Under the new GAA GPA Awards scheme, sponsored by Opel, Michael Fennelly was named the GAA GPA Player of the month for August and Tommy Walsh was named GAA GPA Player of the month for September. The players were chosen by a players committee of the GPA.
The Awards recognise the outstanding contribution both players made to their county’s performances in the 2011National Hurling Championship.
Michael Fennelly was acknowledged for his outstanding performance in August where he played a pivotal midfield role in Kilkenny’s All-Ireland hurling semi-final victory over Waterford.
Tommy Walsh was awarded the Player of the Month for September for his performance against Tipperary in the All-Ireland Hurling final which saw the inspirational half-back help Kilkenny win the All Ireland.
Both Kilkenny men have been nominated for a GAA GPA All Star Hurling Award sponsored by Opel. The final Hurling Team of the Year will be revealed at the banquet event at the Convention Centre Dublin on Friday, October 21.
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana congratulated all monthly award winners under the new joint scheme between the GAA and the GPA: “I congratulate all five winners of our monthly awards and I acknowledge the support of both the journalists and players in addition to the GPA and sponsors Opel for their respective roles in the process.”
GPA CEO Dessie Farrell added: “the coming together of the GPA and GAA All Star Awards this year is a reflection of the strengthening partnership between both Associations. I’d like to thank everyone involved in making that happen but, in particular Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana, Ard Stiúrthóir Paraic Duffy and our sponsor Opel and MD of Opel Ireland Dave Sheeran. Congratulations to the five monthly award winners chosen by their fellow players whose performances helped to light up the championship.”
Dave Sheeran MD Opel Ireland said: “Opel are proud to be associated with Gaelic Games and the All Stars Awards. I’d like to congratulate all those voted as Player of the Month for May to September in what was an outstanding Championship season.”