Five Meath players among the nominations for Soaring Stars
Meath players Sophia Payne, Grace Coleman, Aoife Minogue, Amy Gaffney and Jane Dolan have been included on the list of nominations for the PwC Camogie Soaring Stars awards.
The five players produced a series of consistent, high quality performances for Meath over the past year with their efforts recognised in the way they have been included in the nominations alongside some of the finest players in the country.
The shortlist was compiled by a dedicated All-Star Nomination Committee, to celebrate the high performance and commitment of players throughout the 2022 Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Intermediate and Premier Junior Championship season.
All-Ireland Intermediate champions Galway take prime position in the nominations of 36 players spread across 8 different counties. Players from Galway (11), Cork (7), Antrim (5),Meath (5), Derry (3), Armagh (3), Clare (1) and Cavan (1) are featured in this year’s Soaring Stars nominations.
All-Ireland Intermediate Championship winners Galway see goalie Fiona Ryan face competition from finalists Cork in Stefanie Beausang and Premier Junior winners, Antrim goalie, Aine Graham.
They are joined by 14 defenders, Galway once again holding the top spot with five nominees, followed closely by their All-Ireland opponents Cork with four nominations. Also included are intermediate players from Derry and Meath, and Premier Junior defenders from Armagh, Antrim and Clare.
At midfield, there is a five county spread in nominees, from Meath, Cork, Galway, Antrim and Armagh vying for the centre field awards.
The forward line nominations see Galway again on top with 4 nominations in Tegan Canning, Katie Gilchrist, Laura Loughnane and Niamh McPeake. Players from Cork, Meath, Armagh, Antrim, Cavan and Derry complete the nominees for the half forward and full forward selection.
The presentations of the awards will take place at a star-studded PwC Camogie All-Stars ceremony on 26th November in Croke Park.
Congratulating the nominees, Uachtarán Hilda Breslin said: “2022 was an exceptional display of athleticism, skill, hard work and determination from all players. I want to congratulate those who have been chosen among this distinguished list of nominees for the PwC Camogie Soaring-Stars and celebrate their individual performances, that contributed greatly in what was a tremendous showcase of our game from start to finish. I wish to sincerely thank our new sponsor PwC for their support of our All-Stars Awards. All our nominees are truly deserving of the titles, and I look forward to celebrating with them on our Awards evening in Croke Park in November.”
Feargal O’Rourke, Managing Partner, PwC, said: “On behalf of everyone at PwC, we want to congratulate each of the 36 nominees for the 2022 PwC Camogie Soaring Stars. To be nominated is a huge achievement for any player and their outstanding individual performances throughout the season have entertained us all. This crop of talented players deserve this recognition for their sporting achievements. Developing talent is a strategic imperative for PwC both on and off the field.”
PwC Camogie Soaring Stars 2022 Nominees:
GOALKEEPERS: Stefanie Beausang (Cork), Aine Graham (Antrim), Fiona Ryan (Galway)
FULL BACK LINE: Corner-backs - Ciara Hickey (Galway), Ashling Moloney (Cork), Éimear O’Kane (Armagh), Sophia Payne (Meath)
Full Backs: Ciara Donohue (Galway), Niamh O’Leary (Cork), Michelle Powell (Clare)
HALF BACK LINE: Half Backs: Rebecca Bradley (Derry), Katie Manning (Galway), Gráinne McNicholl (Derry), Katie Anna Porter (Galway).
Centre Backs: Lisa Casserly (Galway), Kate Kilcommins (Cork), Megan McGarry (Antrim).
Mid Field: Grace Coleman (Meath), Rachel Harty (Cork), Jennifer Hughes (Galway). Emma Laverty (Antrim), Michelle McArdle (Armagh).
HALF FORWARD LINE: Half-forwards: Tegan Canning (Galway), Joanne Casey (Cork), Aoife Minogue (Meath), Sinead Quinn (Armagh).
Centre Forwards: Amy Gaffney (Meath), Katie Gilchrist (Galway), Bríd Magill (Antrim).
FULL FORWARD LINE: Corner Forwards: Dervla Cosgrove (Antrim), Shanise Fitzsimons (Cavan), Lauren Homan (Cork), Laura Loughnane (Galway); Full Forwards: Jane Dolan (Meath), Niamh McPeake (Galway), Therese Mellon (Derry).