The 2019 Galway GAA Annual is now on sale  100 Pages €10

Senior CLUB ALL STARS Hurling Team of the Year 2019 Sponsored by McCarthy’s of Kilbeacanty:

1 James Barrett St Thomas

2 Declan Cronin Cappataggle 3 David Collins Liam Mellows 4 Michael Morris Turloughmore

5 Jamie Holland Turloughmore 6 Shane Cooney St Thomas 7 Cathal Burke St Thomas

8 James Regan St Thomas 9 David Burke St Thomas

10 Alan Dolan Cappataggle 11 Darragh Burke St Thomas 12 Jamie Ryan Loughrea

13 Jarlath Mannion Cappataggle 14 Tadhg Haran Liam Mellows 15 Conor Kavanagh Liam Mellows

• Tadhg Haran picks up his 4th award, while David Collins, Shane Cooney, David Burke and Darragh Burke win their 3^rd awards

• Declan Cronin and Jarlath Mannion pick up their second awards. The remaining 8 players are being honoured for the first time: James Barrett, Michael Morris, Jamie Holland, Cathal Burke, James Regan, Alan Dolan, Jamie Ryan Loughrea & Conor Kavanagh

• Alan Dolan becomes the 3rd player to receive both senior and intermediate awards after Colm Callanan and Declan Cronin

• Co Champions St Thomas have 6 representatives, while County Finalists Liam Mellows have 3. One set of brothers selected - Cathal, David and Darragh Burke.

• There are 5 survivors from last year’s team: David Collins, Shane Cooney, Darragh Burke, Jarlath Mannion & Tadhg Haran

Intermediate CLUB ALL STARS Hurling Team of the Year 2019 Sponsored by McCarthy’s of Kilbeacanty:

1 Paul Dullaghan Turloughmore

2 Cillian O’Hara Killimor 3 Martin Ryan Kilconieron 4 Shane Byrne Kinvara

5 Diarmuid Mullen Turloughmore 6 Paul Uniacke Kilconieron 7 Ultan McGlynn Kilconieron

8 Alan Leech Kinvara 9 Danny Gleeson Moycullen

10 Shane Caulfield Kilconieron11 John Fleming Meelick Eyrecourt 12 Cillian Hurney Turloughmore

13 Cathal Curtin Kinvara14 Conor Whelan Kinvara 15 Niall Kinneen Annaghdown

• Conor Whelan wins his 5^th award; the most for any Intermediate player since the inception of the Awards – this is also the 5^th year in a row, he receives an Award. Alan Leech is being honoured for the third time.

• Martin Ryan, Paul Uniacke, Shane Caulfield, John Fleming and Niall Kinneen are receiving their 2^nd awards, while Cillian O' Hara is the 1st Killimor recipient of an award

• County Finalists Kinvara & Kilconieron each have 4 players on the team

• 8 First time winners: Paul Dullaghan, Cillian O’Hara, Shane Byrne, Diarmuid Mullen, Ultan McGlynn, Danny Gleeson, Cillian Hurney & Cathal Curtin

• There are 5 survivors from last year’s team: Martin Ryan, Paul Uniacke, John Fleming, Conor Whelan and Niall Kinneen

• This is the 7^th year of the Awards. The Awards began in 2013. Since then 66 Intermediate players and 68 Senior Club players have been honoured
• Turloughmore become the first club since the inception of the Club All Stars to have representation on both the Senior & Intermediate teams in the one season
• Presentation Function in McCarthy’s of Kilbeacanty TBC

 The County Teams Fundraiser Draw was held last night in the Loughrea Hotel & Spa. Below are the results of the Draw.

• 1st Prize: Toyota Camry Sol
  • Sponsored by Tony Burke Motors, Ballybrit.
  • Winner: Michael Walsh, Ashford, Cong.
    
    

• 2nd Place: Trip for two to New York
  • Flights, Accommodation, Match tickets for Galway v. New York in Connacht S.F.C. 2020
  • Sponsored by Jake’s Saloon NYC, c/o Jimmy Glynn.
    
  • Winner: Anne Burke, Meadow View, Brackloon, Ballyglunin, Tuam.
    
    
    

• 3rd Prize: 2 x All Ireland Hurling Final tickets (2020 Final)
  • including overnight stay in the Intercontinental Hotel Dublin.
  • Winner: Paul Hearty, Lakeview, Claregalway.
    
    
    

• 4th Prize: 2 x All Ireland Football Final tickets (2020 Final)
  • including overnight stay in the Intercontinental Hotel Dublin.
    Winner: Frank Kearney, Lackagh, Turloughmore.
    
    
    

• 5th Prize: 2 x Galway GAA Club Passes
  • Winner: Dan McArdle, Gortadooey, Claregalway.
    

Congratulations to all the lucky winners and Sincere Thanks to all who supported this Fundraiser on behalf of our County teams.

Is mise le meas,

Michael Burke
Cisteoir, Coiste Chontae na Gaillimhe, CLG

"After 13 years wearing the maroon and white jersey, and after careful consideration, I have made the decision to step away from the Galway senior hurling panel. It’s a massive privilege to play for your county and I feel honoured and proud that I got to play for Galway for as long as I did. I was lucky enough to win everything on offer at least once.

I was blessed to have shared a dressingroom with such brilliant people throughout my career, which enabled me to forge friendships that will last a lifetime. It was an honour to go into battle with all of those Galway players, while it was also a privilege to get the opportunity to play against the very best players from other counties.

I was also lucky to have enjoyed the support of excellent managers, coaches and backroom team members over the years. Special mention must go to the managers I played under – Ger Loughnane, John McIntyre, Anthony Cunningham and Micheal Donoghue.

I’d particularly like to extend huge thanks to Christy O’Connor for being my goalkeeping coach all the way back to before I started with Galway in 2007. Christy opened my mind as to what was required at the top level, and he really lifted my standards.

I’m indebted to my club Kinvara for all their support and loyalty over the years. I want to pay tribute to all the coaches that helped me improve my game, which enabled me progress and go on and play for Galway.

I’d also like to thank the various county board members which looked after us over the years.

Most of all though, I’d like to thank my family. My wife Jen has always provided the amazing support which allowed me to chase my dream for so long. Her patience and understanding facilitated the longevity of my career, especially with our two young kids at home, Ciara and Daniel. I hope I made ye all proud.

I’d also like to pay a special thanks to my parents, Mary & Gerry and my sisters, Colleen and Roisin. It was the best feeling ever to share some of those golden moments with them after matches.

I’m content that I gave everything I had to the Galway jersey for 13 years. I’ve loved every minute of my journey and to have played in front of its dedicated and passionate supporters has allowed me to make memories that I will cherish forever.

I’d also like to thank Shane O’Neill for his understanding and support of my decision. I’m also delighted that the transition will be made easier after accepting a coaching role in Shane’s new backroom team.

Let the next chapter begin! Up Galway! "

Colm Callanan