Dan Shanahan (Waterford) and Vincent Corey (Monaghan) have been honoured with the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month Awards for July in Hurling and Football respectively. Their selection is a fitting tribute to the achievement of their respective counties in reaching the 2007 All Ireland knock out stages. Dan Shanahan's inspirational scoring performances led Waterford to their third Munster Championship title and deservedly earned the Lismore clubman his second Opel Gaelic Player of the Month award for hurling in as many years, which came as no surprise to Hurling Committee Chairman Donal O Grady, "There is no doubt that one of the real form hurling forwards over the past two seasons has been Dan Shanahan. In the defenders list of danger men, he has risen to the top" O Grady stated. "His performance in the Munster Final against Limerick at the start of July was the stuff of boyhood dreams as he ran amok and hit 3-3 from play in a man of the match performance. He wasn t too bad either in the quarter-final draw against Cork when he finished with 1-3 from play. A forward high on confidence who has been so important to Waterford." Monaghan's defender turned goalpoacher, Vincent Corey is the first Monaghan recipient of the Opel Gaelic Player of the month award for football and his versatility has not gone unnoticed according to chairman of the Football Selection Committee, Jack O'Connor, "After some hectic action during July, it says much for the impact that Monaghan have had on this year's championship that Vincent Corey has got the thumbs-up from his peers," said the former Kerry boss. Seamus McEnaney's team have played with a great enthusiasm and verve and Corey's move from full-back to full-forward has been central to their progress. He moved to the frontline in the Ulster final against Tyrone - and his imposing presence caused huge problems for Mickey Harte's men who were relieved to hang on. Corey then started at full-forward against Donegal, and it was more of the same. His early goal rattled the league champions and laid the foundations for Monaghan's win. Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the GPA, said; "Monaghan's excellent form has continued in the Qualifier series and Vincent's display against Donegal was outstanding. He is an excellent Gaelic footballer with great strength and versatility. Dan Shanahan's status in hurling is almost iconic and besides being one of the most likeable characters in the game, his performances are breathtaking. Both players are hugely deserving of the players endorsement for July." Commenting on the announcement, Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland, said, "Following a phenomenal month of GAA action, I am delighted to reward these two fantastic players with the Opel Gaelic Players Award for July. I would like to congratulate Dan and Vincent on their outstanding displays for their counties and wish them the best of luck for the remainder of the 2007 championship season." Tweet

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