Deane and Kavanagh win GPA awards

Cork hurler Joe Deane and Donegal footballer Rory Kavanagh have been confirmed as the Opel Gaelic Players of the Month for June.

The 28-year-old Deane won high praise for his performances in helping Cork retain their Munster SHC crown last month. The Killeagh ace shot over eight points in the Rebels' 2-14 to 1-14 final victory over Tipperary.

He also bagged nine points in the Munster semi-final defeat of Clare and is sure to be a vital cog in the All-Ireland champions' machine when they clash with Limerick in this Saturday's quarter-final.

Donal O'Grady, the former Cork manager and chairman of the Opel Gaelic players' hurling judging panel, said: "Joe has been in great form to date - he's one of the best forwards of his generation.

"A hurler with an abundance of natural pace and skill, he displayed his attacking artistry in Cork's opening two games of the summer.

"All Cork fans will be hoping that he can maintain his rich vein of form and continue to show his natural poaching instincts as the championship reaches its conclusion."

Deane, who has been edged out for an All-Star award every year since 2000, was clearly delighted when he accepted his gong at the Jury's Croke Park Hotel today.

The 5ft 7in corner forward said: "It's great. It's my first time getting a GPA award.

"I think the GPA is doing fantastic work for all the players around the country.

"To be recognised by the other players out there is nice. Having your fellow players vote for you makes this award a bit special."

Donegal corner forward Kavanagh, who has registered a goal and eight points in his side's three Ulster championship matches this summer, has certainly impressed with his general play and scoring ability.

The 23-year-old teacher was also recently voted the Ulster GAA Writers' Player of the Month for June.

Commenting on the Opel award, former Galway boss and chairman of the football judging panel John O'Mahony said: "Having been confined to a substitute's role in last year's championship, Rory has clearly been anxious to show new manager Brian McIver what he's made of.

"After helping Donegal earn promotion to Division One of the league, he scored one of the goals of the season when bagging a goal and two points from play in the Ulster opener against Down.

"Two weeks later, he followed up with another tour de force against Derry, hitting four points from play, and this exciting sharpshooter has scope for further improvement."