Alan McNamee named Offaly footballer of the year

Rhode midfielder Alan McNamee is the somewhat surprising choice as Offaly Footballer of the Year for 2008. While it is no surprise to see the name McNamee associated with the award, many observers would have expected Alan"s younger brother Niall to be chosen as the award winner. Niall scored 1-9 (1-8 from play) in Rhode"s convincing county final victory over Tullamore and his score-taking ability was vital to his side"s senior football championship success, as well as their passage to the Leinster club final, in which they were recently defeated by Kilmacud Crokes. It is the second time that Alan McNamee has picked up the award, having previously been selected in 2005. Niall is also a two-time winner of the senior accolade (2004 and 2006) - which means that the McNamee brothers have, between them, accounted for four of the last five football player of the year awards. The intermediate award goes to St. Brigid"s attacker Ken Casey, while Rhode prodigy Anton Sullivan claimed the junior and minor footballer of the year awards. Carthage Buckley (Clara) was selected as the football referee of the year, while the handball award is also destined for Rhode, with David Hope being honoured. With this year"s Under-21 football final to be played this Sunday (Tullamore v Clara), the player of the year at that grade has yet to be chosen. Walsh Island legend Willie Bryan will be inducted in the Hall of Fame. The former midfield great was the first man to captain Offaly to All-Ireland SFC glory in 1971 and was also a key member of the side that retained the Sam Maguire Cup 12 months later. The annual awards ceremony will take place in the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore, on Friday, January 9. Medals will also be presented on the night to the Offaly football panel which won the National League Division 4 title this year. The hurling award winners were announced prior to their football counterparts. Birr star Gary Hanniffy was selected as 2008 Offaly Hurler of the Year. The other hurling award winners for 2008 are - Hall of Fame: Mick Spain; Intermediate: Derek Middleton; Junior: Dwayne Dunne; U-21: Joe Bergin; Minor: Michael Ryan; Referee: Noel Flynn.