McDonnell and Farragher win Opel Awards

Armagh's Steven McDonnell and Galway's Ger Farragher have been named as Opel GPA Players of the League in football and hurling respectively, at the inaugural 2010 Awards in Dublin today.

The awards recognise the outstanding contribution both players made to their county’s performances in the 2010 National Football and Hurling Leagues.

Steven McDonnell captained Armagh in the spring and was pivotal in leading his team to league promotion and a Division 2 title victory over rivals Down where McDonnell delivered six points, five from play.

Galway hurler Ger Farragher was awarded the hurling title for his display against Dublin in particular, where he dominated midfield and scored nine points.

It secured a league final place for Galway where, once again during the decider against Cork, Ger’s performance, including six points, was crucial to his county’s victory.

Chairman of the Opel/GPA Football Selection Committee, Martin McHugh, said: "Stevie looks a player recharged this season and is proving once again what a class act he is. He dominated the league final and his influence on the Armagh players around him is growing with every game.

"With a new impetus and a fresh appetite Steven McDonnell is capable of making a big impact on the summer campaign, starting on Sunday."

Chairman of the Hurling Selection Committee Donal O’Grady said: "Ger was probably the most consistent performer throughout the league and was my man of the match in the final against Cork. His link play was first class and he controlled operations for Galway.

"His dead-ball striking, from all situations, was also a key factor in his county’s successful spring campaign. I believe the players have made a good choice here as they will be well aware of Ger’s workrate and influence."

Dessie Farrell, Gaelic Players Association Chief Executive, said: "Congratulations to Steven and Ger on their awards and on their recent league campaigns. Both players have led by example and I’ve no doubt will continue to do so during the summer.

"Thanks to Opel for their continued support of our Awards and to all the players who voted for the first monthly winners of the year."

The 2010 Opel GPA monthly winners will be selected by two independent panels, one for the hurling awards and one for the football awards.

The Football Selection Committee will comprise: Former All-Ireland winner with Donegal, Martin McHugh, who will again chair the football panel. McHugh will be assisted by former Dublin star Keith Barr and journalists Paddy Heaney and Shane Scanlon.

The Hurling Selection Committee will comprise: Donal O’Grady, former All-Ireland winning Cork hurling manager who will again chair the hurling panel alongside Galway’s Cyril Farrell, Offaly’s Michael Duignan and Gaelic games writer Christy O’Connor.