Anthony Lynch’s man marking job on Colm Cooper in the Munster football semi-finals has seen the Cork defender earn the GPA’s player of the month award for June. Waterford’s John Mullane picked up the hurling equivalent.
Lynch was outstanding in both outings against Kerry, particularly the replay at at Páirc Uí Chaoimh where the great Dr Crokes marksman was held scoreless from play.
His efficient shut-down job on Cooper helped the Rebels to a 1-17 to 0-12 triumph. Lynch’s importance to Conor Counihan’s side was underlined last weekend as Limerick made the most of his absence through injury to run Cork close in the Munster final.
“To deliver one great performance marking a player of Colm Cooper’s ability is a great achievement,” commented Martin McHugh, chairman of the football selection committee. “To do it twice in a week is the sign of a truly outstanding defender and as a result Cork’s Anthony Lynch is a most worthy recipient.”
Mullane, meanwhile, was instrumental in Waterford’s semi-final win over Limerick. The Waterford sharpshooter was irresistible in Thurles as the won 0-25 to 0-18, with Mullane grabbing six points from play and causing the Limerick defence all sorts of problems.
“John Mullane delivered an outstanding display of both power and finesse in the Munster semi-final replay against Limerick,” said Donal O’Grady. “But what was most appealing to me in both the drawn game and the replay was Mullane’s passion for his county and his hurling, something which should be celebrated.”