Laois footballer Ross Munnelly 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 Head of Brand and Marketing, Helen Marks.
The awards were in honour of the outstanding contributions both players made during an unusually hectic championship schedule during the month of July when they were each involved in three championship matches.
This is a second player of the month award for 29 year old Shanahan, the previous honour being won in May 2004. He was also selected as a Vodafone All Star that year.
Shanahan, from the Lismore club, played a significant role in Waterford's victories over Galway and Laois in the All-Ireland Qualifier series before putting in a colossal display in the All-Ireland quarter-final victory over Tipperary.
He scored 1-5 in that game and created a host of chances for his team-mates when causing major problems for the Tipperary defence.
Munnelly, enjoying a short break today after his exertions in yesterday’s thrilling All-Ireland quarter-final, is playing in his fourth senior championship season but is already one of the most recognisable figures in football.
From the Arles-Kilcruise club and an International Rules player in 2005, he has been one of the key players in Laois’ rise as a major force in the game and won a Leinster title in his first senior year.
During July he was part of the Laois team that sensationally ended the reign of the All-Ireland champions, Tyrone.
He then scored 2-4 against Meath and was a principal figure in the defeat of Offaly which earned them their place in yesterday’s All-Ireland Quarter-final against Mayo.
