April Winners: PwC GPA Women’s and PwC GAA/GPA Players of the Month

Armagh’s Lauren McConville and Tipperary captain Karen Kennedy are the April winners of the PwC GPA Women’s Player of the Month awards for football and camogie, with Clare’s Shane O’Donnell and Donegal half back Ryan McHugh named the PwC GAA/GPA Hurler and Footballer of the Month respectively.

PwC are proud sponsors of the Player of the Month awards across camogie, hurling and football, both men’s and women’s. With the April awards recognising the country’s top performers across the league finals and in the early rounds of 2024 All-Ireland championships.

Armagh’s second consecutive Player of The Month award in ladies football went to Lauren McConville after an inspirational performance in her team’s league final win against Kerry. The solid as ever centre back was integral on both sides of the pitch as Armagh made history winning their first ever National Football League Division One title against last year’s All-Ireland finalists.

Shane O’Donnell has been the Clare hurlers’ focal point in attack since coming on to make an instant impact as the Banner County clinched the Division One League title. Following his team’s narrow defeat to Limerick in their championship opener, he bounced back with an inspirational performance scoring 1-1 to seal a much-needed win over Cork.

Karen Kennedy’s work ethic and determination was the difference for the Tipperary camogie team as they ended a 20-year wait for league silverware. The Tipperary captain galvanised her side to come back from six points down in the first half to claim the victory, scoring 1-3 herself. 

Ryan McHugh was fundamental to ensuring two thrilling victories in the Ulster Football championship in the month of April. He was the conductor for Donegal’s dangerous counter attacks, scoring three points as they defeated last year’s Ulster champions Derry. McHugh’s trademark overlapping runs were the difference then as they edged Tyrone to secure a place in the Ulster final.

Enda McDonagh, Managing Partner, PwC Ireland, said: “April has seen an incredible display of talent across all codes throughout the country with the beginning of Championships as well as the climax of some enthralling league campaigns. PwC is honoured to partner with the GAA and GPA to support players from all codes and on behalf of everyone at PwC, I would like to give our warmest congratulations to Lauren, Karen, Shane and Ryan on being named the April Player of the Month award winners.”

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns said; “We had some fantastic games over the course of the month of April with superb individual performances – none more so than those produced by Lauren, Karen, Shane and Ryan.

“Lauren and Karen were both hugely influential in Armagh and Tipperary’s league successes in football and camogie respectively, and similarly Shane and Ryan shone in the excellent form shown by Clare and Donegal in their hurling and football outings. I wish them all well in their endeavours in the weeks – and possibly months – ahead and thank PwC and the GPA for their support of these important awards.”

GPA CEO Tom Parsons said; “What makes these awards so significant is that they are voted on by players and that recognition by fellow players is special. So, congratulations to Karen, Lauren, Ryan and Shane on your outstanding performances in the month of April. Thank you to PwC for your ongoing support for inter-county players.  As a current player I can assure you that it is very much appreciated. And thank you to the GAA for your partnership in this awards scheme.”

The PwC GPA Women’s Player of the Month and PwC GAA/GPA Players of the Month Award winners are voted for by the GPA’s membership.

ENDS