Longford's Brian Kavanagh and Ronan Curran of Cork have been honoured with the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month Awards for May in Football and Hurling respectively. Their selection is a fitting tribute to the victories of their respective counties, Longford and Cork, in their first round championship matches of the 2007 season. The catalyst for Longford's stunning comeback victory over Westmeath, Brian Kavanagh, is a hugely deserving winner of the Opel Gaelic Player of the month award for May according to chairman of the football selection committee, Jack O'Connor. "Brian showed last year what a promising young forward he is and on the basis of what we saw against Westmeath, he seems hungry to fulfil that promise," O'Connor stated. "When the chips were down and Longford needed scores at the start of the second half, he delivered with two well-taken goals. He may have got lucky on the first one, but like all good corner-forwards, he was in the right place at the right time. His second goal was finished with the precision and coolness of a confident striker, and he clearly has a bright future ahead of him." This is the second time inside a year that Kavanagh has been honoured with an Opel Gaelic Player of the Month award - he was also chosen as the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month in July 2006. Ronan Curran's magnificent display in Cork's Munster SHC quarter-final win over Clare earned the St Finbarr's stalwart the hurling vote, which came as no surprise to Hurling Committee Chairman Donal O'Grady. "Ronan is a manager's dream because he is so committed to the cause and he's always looking to improve himself in everything he does," remarked the former All-Ireland winning manager. "Centre-back is a pivotal position in the modern game and Ronan showed why against Clare. Not only did he provide a commanding platform for Cork down the centre, but he was fearless in the air and he was also willing to hoover up breaking ball on the wings. All substance and no shortage of style either." Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the GPA, said; "Longford have already shown that last year's form was based on solid credentials and Brian Kavanagh has been central to their progress and ambition. He is rapidly becoming one of the game's best forwards. Ronan Curran's class was obvious during his pivotal display for Cork against Clare and I'm delighted to see him honoured by his fellow players." Commenting on the announcement, Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland, said, "Opel commends the efforts of Brian Kavanagh and Ronan Curran both deserving winners of the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month Awards for May. Both players produced truly inspiring displays this month to lead their respective teams to victory in the first rounds of Championship 2007. " Tweet

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