Alan Dillon (Mayo) and Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny) have been honoured with the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month Awards for August in Football and Hurling respectively. John O'Mahony, Chairman of the Football selection committee wasn't surprised that the players chose Alan Dillon after three herculean performances on the big stage inside a frantic two-week period for Mayo footballers. "The competition for the August award must have been huge and it says a lot for Alan's displays in Croke Park that he got the verdict. In the modern game, a wing-forward has to be prepared to do as much defensive work as attacking and that seems to be right up his street because his fitness level are incredible. In the draw against Laois, he notched 0-2 from play, and in the replay the following Sunday, he was most people's man of the match as he covered every blade of grass and kicked a further two points. Just seven days later, another five-star display saw him register a brilliant 0-4 from play as he helped to stun the Dubs in the All-Ireland semi-final." said O'Mahony.  The chairman of the Hurling selection committee, Donal O'Grady, was loud in his praise for Henry Shefflin. The scoring exploits of the Ballyhale Shamrocks' star have attracted favourable comment all summer, but O'Grady was particularly taken with his leadership qualities. "After the retirement of DJ Carey, many people wondered who would step into the breach for Kilkenny when inspiration was needed upfront, and Henry has taken on that responsibility with gusto. In the All-Ireland semi-final against Clare, he showed his poaching instincts by whipping home an early goal and that set the tone for the rest of the game. He finished the afternoon with a phenomenal 1-13 tally - 1-6 of which came from play - but what I particularly liked is that he never flinched when a score was needed, be it in open play or from a dead ball. It takes a good player to put a long range free over the bar, only the great ones can do it when the pressure is on." remarked O'Grady.  Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the GPA, said I am delighted to announce the selection of Alan Dillon and Henry Shefflin as the Opel Gaelic Players of the Month for August. Their form speaks for itself, with Henry after winning an All Ireland medal and Alan in contention to get his hands on the Sam Maguire this weekend.  There is no doubt that both players will be in contention for the September award.   Commenting on the announcement, Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland, said, It is fantastic to see our first Opel Gaelic Player of the Month who is an All Ireland winner.  I m absolutely delighted to reward Henry Shefflin for his efforts.  It is great to see Alan Dillon contesting the final this weekend also and I m sure that it will be a thrilling match. Tweet

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