Youth and experience were both rewarded today as the GAA announced its Vodafone Players of the Month for February.
Veteran Tipperary goalkeeper Brendan Cummins received the hurling award, while 24-year-old Fermanagh fullback Barry Owens was the footballer’s recipients.
Seven years separates the two players but a common denominator of class - evident so early in the season - was what earned the accolades.
Cummins’s performance between the posts in the 0-19 - 0-10 defeat to Kilkenny on February 26th, in which he made four outstanding saves, two from the spot, was the clincher for selectors.
The Ballybacon-Grange clubman made his debut for Tipp in 1993 and adds this award to his already impressive array, which includes an All-Ireland winners medal, three national league titles and an under-21 All-Ireland title.
Owens was last year named an All-Star, making himself only the second ever Fermanagh player to achieve such an honour, and has begun this season to a similar standard.
His performance in the one point win over All-Ireland champions Tyrone alone could have won him the award, but there was also a massive game in the demolition of Monaghan a week earlier to argue the full back’s case.
Both players were presented with their awards by GAA President Sean Kelly at Dublin’s Westbury Hotel this morning.
Kelly praised the pair for their outstanding play and commended them on the example they set.
"We have enjoyed a very exciting start to the new season and the performances of Brendan and Barry have certainly been the highlights. They have helped whet our appetites for the months ahead."