal and two points for good measure. This followed a monumental campaign in the middle of the field all season long.
The announcement was made at the end of a special function at Croke Park to honour the teams of players who were announced as the AIB GAA Club Players of the Year.
Kilkenny captain Deegan has developed into one of the leading hurlers in the land and is an inspirational figure for club and county.
Named at centre back on the club hurling team of the year, he was instrumental in O’Loughlin Gael’s incredible journey that saw them emerge from their home county after beating All-Ireland champions Ballyhale Shamrocks.
They had tight battles against Na Fianna in the Leinster final and then Cushendall before their thrilling clash with St Thomas’ of Galway in the final where they narrowly lost.
Deegan was the star of a sensational O’Loughlin's defence throughout.
His defensive colleague David Fogarty and St Thomas’ legend David Burke were also nominated for the overall award.
In football, Conor Glass of Glen added to his growing feats since his return home from professional football in the AFL.
Since his return home, Glass has thrived with club and county, opened up a coffee shop and is currently in his final year at University of Ulster.
His central partnership with Emmett Bradley saw both men named on the Club Football Team of the Year.
Glass’s relentless work ethic, agility, ability and positional nous saw him stand out all year.
The Glen stat was chosen ahead of fellow nominees Shane Walsh of Kilmacud Crokes and Ben O’Carroll of St Brigid’s.
GAA president Jarlath Burns said: "My congratulations to Paddy and Conor – two players who are natural leaders, and who typified the high quality that we have come to expect from the AIB GAA Club Championships.
"It is a great honour for the players, their clubs and their families and well deserved. Well done again to all of those who have been honoured on the teams of the year, and our thanks to AIB for their continuing support of these fantastic competitions."
The awards have been held since 2018 and are selected by a panel of Gaelic Games correspondents from across print, digital and broadcast media.
