Opel Ireland and the GPA are delighted to announce the return of the Opel Gaelic Players Awards for 2008. Now in its third year, Opel Ireland is delighted to once again renew its support of GAA players through the Gaelic Players Awards scheme which sets out to recognise and reward the outstanding commitment of players and provide tangible support in recognition of their achievements. Following on from its launch in early 2006, the monthly Opel Gaelic Players Awards continued to go from strength to strength in 2007, becoming a regular fixture in the GAA calendar. In 2008, the Opel Gaelic Players Awards will again run from April to October and will recognise the outstanding achievement of one inter county hurler and footballer each month incorporating both the National league and Championship seasons. It will culminate in an end-of-year awards ceremony in November, where a team of the year for both disciplines will be selected as well as the Opel Gaelic player of the year for hurling and football. The shortlist will again be selected by two independent panels, one for the hurling awards and one for the football awards. Donal O'Grady, former all Ireland winning Cork Hurling manager will again chair the hurling panel, while former All Ireland winning Kerry manager, Jack O'Connor, will chair the football panel. Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the GPA, said: "The honour of being recognised by fellow players is a special one for all footballers and hurlers and the on-going success of the Opel Gaelic Players Awards highlights the importance of this accolade. The profile of this scheme has risen considerably in recent years, which reflects not only the status of the awards but also the substantial support for players afforded by Opel. Once again I wish our chairmen, selection panels and the players the best of success with this year's Awards." Commenting on the launch of the awards for 2008, Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland, said, "The GAA season continues to generate huge excitement and passion throughout the country each year. Opel Ireland is happy to continue its proud association with the Gaelic Players Awards and to be in a position to reward the players who bring these games to life with their commitment and outstanding talent and skill. We look forward to an action-packed season and to honouring the heroes of 2008." Tweet

Most Read Stories