GPA players of month announced

Footballers Bernard Brogan and Daniel Goulding and hurlers Richie Power and Lar Corbett have picked up the OPEL GPA Player of the Month awards for August and September respectively, at a ceremony in Dublin this morning.

Footballers Bernard Brogan and Daniel Goulding and hurlers Richie Power and Lar Corbett have picked up the OPEL GPA Player of the Month awards for August and September respectively, at a ceremony in Dublin this morning.

Dublin ace Brogan was recognised as the August Football award winner, following his stunning performance at full-forward in the dramatic semi-final against Cork.

Pat Gilroy's charges lost that game by a point, but Brogan delivered a man-of-the-match display while finishing with a personal tally of 1-7.

Kilkenny star Power was also acknowledged for his performance in August. The Carrickshock clubman played a pivotal role in the Cats' All-Ireland SHC semi-final win over Cork.

Meanwhile, the impressive Goulding earned his award for his superb display as Cork claimed their first All-Ireland title since 1990, courtesy of a one-point win over Down in the recent decider.

Goulding was named man-of-the-match in that game, having scored nine points of Cork's 0-16 total, with two of them from play.

Finally, Tipperary sharpshooter Corbett was awarded the Hurler of the Month award for September. He took centre stage in Tipp's recent All-Ireland final victory over Kilkenny, netting a hat-trick of goals.

Chairman of the Opel GPA Football Selection Committee, Martin McHugh, was not in the least bit surprised to see Brogan get the vote of his peers for August.

"When it comes to forwards in this year's Championship, Bernard Brogan has been up there with the very best all the way through and Dublin fans will, no doubt, be hoping that he can continue in similar vein next season," said the former Donegal star.

"Against Tyrone in the All Ireland quarter-final, he consistently held his hand up to show for the ball and he gave another master class in attacking play with a magnificent haul of nine points - 0-4 from play.

"Against Cork in the semi-final, he was even better - kick-starting his day with a superbly-taken goal and finishing with 1-7, all but a point coming from play. A star forward in every sense."

McHugh described Goulding's brilliant scoring display in the final against Down as 'inspirational' and said his composure under pressure was central to the Rebels' narrow victory.

"To hit nine points from play in an All-Ireland final is the stuff that dreams are made of and Daniel Goulding can certainly look back with great pride on his performance," he remarked.

"When Cork needed someone to deliver under pressure, he stepped up to the plate. His sweet striking from play and placed balls was a joy to behold but apart from that, he also showed he was willing to roll up his sleeves.

"When he didn't have the ball, he tackled Down defenders at every opportunity and made a couple of vital interceptions."

Chairman of the Hurling Selection Committee Donal O'Grady, the recently-appointed Limerick manager, said: "The higher the stakes in hurling, the greater the need for leadership on the field and both Lar Corbett and Richie Power took on that responsibility for their counties over the past two months.

"While Richie rightly takes the plaudits for his contribution in Kilkenny's semi-final win over Cork in August, Lar's brilliant hat-trick in the final earlier this month drove Tipperary to victory in a pulsating game.

"It is no surprise that they are the choices of their fellow players for those monthly awards and I'd like to congratulate them both."

Dessie Farrell, the Gaelic Players Association's Chief Executive, added: "Congratulations to all four recipients on their achievements over the past two months. There's no doubt that it was a thrilling climax to the Championship season in both hurling and football and Bernard, Richie, Daniel and Lar all played pivotal roles for their counties during that period.

"The contribution that players make to the social and cultural fabric of Irish society is reflected in the achievements of these men and I believe they are an inspiration to our country at this time."

The Opel GPA Gala Night at Citywest Hotel on Friday, November 5 will see the Hurler and Footballer of the Year announced, as chosen by the players themselves.

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