VIDEO: Dual Player of the Year Eimear Traynor – Donaghmoyne/Culloville

EIMEAR Traynor is a truly worthy recipient of our annual Dual Player of the Year Award.

Not only did she star during Donaghmoyne’s surge to an All-Ireland final (she was named at wing-back on our Ladies Football Team of the Year) but she also blazed a trail on the camogie field with Armagh side Culloville.

Despite all that, she was a beacon of modesty in her post-award interview at Friday night at the Hillgrove Hotel, declaring herself ‘shocked’ by the decision. She fended off stiff competition from Shane McGuigan (Sleacht Néill and Derry star) and Conal Cunning (Dunloy and Antrim) to claim one of the most prized individual awards on the night.

Traynor said: “I am a wee bit shocked to be honest. Those two boys are absolutely brilliant players so I’m a bit surprised to say the least.”

Honing in on her accomplishments with Donaghmoyne first and foremost, they successfully retained their Ulster title with a hard-fought victory over Moneyglass. They navigated the All-Ireland semi-final hurdle but ultimately fell short on finals day at Croke Park. So their wait for a first All-Ireland crown since 2016 goes on for another year.

“We’re still waiting on another All-Ireland but we’ll get there eventually hopefully. It could be a few years yet but I’m confident we’ll get there. Getting to Croke Park is always a great experience and we’ll dust ourselves down and go at it again next year.”

Traynor also played her part in a big year for Culloville, who claimed their first Armagh Intermediate Camogie title. She says they aren’t satisfied with their year’s work and looking forward would like to make their mark at a provincial level.

“It’s definitely been a big year for Culloville, we’re a very small club and we all spur each other on. I wouldn’t be winning an award like this without the help of the years so I have to mention them. We’re like to go further in Ulster all being well, we’ve a great bunch of girls coming through so to take the next step in Ulster would be a big achievement.”