Monaghan’s David Garland finally got his hands on his Electric Ireland Higher Education GAA Rising Stars Football Player of the Year trophy today.

The Donaghmoyne was announced as the winner of the award on April 2 but the Awards Ceremony had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Garland was outstanding throughout DCU DÉ’s journey to Sigerson Cup glory in 2020. The Donaghmoyne forward scored a total of 1-14 across all games, finishing off with four magnificent points from play and a man of the match performance as he led his side to victory in this year’s final over IT Carlow.

So nine weeks after he was named as the best player in this year’s Sigerson Cup, Garland finally got his prize.

While known as a brilliant forward, not many realise that Garland is also an intercounty umpire as he acts as part of fellow countyman Martin McNally’s team of officials.

Now 21-years-old, the Monaghan forward started life as an umpire while in secondary school and had really enjoyed his time as one of the men in white coats.

"I got to travel the length and breadth of the country with him (McNally) to see some great grounds and great games along the way," revealed Garland.

"It can be a challenging but I enjoy doing it.

"It gets you out of the house for a few hours and it's all experience as well.

"Maybe down the line I could see myself being in the middle.

"I'm not ready now to be a referee but maybe down the line... if the wages were good."

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