Kerry’s Paul Walsh and Galway's Donal O’Shea were named Minor Footballer and Hurler of the Year at the Electric Ireland awards today.
Walsh was a key figure as Kerry secured their fifth Minor All-Ireland title.
The Brosna clubman scored 1-07 in the Munster final win over Clare and notched three points in the All-Ireland semi-final against Monaghan and another four as Galway were seen off in the All-Ireland decider.
O’Shea had an equally impressive season for Galway’s Minor Hurlers. A tally of 1-37 across four wins en-route to the All-Ireland title is proof of the Salthill-Knocknacarra man's impact, but his influence spread beyond the bare numbers.
Galway legend Mattie Murphy was also honoured with the Electric Ireland Special Merit Award, having led his county to six All-Ireland Minor titles during his reign as manager.
GAA president John Horan said: "It’s great to see such talent recognised here today and for these players to be joined in celebration by all those who have supported in getting them to where they are in their playing careers now.
"For every player named, it is a huge honour for them and we want to congratulate them and of course Paul Walsh and Donal O’Shea for their individual awards.I am sure they will be the first to acknowledge the role their team-mates, managers, families and communities have played in their success with hopefully much more to come."
Electric Ireland 2018 GAA Minor Star Football Team of the Year
- John Ball – Kildare, (Clane)
- Ronan Grimes – Monaghan, (Killanny)
- Owen Fitzgerald – Kerry, (Gneeveguilla)
- Tiarnan Woods – Derry, (Drumsurn)
- Colm Moriarty – Kerry, (Annascaul)
- Tony Gill – Galway, (Corofin)
- Mark Lavin – Dublin, (Lucan Sarsfields)
- Darragh Rahilly – Kerry, (Rathmore)
- Conor Raftery – Galway, (Northern Gaels)
- Paul Walsh – Kerry, (Brosna)
- Mathew Costello – Meath, (Dunshaughlin)
- Aaron Mulligan – Monaghan, (Latton)
- Luke Mitchell – Meath, (Dunshaughlin)
- Eoin Darcy – Wicklow, (Tinahely)
- Matthew Cooley – Galway, (Corofin)
Electric Ireland 2018 GAA Minor Star Hurling Team of the Year
- Patrick Rabbitte – Galway, (St. Mary’s)
- Conor Whelan – Tipperary, (CJ Kickhams)
- Shane Jennings – Galway, (Ballinasloe)
- Jamie Young – Kilkenny, (O’Loughlin Gaels)
- Darragh Maher – Kilkenny, (St. Lachtain’s)
- Seán Neary – Galway, (Castlegar)
- Seán Phelan – Tipperary, (Nenagh Eire OG)
- Conor Kelly – Kilkenny, (O’Loughlin Gaels)
- Donal Leavy – Dublin, (Naomh Olaf)
- James Devaney – Tipperary, (Borris-Ileigh)
- Cathal O’Neill – Limerick, (Crecora-Manister)
- Ciarán Brennan – Kilkenny, (Bennettsbridge)
- Luke Swan – Dublin, (Castleknock)
- Donal O’Shea – Galway, (Salthill/Knocknacarra)
- Dean Reilly – Galway, (Pádraig Pearses)
