The late, great Tyrone hurling star Damian Casey has been named in the Champion 15 selection for 2022 for a fourth successive year.
The awards honour the best players from the counties who participate in the Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher Cups.
Casey scored 0-14 as he propelled Tyrone to a second Rackard Cup at the expense of Roscommon in Croke Park last May.
Read more: Ulster Club Championship 2022 draw, fixture guide, betting odds and TV information
The Dungannon native tragically lost his life in a swimming pool accident back in June, aged 28.
He is one of and he is one of three Tyrone hurlers to be named with defenders Dermot Begley and Chris Kearns also honoured on a team made up of players from eight different counties.
Christy Ring Cup champions Kildare have five players represented in goalkeeper Paddy McKenna, defenders Rian Boran and Paul Divilly and forwards Brian Byrne and James Burke.
Former Mayo football All Star Keith Higgins is named in the Champion 15 for the second straight year.
Derry’s Mark Craig, Sligo’s Andy Kilcullen, Roscommon duo Daniel Glynn and Padraig Kelly, Darren Geohegan of Louth and Paddy Lynam from Longford complete the selection.
GAA president Larry McCarthy said: “Congratulations to all of those who have been selected and honoured with a place on this prestigious Champion 15 for the Ring, Rackard and Meagher Cups.
“These competitions deliver great games every season and offer players in these counties the chance to perform on the biggest stage of all for an All-Ireland title at Croke Park. Although it is a team game we play, it is only right that we have an opportunity to salute those who have been truly inspirational and influential.
“Your award is one that will be shared by your families and the clubs and communities you proudly represent and in celebrating this occasion we also pause to acknowledge the empty chair that should have been filled by the great Damian Casey and honour his memory and keep him and his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.”
Tom Parsons, GPA CEO, added: “I want to celebrate the life and hurling talents of the late, great Damian Casey. He again showed in 2022 that he was a hurler that would grace any team or competition. But more than that, he was a son and a brother, a teammate and a friend, a leader and a role model.
"Awards seem insignificant given the loss his parents Seán and Susan and his sisters Louise and Catherine are faced with, but I hope this award will act as a reminder to them of the esteem Damian was held in by the Gaelic games family. He will never be forgotten by his fellow players.”
The awards will be presented at a gala black-tie banquet in Croke Park this Friday night, where the Joe McDonagh Team of the Year and the Tailteann Cup Football Team of the Year will also be honoured.
2022 Ring, Rackard & Meagher Champion 15: Paddy McKenna (Kildare); Dermot Begley (Tyrone), Rian Boran (Kildare), Mark Craig (Derry); Chris Kearns (Tyrone), Paul Divilly (Kildare), Padraig Kelly (Roscommon); Paddy Lynam (Longford), Keith Higgins (Mayo); Brian Byrne (Kildare), Andy Kilcullen (Sligo), Damian Casey (Tyrone); James Burke (Kildare), Darren Geoghegan (Louth), Daniel Glynn (Roscommon).
READ NEXT:
- Des Cahill steps down as presenter of The Sunday Game after 15 years
Canavan siblings inspire Errigal Ciaran to narrow win over holders Dromore
- Kilcoo survive extra-time battle with Warrenpoint to retain Down SFC crown
Dunloy complete Championship double as hurlers retain Antrim SHC title
Naomh Conaill topple St Eunan’s but controversial red card mars Donegal final
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
