Dalton and Murray chosen for Offaly awards

Edenderry captain Richie Dalton and Coolderry attacking ace Damien Murray have been named as the Offaly senior footballer and hurler of the year respectively. Dalton was outstanding for Edenderry in their surprise Dowling Cup success, with the red and white outfit defeating a fancied Clara side in the county final. He was also a regular starter at midfield for the Offaly footballers this year. Meanwhile, former county star Murray has been rewarded for a brilliant season with Coolderry which saw him rack up 2-54 in the club's capture of the Offaly and Leinster titles. Coolderry had a sweet victory over old rivals Birr in the Offaly decider and they went on to win their first Leinster crown, defeating Ballyboden St Enda's (Dublin) and Oulart the Ballagh of Wexford along the way. The annual awards, which will be presented at a ceremony in Tullamore's Bridge House Hotel on Friday, January 13, honour the top players in all grades from senior to minor and also incorporate handball, ladies football, camogie and referees. All-Ireland hurling final referee Brian Gavin was given the hurling referee award, while Damien Brazil of Shannonbridge was chosen for the football equivalent. The full list of recipients is as follows. Football Senior Football - Richie Dalton (Edenderry) Intermediate Football - Joe Kilmurray (Rhode) Junior Football - Noel Andrew Graham (Cappincur) U21 Football - Cian Donohoe (St Michael's) Minor Football - Joe Maher (Ferbane/Belmont) Ladies Football - Orlagh Heavey (Rhode) Hall Of Fame - Paddy McCormack (Rhode) Referee - Damien Brazil (Shannonbridge) Hurling Senior Hurling - Damien Murray (Coolderry) Intermediate Hurling - Chris McDonald (Brosna Gaels) Junior Hurling - Eunan Martin (St Rynagh's) U21 Hurling - David Magner (Ballinamere) Minor Hurling - Peter Geraghty (Kilcormac/Killoughey) Camogie - Elaine Dermody (Drumcullen) Hall Of Fame - Pat Joe Whelahan (St Rynagh's and Birr) Referee - Brian Gavin (Clara) Handball: Micheál O'Brien (Crinkle).