Michael Quinlivan (Tipperary) and Daithí Burke (Galway) have been named the GAA/GPA Opel All-Stars Players of the Month for July in football and hurling respectively.
Both players were selected by their inter-county peers following outstanding displays by their counties in the qualifiers and All-Ireland quarter-finals.
Michael Quinlivan has been a rising star in Gaelic football at both club and county level since exploding onto the scene with Tipp’s All-Ireland MFC final victory in 2011. After accounting for Cork in the Munster SFC earlier in the summer and ousting Derry in a thrilling qualifier, the Premier County then delivered an outstanding performance of attacking football in the All-Ireland quarter-final last Sunday week to deny Connacht Champions Galway. Quinlivan’s first half goal was critical in Tipp taking control of the contest and the Clonmel Commercial’s man added another four points in a historic victory.
Micheál Donoghue’s Galway hurlers marched defiantly into Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final showdown with Tipp thanks to an impressive victory over Clare in Semple Stadium last month. Managing the talented Banner forwards was always going to be a pivotal task for Galway and Daithí Burke was imperious in defence, dominating possession and earning the man-of-the-match accolade for his commanding performance.
Commenting on the announcement, Dave Sheeran, Managing Director Opel Ireland said: “Congratulations to Michael and Daithí who have been voted by their peers as Opel Players of the Month for July. Both players excelled as they brought home victories for their counties and secured places in the All Ireland semi finals. We wish them the very best in the upcoming semi-final rounds of the championship.”
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail continued: “The battle for the Liam MacCarthy and Sam Maguire Cups has intensified greatly in recent weeks and it makes these awards for Daithí and Michael all the more prestigious and noteworthy.
“I congratulate them both on their most deserving selection – but would also like to pay tribute to all of our players who make such an immense contribution and are wonderful ambassadors for our great Games.”
Speaking about the Award winners, Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the GPA added: “Congratulations to Daithí and Michael on being recognised by their fellow players for their outstanding displays last month. Galway hurlers had to endure completely unfair criticism following the Leinster Final but responded brilliantly with a very impressive display against Clare. Daithí Burke seemed to be everywhere in defence, continually thwarting the Banner attack and was central to Galway’s win. Michael Quinlivan has been one of the great young Gaelic footballers over the past number of years and I’m not surprised at all with his wonderful display of leadership and skill against Galway in Croke Park; he is richly deserving of his award. Thanks to all the players who voted and to Opel for their continued support of the GAA/GPA Opel All-Stars.”
Monthly Award Winners:
Each month, between May and October, a Footballer and a Hurler are awarded for their performances in the Provincial and All-Ireland Championships. Players are short-listed by members of the All-Stars Steering Committee and the winners selected by the county playing body. Each winner receives €1,000 and a trophy.
