Brian O'Connell (Clare) and Ronan Clarke (Armagh) have been honoured with the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month Awards for June in Hurling and Football respectively. Their selection is a fitting tribute tO'the achievements of their respective counties, Clare and Armagh in reaching their provincial finals. A worthy winner of the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month Award for June, Clare captain Brian O'Connell has been one of the Banner's most impressive performers this season, leading the county to their first Munster Hurling Final since 1999. The Wolfe Tones na Sionna clubman has been in sparkling form for Clare and has played a pivotal role in putting Waterford and Limerick to the sword in their march to their first provincial decider in almost a decade. Commenting on O'Connell's selection, Chairman of the Opel Gaelic Players Hurling Selection Committee, Donal O'Grady said, Clare are back with a bang this summer and that has much to do with the hunger and zeal running through the team from goalkeeper to No.15, which is spearheaded by their dynamic midfield partnership in which Brian O'Connell has been outstanding, said the former Cork hurling manager. Brian has become a high class inter-county midfielder alongside Colin Lynch and apart >from the high levels of energy he displayed against Waterford and Limerick, his ability to deliver accurate ball into the forwards shows that he is maturing all the time. Armagh full forward Ronan Clarke, has been in cracking form since his return from injury which forced him out of action for the whole of the 2007 season. The Pearse Óg clubman has been consistently on target for the Orchard County this season shooting vital scores against both Cavan and Down, ensuring their quest for a 7th Ulster title in 9 years remains on course. Commenting on Clarke's selection, former Kerry manager and chairman of the Opel Gaelic Players Football Selection Committee, Jack O'Connor said, There is no doubt that Ronan Clarke is one of the best forwards in the country and now that he is over the series of injuries which hampered him in recent seasons, the Armagh attack is buzzing again. His strength in the air, ability to kick scores off both feet and his uncanny knack of combining with fellow poacher Steven McDonnell make him a nightmare to mark and he showed against both Cavan and Down that he is back to his brilliant best. Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the GPA, said; Congratulations to Brian and Ronan on their awards for June. Both have been in spectacular form and have been instrumental in securing places in the provincial finals for their counties. Clare and Armagh have proven a lot of doubters wrong to date and Brian and Ronan will be the first to pay tribute to the contributions of their team mates to their counties progress. Thanks to all the players who voted for the June awards. Commenting on the announcement, Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland, said, "Opel Ireland congratulates Brian O'Connell and Ronan Clarke, two thoroughly deserving winners of the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month Awards for June. Both players produced excellent displays for their counties throughout the month, ensuring their respective teams secured their places in a provincial final. We are proud to honour players from Clare and Armagh, two counties which have never previously been rewarded under the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month scheme. Opel Ireland is delighted to be in a position to reward the achievements of both players and wish them continued success for the remainder of Championship 2008." Tweet

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