Callanan wins GAA/GPA Opel Player of the Month Award for September

Seamus Callanan (Tipperary) and Patrick Durcan (Mayo) have been named the GAA/GPA Opel Players of the Month for September in hurling and football respectively...

Both players were selected by their fellow county players following outstanding displays in the All-Ireland finals played in the month of September and October 1st.

Callanan was awarded the man-of-the-match award following last month’s All-Ireland hurling decider, scoring 13 points, nine from play, in a stellar performance against Kilkenny.

The Drom and Inch ace was a towering presence in the Tipp full-forward line and his remarkable individual contribution has been acknowledged by the county hurling body.

While Dublin finally secured the spoils after an epic All-Ireland final replay two weeks ago, Patrick Durcan was one of the most consistent performers over both titanic final battles.

Uachtarán CLG Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “Congratulations to Séamus and Patrick on their outstanding performances and their respective contributions to the 2016 GAA Hurling and Football Championships.

Séamus’ exploits in the All-Ireland Hurling Final against Kilkenny were simply outstanding. His performance had everything and to finish as man of the match in a final which had several great performers on both sides shows the heights he hit that day.

Patrick was one of the standout performers on days Dublin and Mayo met and he showed his array of skills by also scoring some fantastic points from half-back. 

'He has had a particularly strong year on both the club and county fronts and this award is very much deserved.

'I'd also like to acknowledge the GPA and Opel for their support and co-operation in organising these awards as we edge closer to the end of year awards.”

Also speaking about Callanan at the awards, Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the GPA added: 'Seamus has been one of the game’s outstanding talents for many years and a wonderful leader for his county; it was fitting that he delivered a match-winning performance in last month’s decider.

'His hunger for possession and wonderful touch to convert the chances that came his way were a real highlight of the championship year.'