Special Handball Award for Paul Brady
Cork All Star Ronan Curran and Longford footballer Brian Kavanagh were named today as the Vodafone GAA All Stars Players of the Month for May. The awards were presented to the players by the President of the GAA Nickey Brennan and Gerry Fahy, Vodafone Ireland Strategy Director.
Vodafone and the GAA also made a special presentation today to honour the outstanding handballer Paul Brady from Cavan, the current World Open singles champion who recently successfully defended his US Open title.
Ronan Curran was chosen for the hurling monthly award following his outstanding contribution to Cork’s Munster championship success against Clare last Sunday week. His selection means that he joins his half back partners Sean Og O’hAilpin and John Gardiner as a winner of the Vodafone monthly award.
Now playing in his fifth senior championship, Ronan has won every honour available in the game. From the St Finbarr’s club in Cork city he has won two All-Ireland titles, three Munster championships and three Vodafone All Star awards in 2003, 2004 and 2006.
Brian Kavanagh from the St Patrick’s club in Ardagh was the chief architect of Longford’s first victory in the Leinster championship in six years when he scored 2-6 in the opening round of the campaign against Westmeath.
During Longford’s run through the Qualifier series last year Brian came to national prominence for the quality of his performances and he was one of two Longford players to be nominated for a Vodafone All Star award last November. He was chosen as an Vodafone All Star replacement and toured with the Vodafone All Stars to Dubai in January.
It is possible that Brian could face Paul Brady at some stage in the championship this year as Paul is again combining his commitments in the alley with his involvement with the Cavan senior football team. Paul is a previous winner of a Vodafone Handball award.
Paul’s achievements in Handball are astonishing. He is the current World, National and US Open champion. He has won the last three All-Ireland 40 x 20 Senior Singles titles. Last year he won his first World Open singles titles and also won the doubles title with Michael Finnegan.
Paying tribute to the three award winners the President of the GAA Nickey Brennan said; “These awards are designed to honour outstanding individual performances and from a lengthy list the selectors have made excellent choices this month. Ronan is a model of brilliant consistency, Brian is one of the outstanding emerging talents and Paul a true sportsman of international renown.”
On behalf of Vodafone Ireland, Gerry Fahy congratulated the players. "Each of you is currently involved in a hectic schedule of commitments that is contributing to some fantastic entertainment every weekend and you are not just deserving of these awards but also of our gratitude and admiration."
For further information, please contact:
Darina Sexton, Vodafone Press Office 087 7753000
Donal Keenan, 087 8060707