Murphy becomes 6th Ulster Winner
Michael Murphy has become the latest player from Ulster to win the coveted title of Young Footballer of the Year.
Michael received his award from President of Ireland Mary McAleese at the Vodafone GAA All-Star Awards on Friday night, and in doing so, he became the 6th Ulster player to win the award since its inception in 1997.
In 2001 the late Cormac McAnallen became the first Ulster recipient and started a run of 5 Ulster players in a row to collect it.
Following Armagh’s historical first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 2002, Ronan Clarke was named Young Footballer of the Year. This was mirrored by Sean Cavanagh the following year as Tyrone lifted Sam for the first time.
In 2004, Fermanagh were the fairytale story of the Championship as they stormed to an All-Ireland semi-final, only to be narrowly beaten by Mayo after a replay. In recognition of his performances, Niall Tinney kept the run of Ulster winners going.
Aaron Kernan became the 5th Ulster player in a row to collect the gong as his sterling performances helped Armagh lift the Ulster Championship, before succumbing to eventual All-Ireland Champions Tyrone in a memorable All-Ireland semi-final.
Pictured is Michael receiving his award from President of Ireland Mary McAleese, GAA President Christy Cooney and CEO of Vodafone Ireland Charles Butterworth.
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Young Footballer of the Year Winners:
2009: Michael Murphy – Donegal
2008: Tommy Walsh – Kerry
2007: Killian Young – Kerry
2006: Keith Higgins – Mayo
2005: Aaron Kernan – Armagh
2004: Niall Tinney – Fermanagh
2003: Sean Cavanagh – Tyrone
2002: Ronan Clarke – Armagh
2001: Cormac McAnallen – Tyrone
2000: Joe Bergin – Galway
1999: Philip Clifford – Cork
1998: Michael Donnellan – Galway
1997: Mike Frank Russell – Kerry
