Opel awards for Lacey & Mullane

Karl Lacey of Donegal and Waterford's John Mullane have been named as the Opel GPA Players of the Month for July 2009 in football and hurling respectively.

The awards recognise the outstanding contribution both players made to their county’s performances in Donegal and Waterford respectively in the Championship throughout July.

Karl Lacey, who has been tipped in some quarters as the best defender in the country, was instrumental as his side emerged from the Qualifiers to reach the All-Ireland quarter-final.

Meanwhile, July marks two-in-a-row for John Mullane as he scoops the Opel GPA Player of the Month award for a second time. In a dramatic finish in Semple Stadium Mullane scored the crucial winning point against Galway to earn Waterford's place in the semi-final against champions Kilkenny.