Lee Keegan of Mayo and Tipperary’s Seamus Callanan have been named the Opel GAA/GPA Players of the Month for August in football and hurling respectively.
Nominated by an independent panel of experts and chosen by the inter-county playing body, the players were today presented with their award at a reception in Liffey Valley Opel.
Two-time All Star defender Lee Keegan picked up the award after a stunning performance in the wingback position. The Mayo star produced a man-of-the-match display, scoring an impressive 1-02, as the Connacht champions knocked out Donegal by 2-13 to 0-11 in the All Ireland quarterfinal. Keegan also put in a stellar shift as Mayo fought back from seven points down to earn a draw with Dublin in the semi-final, pitching in with 0-01 before his side went on to lose in the replay.
Despite losing the game, Tipperary’s Seamus Callanan was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch in his side’s epic semi-final clash with Galway. The Drom-Inch marksman scored an astounding 3-09; 3-04 of which came from play, picking up the man-of-the-match award for his performance. Despite the efforts of the full-forward, the defeat marked the end of the Premier Counties championship season, with Galway debutant Shane Maloney scoring the winning point in the dying moments.
Commenting on the announcement, Dave Sheeran, Managing Director Opel Ireland said: “Congratulations to Lee Keegan of Mayo and Tipperary’s Seamus Callanan. Both put in epic man-of-the-match performances at the penultimate stages of the championship and deserve to be singled out by their peers as the rightful winners of the Opel Player of the Month award for August.”
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail continued: "Séamus and Lee are worthy winners of the Opel GAA GPA Player of the Month Award for August after superb performances in their respective campaigns for Tipperary and Mayo. Séamus' display in Tipp's epic clash with Galway was sublime and he, more than anyone, did his utmost to power their challenge that day with an exhibition of scoring.
"Lee's all-action performances brought Mayo to within touching distance of an All-Ireland final and his displays in the outings against Donegal and the drawn game against Dublin were of the highest standard. Recognition from your peers is the most satisfying endorsement of all and thanks to Opel and the GPA for their support with these awards."
GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell added: “While Seamus and Lee have had to endure the heartbreak of semi-final defeat, their outstanding individual performances during August have been recognised by their fellow players. Once again this year both players have been pivotal in their sides’ progress to the latter stages of the championship – Lee’s performance against Donegal and Seamus’ tour de force against Galway were standout displays this season. Thanks to all the players who voted and to Opel for their wonderful support for the scheme again this season.”
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