by Eoghan Cormican
Three DCU students have been nominated for the 2011 GAA GPA All-Star awards. Paul Flynn and Kevin Nolan both of Dublin and Donegal’s Michael Murphy were among the 45 players nominated for an All Star. Former DCU students Stephen Cluxton of Dublin, Kildare’s Emmet Bolton and Hugh McGrillen and Bernard Brogan of Dublin are also in contention for an All Star.
Of the seven nominees only two have ever received All-Stars before. Goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton has won three (02, 06 and 07) while Bernard Brogan won his only one last year as well as picking up the Footballer of the Year award.
Michael Murphy has been nominated in the full forward line despite the fact that he played in a much deeper role throughout the championship. The final team of 15 players will be unveiled at a banquet event at the Convention Centre, Dublin, on Friday 21 October.This is the first year of the GAA GPA All-Star awards.
Previously there were two award ceremonies organised under different bodies. The All-Star awards were decided by journalists exclusively while the GPA was selected by the players. Three of the All-Star nominees have also been included on Anthony Tohill’s provisional squad for the International Rules series which is held in Australia this year.
The three players are Michael Murphy, Stephen Cluxton and Emmet Bolton. Current DCU student and Laois captain Colm Begley has also been included on the 31 man panel. Two former DCU students; Kevin Reilly of Meath and Pearse Hanley are part of the squad. Hanley is a member of the Brisbane Lions club in Australia.
All players selected played a part in the 2010 International Rules series which Australia won by 10 points. The opening Test of the 2011 series will be played on Friday October 28 with the second Test set down for Friday November 4. In other GAA news, DCU men’s senior football team will start their league campaign against NUIM today.
UCD and Carlow IT are the other teams in the group. Their hurling counterparts open against DIT before facing UCD and neighbours ST Patricks – Mater Dei.The fresher football side will face tough trips to face northern teams QUB, UUJ and St Mary’s. The fresher hurling side will face games against UCD, St Patricks-Mater Dei, DIT, Carlow IT and Waterford IT.
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