CORK HURLER AIDAN Walsh has been named as the 2011 Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year.
The player received the award today, in addition to a €1,000 voucher from Bord Gáis Energy.
Walsh beat six other shortlisted players to the award – Niall O’Donoghue, Niall Burke and Barry Daly of Galway, along with Limerick duo Shane Dowling and Declan Hannon, and Dublin captain Liam Rushe.
The 21-year-old registered eight points from play in the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Munster Hurling Championship, but that wasn’t enough to prevent Limerick from triumphing in the final.
Upon receiving the award, Walsh said:
“I am delighted to accept this award, especially considering the talent I was up against and I would like to congratulate the other lads for their own achievements this year.”
The selection panel included Bord Gáis Energy Sport Sponsorship Manager, Ger Cunningham, RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey, Micheál Ó Domhnaill of TG4, U-21 All-Ireland winner Joe Canning and ex-Waterford player Ken McGrath.
Walsh was also named as the Young Footballer of the Year in 2010.