"There is no doubt that one of the real form hurling forwards over the past two seasons has been Dan Shanahan. In the defenders' list of danger men, he has risen to the top," O'Grady said.

"His performance in the Munster final against Limerick at the start of July was the stuff of boyhood dreams as he ran amok and hit 3-3 from play in a man of the match performance. He wasn't too bad either in the quarter-final draw against Cork when he finished with 1-3 from play. He's a forward high on confidence who has been so important to Waterford."

Defender-turned-goal poacher, Corey is the first Monaghan recipient of the Opel Gaelic Player of the month award for football and his versatility has not gone unnoticed according to the chairman of the Football Selection Committee, Kerry's Jack O'Connor.

"After some hectic action during July, it says much for the impact that Monaghan have had on this year's championship that Vincent Corey has got the thumbs-up from his peers," said the former Kingdom boss.

Seamus McEnaney's side have played with a great enthusiasm and verve and Corey's move from full-back to full-forward has been central to their progress. He moved to the frontline in the Ulster final against Tyrone - and his imposing presence caused huge problems for Mickey Harte's men who were relieved to hang on for victory.

Corey then started at full-forward in the qualifier clash against Donegal, and it was more of the same. His early goal rattled the league champions and laid the foundations for Monaghan's win.

GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell said: "Monaghan's excellent form has continued in the qualifier series and Vincent's display against Donegal was outstanding. He is an excellent footballer with great strength and versatility.

"Dan Shanahan's status in hurling is almost iconic and besides being one of the most likeable characters in the game, his performances are breathtaking. Both players are hugely deserving of the players' endorsement for July."