McKeever announced ESB Women's Hockey Player of the Year

Bridget McKeever, Vice Captain of the ESB Irish Women's hockey team has been named ESB Women's player of the year. The Ballymoney defender won the award following consistent defending at the European Nations Championships in Dublin last year, and performing with distinction in the Samsung World Cup Qualifier in Rome earlier this year, despite having sustained a fractured cheekbone a matter of weeks beforehand.

McKeever emerged as the winner from a shortlist of four nominees; Linda Caulfield (Ireland Captain and Hermes), Ciara O'Brien (Ireland and Railway Union), and Eimear Cregan (Ireland and Push).

The award was made at the inaugural, ESB/Howard Holding Irish Hockey awards ceremony held in Dublin's mansion house. In the men's category, John Jermyn of Cork Church of Ireland picked up the top award following an exceptional season for Ireland, not least in the BDO World Cup Qualifier where he established himself as a consistent goal-scorer and attacking threat for his country. Other award winners, honoured for their contribution to Hockey include Jason Lynch - Men's Junior player of the year, Julia O Halloran - ESB Women's junior player of the year. Hermes were awarded the Club of the year following their success in the ESB Club Championships, Irish Senior Cup, Irish Junior Cup, Euro Hockey Cup winners Trophy and Leinster Ladies League title.