ANTRIM hurler Neil McManus and Kilkenny's recently retired hurling goalkeeper David Herity were announced as the GPA Reps of the Year for 2014 at the group's second annual summit.
These awards are presented to the most influential reps who best succeed in organising their panels, encouraging engagement with GPA programmes and promoting the work of the players' body internally.
The themes of 'Leadership' and 'Engagement' were the central topics discussed at the GPA Reps Summit, which took place in the Radisson Hotel in Stillorgan, Dublin over the weekend.
More than 100 reps from county squads nationwide were in attendance to tackle a range of topical issues in advance of the new season. This gathering is a critical element in the players association's planning process to ensure a greater number of players are involved in developing the vision and strategy of the players' body.
GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell commented: "The gathering gave us the opportunity to explore the concepts of real leadership in action and dynamic engagement within the playing body.
'We discussed expanding the Rep structure within county panels into a rep team. These leadership teams within squads will be an important conduit between players and GPA assisting us in delivering a world class service to our athletes."
Former players Alan Quirke, Kieran McGeeney, Tony Griffin, and Conor Cusack were among the principal speakers at the event. Players also participated in a series of interactive workshops.
GPA President Dermot Earley, commented: "It was wonderful to see such energy and enthusiasm throughout the day.
"It was inspiring for me to hear the views and well thought out arguments of so many players on other important topics on the agenda such as negotiating the next deal with the GAA, new development programmes, squad charters and restructuring hurling and football championships, which will no doubt inform GPA policy over the next 12 months and beyond."