Damian Casey named Rackard Cup hurler of the year

The late Damian Casey was announced as the Nickey Rackard Cup hurler of the year after a brilliant season for the Dungannon and Tyrone star.

The announcement came at a gala black-tie banquet in Croke Park where the the players of the year in the Joe McDonagh, Christy Ring, Nickey Rackard and Lory Meagher Cup hurling competitions, along with the Tailteann Cup football, were announced.

Casey broke the 400-point career mark for championship scores, scored 2-64 over their six matches and 0-14 in the final before his tragic sudden passing in June.

Members of his family including his parents Seán and Susan were present for the announcement of the awards

Westmeath centre forward Ronan O'Toole was named as the the inaugural Tailteann Cup footballer of the year. He scored 0-12 over the course of their campaign where the St Loman’s man’s influence grew by the round and finished with him scoring 0-5 and being man of the match in the final.

Antrim forward Conal Cunning picked up the Joe McDonagh Cup hurler of the year award. The Dunloy star scored 2-55 in five matches and included an important 1-9 haul in the final win over Kerry. The Christy Ring Cup hurler of the year is Kildare’s James Burke.

Selected at corner forward on the Champion 15, the Naas man scored 1-44 in five matches for the Lilywhites in their successful campaign.

Louth’s Darren Geoghegan was named as the Lory Meagher Cup hurler of the year. Named full-forward on the Champion 15, the Naomh Moninne man was prolific in their campaign and scored 2-30.

GAA President Larry McCarthy said: "We promote a team game but throughout Irish history there has always been a place reserved for sporting heroes and for celebrating those who are a cut above in terms of inspiration and