Paul Barden wins GAA/GPA Player of the Month Award for May

The GAA/GPA All-Stars sponsored by Opel are delighted to announce Paul Barden (Longford) and Willie Hyland (Laois) as the Players of the Month for May in Football and Hurling respectively. Both selections, chosen by the inter-county playing body, recognise the outstanding individual contributions the players made during their sides’ opening round championship clashes last month.

Clonguish clubman Barden scored the decisive Longford goal in the win over Laois in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park during an outstanding display as the county continued its impressive league form. It confirmed once again Barden as one of the most accomplished forwards in the game today.

Commenting on the announcement, GAA President Liam Ó Néill said: “Paul’s outstanding performances have certainly gone a long way to contributing to Longford’s progression in the Championship to date.”

Dessie Farrell, CEO of the Gaelic Players Association added: “I’d like to congratulate both Paul on being selected by his fellow players. It’s a wonderful achievement and it is significant that his peers chose to recognise the individual display of a great player whose county are outside those pushing for the top honours. It is hugely important that individual talent is acknowledged in this way and it is important for our games that counties like Longford are supported in their efforts and they have made great strides under Glenn Ryan. Thanks to our sponsors Opel and to all the players who voted.”