Kavanagh and Walsh win GPA awards

Kildare's James Kavanagh and Michael 'Brick' Walsh from Waterford have been honoured with the OPEL-GPA Footballer and Hurler of the Month awards for July respectively, at an awards ceremony in the Croke Park Hotel.

The awards, chosen by senior inter-county players, recognise the outstanding contributions made by Kavanagh and Walsh in their respective Championship campaigns, with both players looking forward to All-Ireland semi-finals in the coming weeks.

Kavanagh was honoured with the Footballer of the Month award following his influential performances in Kildare's qualifier campaign during July.

The Ballymore Eustace clubman scored 1-4 against Leitrim, and bagged five points from play against Monaghan.

Chairman of the GPA Football Selection Committee Martin McHugh said that Kavanagh had been a "model of consistency" all summer.

"Kildare have been a revelation through the back door and that is because all the players, especially the forwards, have bought into Kieran McGeeney's never-say-die approach, with James Kavanagh an integral part of the system," he said.

"Kavanagh is a scoring forward who knows where the posts are, but he also hasn't been found wanting when it comes to chasing back and tackling.

"He has been magnificent in every game - none more so than against Monaghan at Croke Park, when he kicked five points and also selflessly set up Ronan Sweeney for the game's crucial goal. This award rightfully recognises his huge contribution to the cause."

Walsh was recognised for his inspirational performances last month for Waterford, as Davy Fitzgerald's charges claimed the Munster hurling title after a titanic replay against Cork.

In the replay, 'Brick' drove forward from centre-back, aiding the Deise attack on the way to their first provincial title since 2007.

Waterford will face Tipperary this Sunday at Croke Park in the second of the All-Ireland SHC semi-finals.

Chairman of the Hurling selection committee Donal O'Grady said it was no surprise to see the Deise defender pick up the award.

"It's no surprise that Michael 'Brick' Walsh's fellow hurlers have acknowledged his performances in July. He was an immense figure at centre-back for Waterford," he said.

"He controlled the half-back area, inspired his other defensive colleagues and supplied his forwards with good ball."