Newtownshandrum's Ben O’Connor picked up his second Provincial Player award. He last won in 2003 and went on to lead his club to All-Ireland success.

While O’Connor will be hoping that history repeats itself in 2010, his fellow winner TJ Reid will be aiming to ensure that Ballyhale Shamrocks put an end to Newtownshandrum's run of success in Sunday's semi-finals.

With Dunloy's Paddy Richmond taking his first Ulster Provincial Player award back in 2008, this year was unique in that all three hurling winners once again pick up this prestigious award.

Former Celtic Youth player, Portlaoise's Paul Cahillane, has come a long way from Parkhead to become Portlaoise's top scorer in 2009, and he was a deserved winner of a very competitive Leinster Championship.

The AIB Ulster Football award went to Conor McGourty of St. Gall's, who faced close competition for the honours from his brother Kevin McGourty.

The AIB Connacht Football award went to Corofin's Kieran Comer, whose tally of 1-7 against Charlestown in the Connacht final, helped clinch his award. Kilmurry-Ibrickane's Darren Hickey was a clear and deserving winner of the AIB Munster Football award.

Two Coaching and Games Development awards were presented to JK Bracken's GAA clubman Tom Collum and to Tony Regan, who has made an indelible impact on GAA in NUIG.

In making the presentation, GAA President Cooney noted the huge role both men had played in the development of the game in their communities.

Speaking at the awards, Billy Finn, General Manager of AIB Bank, said: "Each of the players here today collect this honour, not just for the outstanding performances they have put in as individuals throughout the Championship, but on behalf of every player on their team, and everyone involved with their club

"We in AIB are also delighted to recognise Tom Collum and Tony Regan, as representatives of the great work done by so many people in clubs around the country, both on the pitch, and in leading the coaching and development of our future players."

Cooney added: "We placed a special emphasis on underlining the importance of our clubs and their position at the very heart of the Association over the course of our 125th Anniversary celebrations and this outlook will continue.

"Today we gather to laud the efforts of our club players and those in particular who strive for excellence on the field of play. All of our winners are worthy recipients and I wish them and their teams every success ahead of their respective challenges in the coming days and weeks."

This is the 14th year of the AIB Provincial Player Awards. The winners are selected by GAA media around the country, based on the players' performances in the 2009 AIB GAA Provincial Club Championships.

2009 AIB PROVINCIAL PLAYER AWARD WINNERS:

Hurling Awards -

TJ Reid - Leinster - Ballyhale Shamrocks

Ben O’Connor - Munster - Newtownshandrum

Paddy Richmond - Ulster - Dunloy Cuchullains

* No award for Connacht given automatic qualification

Football Awards -

Kieran - Comer Connacht - Corofin

Paul Cahillane - Leinster - Portlaoise

Darren Hickey - Munster - Kilmurry-Ibrickane

Conor McGourty - Ulster - St. Gall's