Dooher, Moran selected for GPA awards

Tyrone footballer Brian Dooher and Limerick hurler Ollie Moran have been chosen as the recipients of the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month awards for June.

Both players were instrumental in helping their respective counties win through to their provincial finals.

Ollie Moran's tremendous performances for Limerick in their epic three-game saga with Tipperary earned the Ahane clubman the hurling accolade, which came as no surprise to Hurling Committee Chairman Donal O'Grady.

"There's no denying that Limerick would not have got over the threshold if it weren't for the tremendous contribution of Ollie Moran throughout their three-game epic against Tipperary," stated O'Grady, the ex-Cork manager.

"On the first day, he was a clear man-of-the-match winner after hitting five points from play and making the terrific catch which set up Pat Tobin for the equalising goal. When Limerick needed leaders, he was also to the fore during the closing stages of the first replay, and fittingly, he popped up to bag one of the key points at the end of extra-time in the second replay."

Chairman of the Opel GPA Football Selection Committee, Jack O'Connor was not in the least bit surprised to see Dooher get the vote of his peers and said the Tyrone captain was one of the best examples of a modern-day half-forward.

"When it comes to Brian Dooher, what you is see is what you get and that is total honesty. He has a non-stop engine and is a real team player in every sense of the phrase," the former Kerry boss remarked.

"His brilliant performance against Donegal in the Ulster semi-final had to be seen to be believed. He covered every blade of grass, seemed to be at the end of every breaking ball and also chipped in with five points from play. When it comes to inspiring others, he is a manager's dream."

Dooher, a vet by profession, was unable to attend today's awards presentation in Dublin due to work commitments, but said: "No player could receive an award like this without the contribution of his team-mates so this is a tribute to the Tyrone panel. Personally, I am deeply honoured to be recognised by fellow players, something very special for any footballer."

Dessie Farrell, the Gaelic Players Association's Chief Executive, said: "There's no doubt that Tyrone's victory over league champions Donegal is the most significant to date in the football championship and Brian Dooher was the pivotal figure in that win.

"Hurling has received a real shot in the arm from the Limerick-Tipp epic and Ollie Moran deserves huge credit for his contribution throughout the series. It is most fitting that both men have received this ringing endorsement from their peers, the most prestigious accolade any player can get."

Commenting on the award winners, Opel Ireland's Managing Director Dave Sheeran added: "After a truly exceptional month of GAA action up and down the country, it's a testament to both Brian and Ollie's fantastic form that they were chosen by their peers as the Opel Gaelic Players of the Month for June.

"Opel Ireland congratulates both players on their magnificent performances and are delighted to be in a position to reward their achievement."