Ronan O’Neill of Tyrone and Westmeath’s Derek McNicholas have been named the Opel GAA/GPA Players of the Month for May in football and hurling respectively. Nominated by an independent panel of experts and chosen by the inter-county playing body, the players will be presented with their award at a reception in Croke Park tomorrow, Wednesday 8th June.

Tyrone's Ronan O’Neill underlined his prowess when getting the Ulster SFC opener off to a powerful start by scoring two goals in the first 20 minutes to leave Derry with a mountain to climb. The sharp shooting corner-forward heralded the resurgence of Mickey Harte’s team as real contenders in this season’s championship as the team polished off their opponents with 11 points to spare on a final score of 3-14 to 0-12. More exceptional play is expected from the Omagh player when Tyrone next take to the field in the Ulster SFC semi-final against Cavan.

The Lake County triumphed in all three round robins in May thanks in part to the talented performances of Derek McNicholas who scored a total of 2-8 during their Leinster Championship Round Robin wins over Offaly, Kerry and Carlow. Kicking the month off with a victorious start, the Castlepollard full-forward scored a goal and two points from play against The Faithful County in the first Leinster hurling championship meeting between the two sides in 40 years. Powering on, McNicholas and his team claimed the spoils against Kerry in which he scored a well-worked goal before following this up with a nail biting one-point decider win Carlow.

Commenting on the announcement, Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland, said: “Congratulations to Ronan O’Neill and Derek McNicholas who have been singled out by their fellow players in recognition of their superb performances in recent weeks. Worthy winners of the Opel Player of the Month title for May, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish both players and their inter-county teammates the very best of luck in the championship season ahead.”

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “Both Ronan and Derek helped illuminate the early part of our championship season with high quality performances. To be selected by your peers is always an additional honour and both are fully deserving winners. I congratulate them both and once again acknowledge the ongoing support of Opel and their Managing Director Dave Sheeran."

Speaking about the Award winners, Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the GPA said: “Congratulations to Derek and Ronan who have been recognised by the county players for their outstanding individual performances last month. Between senior and under 21, Westmeath hurling enjoyed significant success during May and Derek was pivotal to the seniors' progress in the Leinster round robin stages. Ronan O'Neill showed tremendous skill to grab his first goal against Derry and his finishing ability will be a very important part of Tyrone's bid for honours this summer. Thanks to Opel for their support and all the GPA members who cast their votes last week."

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