Marren and Maher chosen as Players of the Month
13:34, 10 Jul 2012
Sligo footballer Adrian Marren and Patrick Maher of the Tipperary hurling team have won the GAA GPA Player of the Month awards for June, sponsored by Opel.
Both selections, chosen by the inter-county playing body, recognise the outstanding individual contributions both players made during their sides' Championship clashes last month.
Full forward Marren was the star of the show as Sligo staged a second half recovery mission to stun Galway at Pearse Stadium in the Connacht SFC semi-final. He scored a sensational 2-6 as Sligo enjoyed a 2-14 to 0-15 victory, qualifying for this Sunday's showdown with Mayo.
Maher, meanwhile, played a key role in Tipperary's win over Cork in the Munster SHC semi-final. His powerful running and probing of the Cork defence proved critical to Tipp's success and his performance has earned him the approval of his peers.
Commenting on the announcement, GAA President Liam O'Neill said: "Both Adrian and Patrick served up performances to savour with Sligo and Tipperary respectively playing crucial roles in those counties' wins against Galway and Cork respectively.
"These accolades are well deserved and both players will be central to their team's progress from here on out. Well done to both and thanks to Opel for their continued sport of an award scheme that allows our players to acknowledge excellence."
Dessie Farrell, CEO of the Gaelic Players Association, added: "Congratulations to Adrian and Patrick 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."
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 shortlisted 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.