Eddie Brennan and Colm "Gooch" Cooper have been honoured with the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month Awards for September in Hurling and Football respectively. Their selection is a fitting tribute to the achievements of both Kilkenny and Kerry in retaining their All-Ireland titles. Eddie Brennan's man of the match winning performance in the All Ireland Hurling Final against Limerick helped the Cats to their 30th All Ireland title and also deservedly earned the Graigue-Ballycallan clubman his first Opel Gaelic Player of the Month award for hurling. Chairman of the Opel/GPA Hurling Selection Committee, Donal O Grady, had high praise for the players' choice. "Eddie Brennan is blessed with natural skill and to see him exhibit his full repertoire on All-Ireland SHC final day must have been a joy to behold for all Kilkenny supporters," said O Grady. "The man was just unstoppable from the word-go and his brilliantly-executed opening goal set the tone for the rest of the game. Limerick's defenders just couldn't cope with his electric pace and tremendous skill which helped him notch 1-5 from play, an impressive return in any game not to mention the most important match of the year." Kerry sharpshooter and Dr. Crokes clubman, Colm "Gooch" Cooper was in fantastic form in the All Ireland Football Final against arch rivals Cork, scoring a hugely impressive 1-5 and helping Kerry retain the Sam Maguire for the first time since 1986. Cooper's outstanding performances throughout the championship for Kerry were a major factor in their march to Sam according to former Kerry manager and chairman of the Opel/GPA Football Selection Committee, Jack O Connor, "There isn't really much more that I can say about Gooch that hasn't already been written or said, but I did have the pleasure to manage him for three years with Kerry and I can honestly say it was a privilege," remarked O'Connor. "Without a shadow of a doubt, he is the most gifted forward of his generation and proved it again in the All-Ireland SFC final with his 1-5 haul. Vision, handling skills, accuracy, bravery - you name it, he has it. Pure and simple, that man is a genius." Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the GPA, said; "Delivering a good display in an All-Ireland final is a major ambition for all hurlers and footballers and Kilkenny's Eddie Brennan and Kerry's Colm Cooper were the outstanding figures in last months deciders. Brennan led the way for Kilkenny as they put Limerick on the back foot from the outset and he was central to his side's relentless march to their 30th All-Ireland crown. Colm gave a virtuoso display for Kerry exhibiting the full range of skills while tormenting the Cork defence in the process. Performing on the big day is the true measure of a great player and Eddie and Colm are most worthy winners of the Opel awards for September." Commenting on the announcement, Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland, said, "I am delighted to reward these two exceptional players with the Opel Gaelic Players of the Month Awards for September. I would like to congratulate both Eddie and Colm on their first ever Opel Gaelic Player of the Month award, as well as their outstanding displays for their counties this month and throughout the 2007 championship season. Their personal flair and the sense of excitement they create on the playing field embody the spirit of the game, and I am delighted to be in a position to reward their remarkable achievements." Tweet

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