*Conor Whelan, John Conlon and Shane O’Donnell claim their awards. Photo by Tom Micks
All-Star Hurlers John Conlon, Shane O’Donnell, and Conor Whelan were honoured at Loughgraney Community Hall on Saturday ahead of the Launch of Killanena GAA’s Field Development.
The three All-Star hurlers were honoured in Killanena due to their relative backgrounds with the village. Both Clare All-Star hurlers, John Conlon’s and Shane O’Donnell’s fathers hailed from Faha, Killanena, Pat Conlon, and Martin O’Donnell, who both played for the GAA club, whilst Conor Whelan’s mother Caroline Woods also came from Faha, and won a County camogie title with Killanena.
Clonlara’s John Conlon is one of seven hurlers to win an All-Star in both the backs and forwards, where he won the award at Centre-Back in 2023, having previously won it at Full-Forward in 2018.
Shane O’Donnell of Éire Óg, Ínis won his second consecutive All-Star in 2023 at Right Wing-Forward having previously claiming it on the opposite wing in 2022.
While Galway and Kinvara’s Conor Whelan secured his 2023 All-Star at Right Corner-Forward, the same position as he won his first award in the All-Ireland winning year of 2017, where he also claimed the Young Hurler of the Year Award.
Leas Cathaoirleach of Killaloe Municipal District, and Killanena GAA Club Chairman Cllr. Pat Hayes (FF), spoke to the Clare Echo following the event noting approximately 200 people at the event in Loughgraney Community Hall, where presentations took place in the honouring of the three two-time All-stars.
“The presidents of Killanena GAA Paddy Brody, Martin Canny, and Tommy Clancy presented the awards to the three hurlers. Scariff Bay Radio’s Leo Doyle was also on stage and interviewed the three boys on stage, in what was a great night for the club”.
The Development Plan’s next phase involves Killanena GAA fundraising an additional €50,000 for the completion their plans, which involve installing additional improvements to the field, stand and gym.
The Maghera councillor also acknowledged the U-21“A” winning side who previously won the 2023 championship in amalgamation with Feakle, as they will be presented with their county medals at Hotel Woodstock Ennis on February 16th.
