Lyng and Dooher win the Opel Awards for August
September 11, 2008
Derek Lyng (Kilkenny) and Brian Dooher (Tyrone) have been honoured with the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month Awards for August in Hurling and Football respectively.
A worthy winner of the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month Award for Hurling, Kilkenny midfielder Derek Lyng has been one of the stars of the 2008 hurling championship, leading his county to their third All Ireland Hurling title in a row. The Emeralds clubman has been in superb form for Kilkenny all season forming a formidable midfield partnership with James "Cha" Fitzpatrick, while also playing a pivotal role in the Cats victory over Waterford in the All-Ireland Hurling final claiming a magnificent three points from play.
Commenting on Lyng's selection, Chairman of the Opel Gaelic Players Hurling selection committee, Donal O'Grady, was loud in his praise for the Kilkenny star, "Derek Lyng has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the game and has come to embody the selfless work ethic that has become part of Kilkenny's no-nonsense style under Brian Cody. In the All-Ireland semi-final against Cork, he turned in a magnificent performance that broke the spirit of his immediate opponents. He seemed to come out on top in all the decisive battles for possession, drove forward with purpose and never shirked his defensive duties - a talisman with both strength and skill."
Tyrone Football captain Brian Dooher has yet again had a tremendous season for Tyrone inspiring and leading them to their third All-Ireland Final appearance in six seasons. The Clann na nGael clubman has gone from strength to strength this season and is a very deserving winner of the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month Award for August.
Commenting on Dooher's selection, Chairman of the Opel Gaelic Players Football selection committee Jack O'Connor said, "I often hear people describe Brian Dooher as a great old warhorse, but that does him an injustice. For a start, he has too much all-round football skill to be lumbered with that label and in any case, his engine is so dynamic that he could probably outgallop your average warhorse," said the former Kerry boss. "His man-of-the-match display against Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-final smacked of real class. Apart from three delightful points from play, he again showed his natural leadership qualities by repeatedly looking for the ball and opening up the Dublin defence with his powerful, selfless runs. He was also to the fore in the semi-final victory over Wexford, once more underlining his importance to the Tyrone gameplan."
Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the GPA, said; "Kilkenny's performances this year have been astonishing. As well as their obvious natural talent and ability, their strength, fitness and work-rate have also been remarkable. Derek's performance against Cork reflected the attitude of Brian Cody's team perfectly - they work tirelessly for one another. Brian Dooher is similar to his hurling counterparts in Kilkenny. He works incredibly hard for Tyrone yet is able to deliver the final ball with no shortage of skill and precision, whether taking a score or making a pass. As always I know the lads will be quick to point out the contribution of their team-mates. Well done to all involved."
Commenting on the announcement, Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland, said, "Opel is privileged to be in a position to reward two such outstanding players with the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month Awards for August. Both Derek Lyng and Brian Dooher were central figures for their respective counties in their march to the 2008 All-Ireland Finals. Their personal flair and the sense of excitement they create on the playing field embodies the spirit of the game and Opel are delighted to congratulate and celebrate their achievements."
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