Waterford and Monaghan Stars Named Players of the Month for July

Monaghan footballer Tommy Freeman and Waterford hurler Dan Shanahan were today named the Vodafone GAA All Stars Players of the Month for July. They were presented with their awards at a ceremony in Dublin’s Westbury Hotel by the President of the GAA, Nicky Brennan, and Vodafone’s Director of Marketing Carolan Lennon.

After a day of hectic activity in Croke Park yesterday the two players were able to reflect today with friends and family on the achievements of the Summer for which they were honoured.

This is the third time that Dan Shanahan has been selected as Vodafone Player of the Month award. He was first chosen in May 2004 and collected his second monthly award twelve months ago. He has also been chosen as a Vodafone All Star on two occasions, in 2004 and last year.

Now one of the best known and respected players in the game, Shanahan has shown sensational scoring form in this year’s championship and was the chief architect of Waterford’s Munster championship final win over Limerick last month when he scored a remarkable 3-3 to collect his third provincial medal.

Tommy Freeman has played with Monaghan for the last eight seasons and is enjoying his most fruitful championship this year. Although Monaghan suffered a narrow defeat in the Ulster final to Tyrone he was top scorer in the province with a total of 1-15.

In the All-Ireland qualifier against Donegal he added an impressive 1-5 to that tally and secured the player of the month award. From the Magheracloone club, Tommy has presented Ireland in the International Rules series.

Presenting the awards the president of the GAA Nickey Brennan said; "This has been a wonderful championship season for Waterford and Monaghan. Dan's displays have captured the imagination of the whole country and Tommy’s contribution to Monaghan's great form has been immense."

On behalf of Vodafone Carolan Lennon paid tribute to the players. "Once again we have been privileged to enjoy a month of breathtaking action. The individual performances of players like Dan and Tommy are major contributors to the drama and spectacle that is the championship."

For further information, please contact:
Darina Sexton, Vodafone Press Office 087 7753000
Donal Keenan, 087 8060707