GAA: GPA HAND OUT MERIT AWARDS.

THE Gaelic Players Association took another step forward yesterday, with the announcement of the first ever winners of their monthly Players accolades.

GPA members from both codes voted for their players of the month from May through to July.

And as nominations for the awards are available from all GAA. county players involved in both the Championship and National League gue campaigns, the current batch of results threw up few real surprises.

Derry's midfield giant Anthony Tohill and Tipperary's star hurler John Leahy were the toast of May, while June's awards went to Armagh's John McEntee and Cork hurler Sean Og O'hAilpin.

Dublin footballer Paddy Christie and John Power of Kilkenny took the plaudits for July.

The winners were a combination of both GPA members and non-affilated players.

Each winner was presented with a pounds 250 travel voucher and Stephen Makerel, Managing Director of The Carphone Warehouse, paid tribute to the players who had set the ball rolling.

"We were very impressed by the outstanding performances demonstrated by the well-deserved winners in May, June and July," he said.

"We are delighted to be associated with these highly competitive and prestigious awards which all the players want to win.

"They are fairly judged and certainly hard earned."

The Carphone Warehouse sponsored competition is set to run through until October but GPA Chief Administrator, Donal O'Neill heaped praise on the current success of the scheme.

"I am delighted to get these awards up and running," he said.

"They give players with a chance to select their player of the month, who will then be held in high regard with both players and public alike.

"It's a nice touch when a players' truly outstanding performances are recognised by their peers."