football

AIB GAA Football Championship Teams of the Year named

19 March 2025 - 6:40AM

Cuala's Con O'Callaghan on the attack in the AIB All-Ireland Club Senior Football Final against Errigal Ciarán at Croke Park. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

AIB is proud to announce the AIB GAA Football and Ladies Gaelic Football Club Championship Teams of the Year. Thrilling seasons in both codes provided some excellent individual and team performances that saw some of #TheToughest players in Gaelic Games delivering for their clubs when it mattered most. The teams of the year were carefully selected by a panel of experts, who diligently assessed performances throughout the championships. AIB will honour these players at the AIB Club Player Awards ceremony this Friday, March 21^st, where the coveted player of the year awards will also be revealed.

The nominees for AIB GAA Football Club Player of the Year are Con O'Callaghan of Cuala, Ruairí Canavan of Errigal Ciaran and Micheál Burns of Dr. Crokes. In Ladies Gaelic Football, the nominees for AIB LGFA Club Player of the Year are Eva Noone and Louise Ward, both of Kilkerrin-Clonberne, and Aoife Kane of Kilmacud Crokes.

AIB's commitment to Gaelic Games reached new heights in 2024, as it celebrated its inaugural year sponsoring the AIB Ladies Gaelic Football Club Championship which added to their long-established support for the GAA Club Championships and Camogie Club Championships which AIB has proudly sponsored since 1991 and 2013 respectively. The AIB Club Player Awards for 2024/25 will recognise the exceptional contributions of club players across Hurling, Gaelic Football, Camogie, and LGFA. This year's unified event promises to be a memorable occasion, celebrating all four codes of the Gaelic Games club season, marking the first time ever that players from Football, Hurling, Camogie and LGFA will be honoured together at the same prestigious awards.

All-Ireland champions Kilkerrin-Clonberne have been awarded the most players on the AIB Ladies Football Club Championship Team of the Year. The Galway club boasts eight places on the team of the year, having won their fourth All-Ireland title in a row. In a repeat of last year’s semi-final, they held off Kilmacud Crokes in the final to take home the Dolores Tyrrell Memorial Cup. The Dublin champions have five players on the team following their impressive run to Croke Park, which saw them win their third Leinster title in succession. Castleisland Desmonds, who secured their fourth Munster crown this season and first since 1986 have one place on the team of the year, while Ulster Champions Clann Éireann also have one place on the AIB Ladies Gaelic Football Club Championship Team of the Year.

The AIB GAA Football Club Championship Team of the Year, features six players from All-Ireland champions Cuala. The Dublin club clinched their first ever All-Ireland title when they overcame Errigal Ciaran in a pulsating final that saw them come out on top on a scoreline of 3-14 to 1-16. Errigal Ciaran have been recognised with five players on the team of the year following an incredible season which saw them reach their maiden All-Ireland final. Connacht champions, Coolera-Strandhill, and Munster champions, Dr Crokes have two players each named on the team, following impressive seasons for both clubs. Coolera-Strandhill became the first Sligo club to conquer Connacht in 41 years when they overcame Padraig Pearses while Dr Crokes' incredible journey was cut short in the All-Ireland semi-final by Errigal Ciaran who needed extra time to overcome the Kerry club.

Commenting on the Awards, AIB Chief Customer Officer Orlaith Ryan said: “AIB is delighted to celebrate the exceptional talent within Hurling, Camogie, and Ladies Gaelic Football. We are exceptionally proud to support these athletes and their communities through our sponsorship of the Club Championships. These awards recognise the dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment that define players. Seeing the passion and skill on display across all codes is truly inspiring. Congratulations to all the players, we look forward to celebrating your achievements.”

Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns added: “The AIB GAA Club Football Championship has once again showcased the passion and commitment at the heart of our association. These players embody the dedication that make our games so special. My congratulations to each player named on the team of the year and the best of luck to the three players nominated for player of the year. Your achievements are a source of immense pride for your clubs and counties.”

President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, Trina Murray said: “We are thrilled to acknowledge the incredible skill and dedication of these players, who have inspired us all with their performances throughout the season and we congratulate each player on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you to AIB for their support in celebrating these exceptional athletes.”

AIB Ladies Gaelic Football Club Championship Team of the Year 2024/25