Tony Kelly has been named as the PwC GAA/GPA Player of the Month for hurling in July.
Kelly scored three points in the All-Ireland hurling semi-final victory over Kilkenny, before putting in a man-of-the-match performance in a final for the ages against Cork last month.
The Clare captain scored 1-4, with his sensational goal a particular highlight worthy of the biggest stage.
In addition to Kelly, Paul Conroy was named the football player of the month while Nicola Ward and Dervla Higgins were named the PwC GPA Player of the Month winners in football and camogie for July.
Ailbhe Clancy and Aoife Donohue were named the PwC GPA Players of the Month in football and camogie for August
PwC are proud sponsors of the Player of the Month awards across camogie, hurling and football, both men’s and women’s. The July and August awards recognise the country’s outstanding players during the later stages of this year’s All-Ireland championships including the respective finals.
“July and August have provided displays of sporting excellence across all codes. These months saw the much-anticipated All-Ireland knockout stages, culminating in the All-Ireland finals,” Enda McDonagh of PwC Ireland.
“It is a huge achievement to be a part of such momentous occasions and each one of our six winners should be immensely proud of their achievements.
“PwC is honoured to partner with the GAA and GPA to support players from all codes and on behalf of everyone at PwC, I would like to give our warmest congratulations to Nicola, Dervla, Tony, Paul, Ailbhe, and Aoife on being named the July and August Player of the Month award winners.”
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns said: “It gives me great pleasure to highlight the quality of the individual performances of some of Gaelic games’ finest players during the months of July and August.
“For July, the hurling accolade goes to Tony Kelly after his All-Ireland series heroics against both Kilkenny and Cork. Despite being pipped in the final Paul Conroy secures the football award for his free scoring contributions from midfield in Galway’s run to the final.
“On the ladies’ football front Nicola Ward is acknowledged for her performances in Galway’s impressive All-Ireland series run and similarly Dervla Higgins’s contribution for the same county in their quest for All-Ireland camogie honours is highlighted.
“The stand out performers for August were deemed to be Leitrim’s Ailbhe Clancy (LGFA) and Aoife Donoghue of Galway (Camogie) after their final appearances.
“Well done to all of the awards winners. Being honoured by your peers is very special and thanks to the GPA and PwC for their partnership in this scheme. Being honoured by your peers is very special and thanks to the GPA and PwC for their partnership in this scheme.”
ENDS
Andrew Hamilton is a journalist, investigative reporter and blogger who has been working in the media in Ireland for the past 20 years. His areas of special interest include the environment, mental health and politics.