The first PwC GAA/GPA Player of the Month award winners for 2018 were presented with their trophies at a ceremony at PwC’s head offices in Dublin this morning. Galway’s Damien Comer was announced as the football winner, while Tipperary’s Jason Forde picked up the hurling award.

Damien Comer was a key player in Galway’s successful Allianz League division one campaign. The Tribesmen missed out on the 2018 title, with defeat to Dublin in the final; that was their only loss of the entire league. They battled hard in their decider with Dublin, with Comer causing problems throughout. He scored 0-3 on the day.

Jason Forde had stand out performances throughout Tipperary’s league campaign, propelling them to the final. Despite defeat, the Silvermines GAA clubman scored a total of 2-12 when they met with Kilkenny in Nowlan Park.

Commenting on the announcement, Feargal O'Rourke, Managing Partner, PwC, said: "As the sponsor of the PwC All-Stars, we are delighted to support excellence in young Irish talent.  Working together and making a difference are core values of our business and are also central to performance on the field.

“The April 2018 PwC/GAA/GPA Player of the Month kicks-off the 2018 PwC All-Stars Campaign.  The April Player of the Month winners have been recognised for their outstanding contributions.  Both players have demonstrated great teamwork, effort and commitment, just the vital qualities needed for success in sport and in business."

Speaking on behalf of the GAA, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael John Horan added: “Well done to Damien and Jason on their respective football and hurling awards after hugely impressive finishes to their league campaigns.

“Damien played a starring role throughout Galway’s campaign helping them to another final while Jason’s scoring returns were the stand-out feature of Tipperary’s march to a hurling final appearance.

“Being honoured by your peers is important and while congratulating both winners I’d also like to acknowledge the ongoing support of PwC for these awards.”

Speaking on behalf of the GPA, Chairman and acting CEO Seamus Hickey said: “Congratulations to Damien and Jason on being honoured with this award. This award always holds a special significance for players when they have been chosen by their peers.

“Both Damien and Jason are very deserving winners who have demonstrated great leadership and drive whilst playing with Galway and Tipperary respectively.  We look forward to seeing more of the same from both men in this summer’s championship.”