Gallagher wins GAA merit award

Raymie Gallagher, who has led Fermanagh into the Allianz National Football League semi-finals, was today named by the Ulster GAA Writers' as the winner of the Bass Merit Award for March.

Dublin-based Gallagher starred for Fermanagh in wins over Meath, Kildare and Sligo last month - performances that earned him the prestigious monthly honour.

He scored the winning point last Sunday against Mayo - the score that has taken Fermanagh into the league semi-finals for the first time in 68 years - but that didn't count for this award since it was in April.

"This honour is a great lift for me before the league semi-finals. This is a prestigious award and I'm delighted to get it," enthused 28-year-old Raymie, who is now playing at centre-forward with the Erne County.

He previously won this award for October 1996.

Fermanagh will play Tyrone in the league semi-finals at Croke Park next Sunday.