Kavanagh and Curran win Player of the Month awards

Longford footballer Brian Kavanagh and Cork hurler Ronan Curran have been announced today as the recipients of the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month awards for May.

Both Kavanagh and Curran played crucial roles as their respective counties claimed victories in their opening matches of the 2007 championship season last month.

As the catalyst for Longford's stunning comeback victory over Westmeath, the 20-year-old corner forward Kavanagh is a hugely deserving winner of the football award.

Chairman of the football selection committee Jack O'Connor commented: "Brian showed last year what a promising young forward he is and on the basis of what we saw against Westmeath, he seems hungry to fulfil that promise.

"When the chips were down and Longford needed scores at the start of the second half, he delivered with two well-taken goals.

"He may have got lucky with the first one, but like all good corner forwards, he was in the right place at the right time.

"His second goal was finished with the precision and coolness of a confident striker, and he clearly has a bright future ahead of him."

This is the second time inside a year that Kavanagh, who plays his club football with Ardagh, has been honoured with an Opel Gaelic Player of the Month award - he also received the accolade last July.

Centre-back Curran's magnificent display in Cork's Munster SHC quarter-final win over Clare earned the St Finbarr's stalwart the hurling vote.

This came as no surprise to Hurling Committee Chairman and former All-Ireland winning manager Donal O'Grady who said: "Ronan is a manager's dream because he is so committed to the cause and he's always looking to improve himself in everything he does.

"Centre-back is a pivotal position in the modern game and Ronan showed why against Clare.

"Not only did he provide a commanding platform for Cork down the centre but he was fearless in the air and he was also willing to hoover up breaking ball on the wings. All substance and no shortage of style either."

Curran could collect his fourth All-Star award in five years this summer as he bids to help the Rebels retain their Munster SHC title and reclaim the All-Ireland crown they last won in 2005.

Commenting on the award winners, GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell said: "Longford have already shown that last year’s form was based on solid credentials and Brian Kavanagh has been central to their progress and ambition.

"He is rapidly becoming one of the game’s best forwards. Ronan Curran’s class was obvious during his pivotal display for Cork against Clare and I’m delighted to see him honoured by his fellow players."