Player awards for Mackey and Ryan

Cavan footballer Cian Mackey and Dublin hurler Paul Ryan have been honoured as the GAA-GPA Opel Players of the Month for July at Croke Park today.

Mackey picked up the football award after the Breffni County's march to a first ever All-Ireland quarter-final last weekend.

The Castlerahan clubman was a driving force behind this run which saw qualifier wins over Derry and London, with Mackey bagging a vital goal in the extra-time victory over the Oak Leafers.

Ballyboden St. Enda's star Paul Ryan picked up his latest accolade, having scored 3-26 on the way to Dublin's first Leinster SHC title since 1961, with 2-7 of that tally coming in the provincial decider against Galway.

Ryan is the first Dublin player to pick up an award since the GAA and GPA combined their schemes, and is fourth in the Championship top scorers' list to date this summer - averaging seven points per game.

GAA President Liam O'Neill said: "It's been an incredible summer to date in both Championships in no small part thanks to the breakthrough victories of counties starved of success.

"Dublin's hurling emergence in Leinster was as impressive as any and Paul Ryan played his part in that win with an eye-catching corner forward display.

"On the football front, Cavan's run to the last-eight of the Championship mobilised their huge support and caught the imagination of the county and Cian Mackey was consistently outstanding in their run. I congratulate both players and remind them that there is no higher compliment than being honoured by your peers."

GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell added: "I would like to congratulate Cian and Paul for their outstanding contributions to their respective county efforts during the month of July.

"While both players will be quick to point to the collective effort, to receive the endorsement of their fellow players during what is certainly a historic and enthralling Championship season is particularly noteworthy.

"Thanks to all the players who cast their votes last week and to Opel for its dedication to the All-Star awards schemes and its commitment to supporting Gaelic Games."