Outstanding performers from this year's women's All-Ireland finals were honoured at Croke Park yesterday. Jovita Delaney, captain of the Tipperary camogie team that won its second successive All-Ireland title, and Cora Staunton, instrumental in Mayo's defence of their football All-Ireland, both received Eircell Player of the Month awards.
Delaney, a 25-year-old schoolteacher in Tarbert, Co Kerry, who plays her club camogie with Cashel, is a versatile hurler and although goalkeeper in this year's championship, has played out the field in both defence and attack. She was selected Player of the Match for her display in goal against Cork in September.
Nineteen-year-old Cora Staunton from Carnacon, Co Mayo, has had a sensational year as the county retained its All-Ireland title against Waterford. In the semi-final against Tyrone she scored 3-6 and followed that up with 2-2 in the final.
A student at Athlone IT, she had bad luck last year when breaking her collarbone a week before the 1999 All-Ireland final, but she played for a token few seconds before being replaced. A special award was made to Jim O'Sullivan, GAA correspondent of the Cork Examiner, who this year marks 30 years' involvement with the All Star awards.
Tyrone full back Chris Lawn returns from suspension for Sunday's National Football League tie against Roscommon at Hyde Park, but Cormac McAnallen, sent off during the win over All-Ireland champions Kerry 10 days ago, misses the game. Tyrone have injury doubts over Gerard Cavlan, Colin Holmes, Sean Teague and Ryan McMenamin, but Peter Canavan is virtually certain to make his first start of the season.
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