The dust is settling on the intercounty GAA season as players who lit up the summer return to their clubs. Two such players have had contrasting fortunes. All Ireland winning Dub Paddy Andrews can now completely switch off for a few months while Kilkenny's TJ Reid is getting set to line out for his club this weekend.
The duo have an end of season bonus as the pair have been named as the Opel GAA/GPA Players of the Month for September in football and hurling. Nominated by an independent panel of experts and chosen by the inter-county playing body, the players were presented with their award at a reception in Croke Park.
With a majestic showing at full forward Paddy Andrews’s standout performance in Dublin’s Semi-Final replay against Mayo saw him earn the Opel Player of the Month award for September. The St Brigid’s clubman gave a man-of-the-match display, that yielded an impressive five points from play and saw the Dubs progress to their 38th All-Ireland Final, on a score line of 3-15 to 1-14. The towering attacker continued his form against Kerry in that final, scoring an important point before the break, as Jim Gavin’s side ran out three points to claim their third All-Ireland title in the space of five seasons 0-12 to 0-9.
Kilkenny’s tour-de-force cemented his status as an Opel Hurler of the Year nominee, with a clinical performance in the wing forward position. The 27-year-old Ballyhale Shamrocks ace collected his seventh All-Ireland medal after scoring an impressive 1-7 as the Cats recorded a 1-22 to 1-18 win over Galway in the final. Reid’s outstanding display proved decisive in guiding his side to victory on the day, voted by his peers as the Opel Player of the Month for September after spearheading Kilkenny’s attack through their 36th All-Ireland winning campaign.
Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland, said, “I'm delighted to present Paddy and TJ with the GAA/GPA Opel Player of the Month Award for September. This has been another gripping championship season, with both All–Ireland winning players chosen as well deserved recipients of the accolade.
“Looking forward to the GAA/GPA Opel All-Star Awards, I'd also like to take this opportunity to wish all of the nominees the very best of luck on November 6th.
Through our continued sponsorship of the Opel All-Star Awards and the further development of the Opel GAA Ambassador programme, we’re consistently working hard to integrate the brand into the fabric of Gaelic Games in Ireland.”
Commenting on the announcement Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “Well done to both Paddy and TJ on their awards which come on the back of a string of excellent performances from both. Not for the first time in recent seasons TJ was a driver behind another successful Kilkenny campaign, leading by example as a constant menace to opposition defences.
“Paddy was hugely instrumental in helping Dublin deliver a third All-Ireland football title in five years. His classy attacking displays bolstered the Dublin surge and both are worthy winners, as chosen by their peers. A special word of thanks to both the GPA and Opel for the support of these awards which acknowledge excellence on a month by month basis over the course of the championship.”
GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell said: "Congratulations to TJ and Paddy on their awards for September. Of course there is always added significance to performances at the close of the season with the top prizes in sight and both players excelled in their forward contributions. Thanks to Opel for their outstanding support this summer and to all the players who participated in the GAA/GPA scheme during the championship. We now look forward to the All-Star selections next month."
The Duo have been chatting about their years to date.
