Strong western representation on PwC Camogie Soaring Stars nominees list

PwC and the Camogie Association have announced the nominations for the 2022 PwC Camogie Soaring Stars.

The shortlist has been 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 championships.

With 11 selections, All-Ireland intermediate champions Galway take prime position in the nomination of 36 players spread across eight different counties. The others are from Cork (seven), Antrim (five), Meath (five), Derry (three), Armagh (three), Clare (one) and Cavan (one).

Galway goalie Fiona Ryan faces competition from finalists Cork in Stefanie Beausang and Aine Graham from premier junior winners Antrim.

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, with players from Meath, Cork, Galway, Antrim and Armagh vying for the centre-field awards.

The forward line nominations see Galway again on top with four 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 November 26 in Croke Park.

Congratulating the nominees, Uachtarán Hilda Breslin said: “This year saw 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, added: “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.”

The PwC Camogie Soaring Stars 2022 nominees in full are: goalies – Stefanie Beausang (Cork), Aine Graham (Antrim), Fiona Ryan (Galway); 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-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); midfielders – Grace Coleman (Meath), Rachel Harty (Cork), Jennifer Hughes (Galway), Emma Laverty (Antrim), Michelle McArdle (Armagh); 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); 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).