The GAA/GPA All-Stars sponsored by Opel are delighted to announce Joe Canning (Galway) and Karl Lacey (Donegal) as the Players of the Month for August in Hurling and Football respectively. Both selections, chosen by the inter-county playing body, recognise the outstanding individual contributions both players made during their sides’ championship clashes last month.
Donegal footballer Karl Lacey, right, and Galway hurler Joe Canning who were presented with their GAA / GPA Player of the Month Awards, sponsored by Opel, for August 2012. Croke Park, Dublin. Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
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Joe Canning followed on from his man of the match performance in the Leinster final with an eleven point haul as his side were pushed all the way by the rebels. Canning led the way up front throughout the match and his performance against Cork has earned him the approval of his peers.
Karl Lacey gave a faultless display against Cork to mark his 100th appearance for Donegal, the three time All Star has rarely been better, driving on relentlessly from half back, and kicking two inspiring points in the process
Commenting on the announcement, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Liam Ó Néill said: “Both Joe and Karl served up performances to savour with Galway and Donegal respectively playing crucial roles in those counties’ performances against Cork (Hurling) and (Football). These accolades are well deserved, well done to both and thanks to Opel for their continued support of an award scheme that allows our players to acknowledge excellence.”
Dessie Farrell, CEO of the Gaelic Players Association added: “Congratulations to Joe and Karl for their outstanding achievements in being acknowledged by their fellow players for their displays last month. While as always both will point to their team-mates, it is nonetheless important to recognise when the individual player excels in pursuit of the collective cause. Thanks to all the players who voted and to our sponsors Opel for their continued support of the awards and our players.”
Commenting on the announcement, Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland, said, “Opel are proud to be associated with Gaelic Games and the GAA GPA All Star Awards. We are delighted to reward Opel Kit for Clubs Brand Ambassador Joe Canning and Donegal’s Karl Lacey, it is fantastic to see the GAA GPA All Stars Awards sponsored by Opel go to two such deserving winners for August and we wish them the best of luck in the All Ireland Finals.”
Monthly Award Winners: Each month, between May and October, a Footballer and a Hurler are awarded for their performances in the Provincial and All-Ireland Championships. Players are short-listed by members of the All-Stars Steering Committee and the winners selected by the county playing body. Each winner receives €1,000 and a trophy.
Opel “Kit for Clubs”:
For every car service, test drive or purchase made through an Opel Dealer in Ireland, points are earned by participating GAA clubs that can be built up to redeem high quality kit and equipment. For example, a test drive is worth 10 points while the purchase of a new car is worth 200 points.
GAA clubs can choose from an extensive range of kit which includes everything from sliotars (5 points) to footballs (10 points) and from goal posts (100 points) to tackle bags (100 bags). New to the programme this year is the addition of juvenile club jerseys (800 points) and senior club jerseys (1,000 points) , provided by MASITA, official supplier of the GAA.
Interested GAA clubs and individuals can find out more information by visiting www.opelkitforclubs.com. This year Opel have launched a ‘Kit for Clubs’ Facebook page;https://www.facebook.com/pages/Opel-Kit-For-Clubs/ where extra kit will be given away and regular posts from the Kit for Clubs brand ambassadors will be featured. To start participating simply visit your local Opel dealer today, register your club and start building your GAA club’s points.