Paul Conroy (Galway) and Austin Gleeson (Waterford) have been named the GAA/GPA Opel Players of the Month for June in football and hurling respectively. The players, both of whom were pivotal in leading their counties to provincial finals, saw off stiff competition to claim the accolades, awarded to them by the inter-county playing body.

Paul Conroy delivered a commanding midfield performance against Mayo last month, a display recognised by his fellow players and one that helped deny Galway's fiercest rivals the opportunity of a sixth successive Connacht SFC title. The Tribesmen will once again bid to claim the crown in Sunday's final replay with Roscommon.

A man-of-the-match semi-final display against Clare from the talented Austin Gleeson helped secure a Munster final place for the Déise. The Mount Sion star produced an outstanding performance scoring six points as his side avenged their League final replay defeat to the same opposition. After a disappointing final, however, Waterford will be bidding to reignite their championship campaign against Wexford in the All-Ireland quarter-final on the 24th July.

Commenting on the announcement, Dave Sheeran, Managing Director Opel Ireland said: “After a memorable month of displays by both Galway and Waterford, we are delighted to reward Paul and Austin with the Opel Player of the Month awards for June.  Both are particularly deserving of the accolade, having put in outstanding performances for their respective counties.  As proud partners of the GAA and GPA, we look forward to another exciting All-Ireland series and wish both players the very best of luck in the weeks ahead.”

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail continued: “Congratulations to Paul and Austin on being honoured with this award – an accolade made all the more significant by the fact that they have been chosen by their peers. They are deserving winners and both embody the spirit of what an Opel GAA GPA All-Star is about: which is to possess that something extra special capable of shaping the outcome of a game. We’ve enjoyed watching their individual flair light up their exploits for the Galway footballers and Waterford hurlers and look forward to seeing more of the same in their Championship battles ahead.”

Speaking about the Award winners, Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the GPA added: “Congratulations to Paul and Austin on their contributions to their respective counties’ successes last month. Both players were pivotal in those victories for Galway and Waterford and both will once again play vital roles in the provincial final and All-Ireland quarter-final challenges that lie ahead. Thanks to the players who selected the winners, to the nomination group who compiled the shortlist and to Opel for their continued support for the GAA/GPA All-Stars Awards scheme.”