Ballygunner and Kilcoo dominate Team of the Year picks

Kilcoo's Eugene Branagan and Ballygunner’s Dessie Hutchinson have been named the AIB GAA Club Footballer and Hurler of the year respectively, with both clubs also to the fore in the Team of the Year selections for 2021-22.

The full football and hurling team lists show seven players each from Kilcoo and Ballygunner in a campaign where both clubs achieved maiden All-Ireland successes following dramatic victories over Kilmacud Crokes and Ballyhale Shamrocks.

Branagan excelled in a number of positions for the Down champions, while Hutchinson's pace and eye for a score was key in delivering a first All-Ireland title for a Waterford club.

In football, Kilcoo goalkeeper Niall Kane was the unanimous choice, and he is joined in defence by Ryan McEvoy, Miceal Rooney and Daryl Branagan.

Eugene Branagan was a credible choice in a multitude of positions such was his roving role and influence, but he is named at left half-forward and in doing so completes an all-Kilcoo three-quarter line with Ceilum Doherty and Jerome Johnston.

Veteran Kilmacud Crokes star Rory O’Carroll is named at No 6 and is joined by three more colleagues from the Stillorgan club in the versatile Dan O’Brien, Craig Dias and Dara Mullin.

Cork and Munster champions St Finbarr’s have had their march to the All-Ireland semi-finals recognised in awards for Sam Ryan in the full-back line and in full-forward Steven Sherlock.

Roscommon and Connacht kingpins Padraig Pearse’s are represented by midfielder Niall Daly and forward Paul Carey.

Ballygunner and Ballyhale Shamrocks claim 12 of the overall hurling team places between them. Stephen O’Keeffe is again selected between the posts.

Ian Kenny and Philip Mahony are rewarded with places in defence, Paddy Leavey’s work rate is