Diarmuid Connolly honoured with Pearse medal

Dublin's Diarmuid Connolly has been honoured as the inaugural football Pearse Medal winner., announced by Leinster GAA.

Leinster GAA have named Diarmuid and Kilkenny hurler Jonjo Farrell as the inaugural winners of the Pearse Medal for 2016 in their respective codes.

The duo were selected as the outstanding performers in the 2016 Leinster GAA senior football and hurling championships.

Leinster Chairman John Horan presented Diarmuid Jonjo with a specially commissioned Pádraig Pearse medal in recognition of their achievement which is part of the province’s activity to mark the centenary of the Rising - and also symbolises the link between Comhairle Laighean and Pearse.

Diarmuid Connolly enjoyed another stellar season for the Dublin footballers.

The St Vincent’s all-star was man of the match for the Dubs in their wins over Laois and Meath and helped them overcome Westmeath in the Leinster final for what was a record equalling sixth Delaney Cup in-a-row.

John Horan said: “Pádraig Pearse was passionate about incorporating Gaelic Games into the curriculum that was taught in his school in St Enda's. He was also Vice President of the Leinster Council Colleges’ Committee.

“We wanted to honour our proud link to Pearse and this player of the year award does that and both Jonjo and Diarmuid are two very worthy inaugural winners after their stunning exploits of last summer.”

The winners were chosen from a short list of top performers in Leinster GAA last summer and deliberations were carried out by a panel comprised of national media and Leinster GAA officials.