The contenders are Ciaran Fitzsimons, Damien Healy, Conor Murray and James Tooher.

Meath minor hurlers enjoyed great success in 2011. Despite losing poorly to Laois in the Leinster MHC, Brendan Fitzsimons' charges regrouped and marched to All Ireland "B" glory. Roscommon were beaten 2-12 to 0-10 in the decider at The Downs GAA grounds in Westmeath. All our contenders were part of that successful team.

Ciaran Fitzsimons captain the Royals to that memorable victory over Roscommon. The Clann Na nGael dual player chipped in with four points to help the Meath cause. Fitzsimons has also become the leading scorer for his club.

Damien Healy had a great year. Another talented dual player, Healy was centre back on the winning Meath team. His best performance of the year came in the county MHC decider. The Longwood Rathmolyon combination claimed the title with a 2-10 to 1-9 win over Ratoath. Those in attendance that day witnesses a superb performance from Healy. Damien scored 1-1 from midfield on that memorable day in Pairc Tailteann.

Conor Murray played in goals for the Meath minors in 2011. The towering keeper was outstanding in the win over Roscommon. Like all four contenders Conor plays football also with the Gaeil Colmcille club. The Kells club held onto their senior hurling status and Murray was one of the main reasons for this in the relegation decider against Clann Na nGael at Kildalkey.

James Tooher is an outstanding prospect for club and county at both codes. Tooher lined out at half forward on the successful Meath minors but probably his best display of the year came in the MHL Division 1 decider. Trim defeated newly crowned championship winners Longwood Rathmolyon 3-7 to 2-5 in the decider and Tooher was immense that day. He was also instrumental in Trim's win over Wolfe Tones Gaeil Colmcille in the MHC Shield decider. In what was a busy year for the Trim man James also lined out for the club minor footballers and both senior teams.

Our award goes to Damien Healy.

Tomorrow we pick our best referee who is still an active player.

Our previous award winners

Awards: Best Intermediate Club Footballer

Awards: Best Club Grounds

Awards: Best Dual Player at Club Level

Awards: Club of the Year (on the playing field)

Awards: Best referee in a pressure situation

Awards: Best Intermediate Club Hurler

Awards: Senior Club Footballer of the Year

Awards: Best Junior Championship Player

Awards: Best Meath star in a club management role

Awards: Minor Footballer of the Year

Awards: Best comeback in a championship match

Awards: Best togged out team at adult level

Awards: Best display in a ladies football final

Awards: Most medals won Tweet

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