Clare footballer scores Golden Boot award following outstanding season

CLARE footballer Fidelma Marrinan has been presented with the Golden Boot award after she was the top-scorer in this year's TG4 All-Ireland championships.

The 23-year-old from the West Clare Gaels club, travelled to Croke Park this Wednesday to collect her award

Fidelma’s tally of 5-38 (53 points) was good enough to pip Down sharpshooter Natasha Ferris, who finished with 7-31 (52), by just a single point. 

Despite defeat to Kildare in the 2023 TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Championship final, Fidelma excelled on the day, notching a personal tally of 1-5.  

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Ladies Gaelic Football Association President Mícheál Naughton commented: "While Clare fell just short in their quest for the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate title, Fidelma was a leading light for the Banner County. A wonderfully-talented footballer, Fidelma was the leading scorer in the TG4 All-Ireland series across all three grades and her top-scoring exploits have also earned her a cherished TG4 All Star nomination."

Dublin goalkeeper Abby Shiels was also in Croke Park to receive the 2023 ZuCar Golden Glove award.  

Abby's outstanding save to deny Cork's Daire Kiely in the TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final in Thurles on July 29 won the popular vote on the Ladies Gaelic Football Association website. 

Abby was one of four nominees for the prestigious individual honour, along with Mayo's Laura Brennan, Meath's TG4 All Star goalkeeper, Monica McGuirk, and Kerry's Ciara Butler.  

The ZuCar Golden Glove award for Abby crowns a magnificent individual season for the 21-year-old Lucan Sarsfields goalkeeper, who was the last line of defence as Dublin claimed the 2023 TG4 All-Ireland senior championship title with victory over Kerry at Croke Park on August 13.  

"Abby was a superb last line of defence for Dublin as they claimed the TG4 All-Ireland title, catching the eye with a number of brilliant saves and excellent distribution. Along with this award, Abby has earned a deserved TG4 All Star nomination. She is a top-class goalkeeper and Dublin are very fortunate to have her in such a pivotal position as the last line of defence," said Mícheál Naughton.

Speaking on behalf of ZuCar, CEO Gavin Hydes congratulated the award recipients.

“Huge congratulations to Abby and Fidelma for their award wins, and to all Golden Glove nominees and players who featured strongly in the race for the ZuCar Golden Boot award.  It was a memorable season for Dublin as they claimed the TG4 All-Ireland Senior title and Abby's consistent displays 'between the sticks' were a key factor in their success."

ZuCar is the Performance Partner of the LGFA and sponsors of the All-Ireland Minor Championships and the Gaelic4Teens programme.

*Photos show Dublin goalkeeper Abby Shiels with her 2023 ZuCar Golden Glove Award and Clare star Fidelma Marrinan with the 2023 ZuCar Golden Boot Award with Allyson McCarthy, Group Marketing Manager, Joe Duffy Group, representing ZuCar, and LGFA President Mícheál Naughton at Croke Park in Dublin | PICTURES: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile