GPA Awards:Galway hurler Ger Farragher and Armagh footballer Stephen McDonnell have been named the GPA Players of the League at the inaugural 2010 awards this afternoon. The honours come just over a week after both picked up the GAA's monthly awards.
Three-time All Star footballer McDonnell played a pivotal role in captaining Armagh to the Division Two title, secured with a two point win over neighbours Down last weekend.
The Killeavy clubman scored six points, five from play, against Armagh’s fierce rivals.
The 27-year-old Farragher was particularly influential against Dublin at Parnell Park as the Tribesmen secured a Allianz National Hurling League final berth alongside Cork.
He was to fore again in as Galway claimed the Division One title against Cork.
The selection of McDonnell by his peers came as no surprise to chairman of the Opel/GPA football selection committee Martin McHugh.
“Stevie looks a player recharged this season and is proving once again what a class act he is,” said McHugh today. “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.”
Of Farragher, 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.”
GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell congratulated the pair, saying both had led by example and will do so again in the summer.