Laois Camogie duo nominated for Premier Junior Player of the Year
Laois were narrowly beaten in the All-Ireland final
Now that the dust has settled on the inter-county camogie season for 2024, the nominees for this year’s PwC Camogie All Star Awards, alongside the nominations for the PwC GPA Players of the Year were unveiled on Tuesday morning, September 17.
The Laois Camogie team had a year to remember in the blue and white jersey. Robert Jones and Pat Collier's got to the finals of all three competitions that they played in. Unfortunately, Laois lost all three finals by a single point which is heartbreaking to say the least. Armagh beat them in the Division 3A Very League final, Wexford beat them in the Leinster Intermediate final and Tipperary were crowned Premier Junior Camogie champions on Sunday, August 11.
Laois had plenty of stand-out performers across the panel this year which has seen two players get nominated for the PwC GPA Camogie Premier Junior Player of the Year. St Brigid's player Clodagh Tynan and Camross' Aimee Collier will be pitted against Tipperary's Jenny Grace for the award. Grace was the hero for Tipperary in the All-Ireland final as she struck over nine frees with her final score being the match-winner in injury time for The Premier County.
Tynan had a superb year for Laois in her centre-back position. She came out with the sliotar in her hand on multiple occasions as well as popping up with long-range scores when her team needed them the most. None more so than when she scored 1-1 in her side's defeat of Cavan to reach the All-Ireland final.
Collier was Laois' top-scorer in 2024 where her accuracy from frees and from play along with her ability to get goals at crucial times was paramount to Laois performing the way that they did in 2024.
The PwC GPA Camogie Premier Junior Player of the Year category includes the following nominees:
Clodagh Tynan – Laois
Jenny Grace – Tipperary
Aimee Collier – Laois
Uachtarán of the Camogie Association, Brian Molloy spoke of the nominees announcement: “The 2024 Camogie inter-county season has been a remarkable one. We were honoured to witness some nail-biting battles between fierce rivals, and I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to all those who participated across the 2024 season.
A special congratulations to those select few who have been nominated for inclusion in the prestigious PwC Camogie All-Stars team of 2024. Each individual who has been nominated this year has made a significant contribution to our game and should be extremely proud of their achievements regardless of the outcome on the awards night. I am deeply grateful to our sponsors, PwC, for their steadfast support of the Camogie All-Stars Awards, and I look forward to continuing our excellent partnership in the years ahead.
Additionally, I wish to congratulate the nine players nominated for the PwC GPA Camogie Player of the Year Awards across the Senior, Intermediate, and Premier Junior grades. These awards are voted upon by their fellow teammates and players, which demonstrates the high level of respect and camaraderie these players hold for one another, and the outstanding level of skill and performance these nominees have exhibited throughout the year.
The very best of luck to all the deserving nominees and I look forward to celebrating your fantastic achievements with you all in Croke Park on the 15th of November.”
Enda McDonagh, Managing Partner, PwC, said: “On behalf of everyone at PwC, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the 36 nominees for the 2024 PwC Camogie All-Stars and to those shortlisted for the PwC GPA Camogie Senior, Intermediate, and Premier Junior Players of the Year. Being nominated is a remarkable acknowledgment of their outstanding performances throughout the season. The dedication and commitment shown by all players highlight the immense sacrifices they make for their teams. At PwC, developing, nurturing and recognising talent is a strategic priority, and we take pride in celebrating excellence both on and off the field.”
Tom Parsons, GPA CEO, also added: “As the official representative association for inter-county players, the GPA is delighted to partner with the Camogie Association and PwC, who are a long-term friend of players, to reward the outstanding performers in 2024. While camogie is primarily about the collective of the team, it is important to recognise what each player brings to the game individually. I want to congratulate all of the nominees for making the shortlist.
“In particular, I want to acknowledge the nine players who are vying for the title of PwC GPA Camogie Player of the Year in their respective grades. To Aoife, Laura and Saoirse, Danielle, Emma and Lauren, and Aimee, Clodagh and Jenny, the very best of luck.”
The awards ceremony will take place in Croke Park on Friday, November 15.