Waterford duo named as May winners of Women's GAA Player of the Month awards
Eva Osborne
Waterford duo Niamh Rockett and Kellyann Hogan are the May winners of the PwC GPA Women’s Player of the Month awards for camogie and football.
Meanwhile, Limerick talisman Cian Lynch and Donegal’s Michael Murphy have been named the PwC GAA/GPA Hurler and Footballer of the month, respectively.
The Player of the Month awards aim to recognise the country’s standout players from the Provincial Championships as well as the opening rounds of the 2025 All-Ireland Championships.
Niamh Rockett made history with the Déise as they recorded their first ever senior championship victory over Kilkenny in Nowlan Park, on May 31st.
Rockett, who has this year taken over free taking duties, scored nine of Waterford’s 17 points, including three in the final minutes to secure the victory.
Rockett will look to continue her scintillating form in the next round as Waterford take on Dublin Saturday, June 21st.
The Waterford ladies football team came agonisingly close to overcoming the reigning All-Ireland champions Kerry with Kellyann Hogan’s six well taken scores a key factor in the Déise running Kerry close.
Hogan dusted herself off and put in a dominant performance in nine-point victory against Cork in Dungarvan, booking a rematch against the Kingdom in the Munster Football Championship final.
Hogan was first on the scoreboard and delivered a standout performance in the middle of the park throughout. Four scores from the Ballymacarby clubwoman were unfortunately not enough however as Waterford tasted defeat at the hands of the Kingdom once more.
Cian Lynch and Michael Murphy
A month in which Cian Lynch delivered commanding performances for Limerick in the Munster Hurling Championship has earned him the May player of the month award.
img Cian Lynch (L) and Michael Murphy (R). Photo (R): Inpho/Leah Scholes
Two pivotal wins over Waterford and Cork kept the six in a row dream alive with Lynch being the focal point in each. Three scores accompanied by an array of immaculate skills earned Lynch the Man of the Match award after a six-point triumph over Waterford.
In the next clash against league champions Cork in the TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick and Lynch in particular showed up from the opening whistle. The Limerick captain and playmaker was instrumental in a decisive 16-point victory which booked Limerick’s spot in their seventh consecutive Munster final.
Donegal stalwart Michael Murphy has been awarded the May player of the month award for his inspirational performances throughout the month, none more prominent than the Ulster title decider versus defending All-Ireland champions Armagh.
After taking a year off Murphy appears to be back to his best, dominating aerial contests and overpowering his opposition.
A repeat of last year’s Ulster final, the returning Murphy was the difference-maker, scoring three points and helping set up plenty more as Donegal retained their provincial crown. Murphy followed this up with an eight-point haul in a defeat against Tyrone in the All-Ireland series.
Managing Partner at PwC Ireland, Enda McDonagh, said: “May brought a series of exceptional performances across all codes, as thrilling provincial campaigns concluded and the All-Ireland Championship series burst into life.
“On behalf of everyone at PwC, heartfelt congratulations to Niamh, Kellyann, Cian, and Michael on being honoured as May’s Players of the Month."