Geaney, Connolly, McGrath and Farrell claim 2016 Munster and Leinster GAA senior player awards

Kerry’s Paul Geaney and Dublin’s Diarmuid Connolly

KERRY’S PAUL GEANEY and Tipperary’s John McGrath have claimed the senior player honours in the 2016 Munster GAA awards.

While Dublin’s Diarmuid Connolly and Kilkenny’s Jonjo Farrell have won the equivalent awards in Leinster as they are the inaugural winners of the Pearse Medal for 2016.

Jonjo Farrell and Diarmuid Connolly during a presentation in Croke Park

Source: SPORTSFILE

Geaney inspired Kerry to Munster title glory when he hit 0-5 in the semi-final against Clare and was man-of-the-match when scoring 2-3 in the final win over Tipperary.

Paul Geaney raised two green flags against Tipperary

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

McGrath made his Munster senior championship debut when scoring a point against Cork, he struck the same total against Limerick before exploding to life in the final when he fired 3-2 in the victory over Waterford.

John McGrath netted a hat-trick against Waterford

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Connolly was again instrumental to Dublin’s victory, man-of-the-match in their wins over Laois and Meath before helping them overcome Westmeath in the final.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Farrell was a revelation for Kilkenny in the Leinster senior champiosnhip, striking 2-9 from play in their victories over Dublin and Galway.

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

Munster

Meanwhile there are several other award winners in Munster that will be honoured at a gala dinner in the Rochestown Park Hotel tomorrow night

Cork’s Michael Hurley and Waterford’s Austin Gleeson have claimed the U21 awards after their respective provincial final wins, while Kerry’s David Clifford and Tipperary’s Jake Morris were the minor stars in 2016.