Opel Player Awards: Brian O'Connell and Ronan Clarke are the latest recipients of the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month awards for June.
O'Connell picked up the hurling award after playing a key role in Clare making it to the Munster final for the first time since 1999. Similarly, Clarke's efforts for Armagh as they reached the Ulster football final were recognised by the GPA.
O'Connell, who lines out for club side Wolfe Tones na Sionna, was an integral part of the Banner teams who took the scalps of Waterford and Limerick en route to the final.
"Clare are back with a bang this summer and that has much to do with the hunger and zeal running through the team from goalkeeper to the number 15, which is spearheaded by their dynamic midfield partnership in which Brian O'Connell has been outstanding," said Donal O'Grady, chairman of the Opel Gaelic Players Hurling Selection Committee.
"Brian has become a high class inter-county midfielder alongside Colin Lynch and apart from the high levels of energy he displayed against Waterford and Limerick, his ability to deliver accurate ball into the forwards shows that he is maturing all the time."
Today's announcement was welcome news for full forward Clarke, whose return to top form comes after missing the entire 2007 season through injury. The Pearse Óg clubman made vital scores as the Orchard County denied Cavan and Down to reach the Ulster final, where they are seeking a seventh provincial title in nine years.
"There is no doubt that Ronan Clarke is one of the best forwards in the country and now that he is over the series of injuries which hampered him in recent seasons, the Armagh attack is buzzing again," said Jack O Connor, chairman of the Opel Gaelic Players Football Selection Committee.
"His strength in the air, ability to kick scores off both feet and his uncanny knack of combining with fellow poacher Steven McDonnell make him a nightmare to mark and he showed against both Cavan and Down that he is back to his brilliant best."