Clare camogie star Lorna McNamara and Armagh footballer Blaithin Mackin have been named the PwC GPA Women’s Players of the Month for April, while Waterford hurler Stephen Bennett and Down football captain Odhran Murdock claimed the men’s awards.

The monthly awards, supported by PwC Ireland alongside the GPA and GAA, recognise outstanding performances across Gaelic Games and form part of the wider sponsorship of the PwC All-Stars and PwC Camogie All-Stars programmes.

The April awards highlighted players who excelled during the National League finals and the opening rounds of the 2026 All-Ireland Championships.

McNamara played a decisive role in Clare’s victory over Dublin in the Centra Camogie League Division 1B Final, scoring 2-6 of her side’s 3-11 total as the Banner County secured redemption following last year’s final defeat to Antrim. She also continued her scoring form into championship action, adding eight points against Waterford.

Mackin was central to Armagh’s opening TG4 Ulster Senior Championship win over Donegal, contributing four points, including an impressive two-pointer.

In football, Murdock delivered a captain’s performance as Down overcame fancied Donegal in the Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final, scoring three points in a memorable win for the Mourne County.

Bennett’s scoring exploits for Waterford earned him the hurling accolade after he amassed 4-22 across Munster Championship clashes with Clare and Tipperary. His 1-10 tally against Tipperary proved crucial in securing a draw that kept Waterford’s championship ambitions alive ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Cork.

“We were treated to some tremendous games in April, with standout individual performances helping counties to wins in league finals and the opening rounds of the Championship,” said Enda McDonagh, Managing Partner of PwC.

“On behalf of all of us at PwC, I want to offer congratulations to Lorna, Blaithin, Odhran and Stephen on being named April’s Players of the Month.”

“It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the first four winners of the PwC Player of the Month Awards for 2026 after a hugely entertaining period of activity for all of the Gaelic games codes,” added Jarlath Burns, GAA President.

“Lorna McNamara enjoyed a rich vein of scoring form last month while Blaithín Mackin shone for Armagh in their Ulster championship win over Donegal.

“Odhrán Murdock’s award after his majestic display for Down against Donegal will surprise no one, and Stephen Bennett’s scoring heroics for Waterford see him singled out for the hurling accolade.

“Being honoured by your peers is always special, so congratulations to all four award recipients and a special word of thanks also to the GPA and PwC, who partner with us for these awards.”

“These awards are voted for by players themselves, and that makes the PwC Player of the Month Awards very special,” said Tom Parsons, GPA CEO.

“While our games are all about the team, I hope Lorna, Blaithin, Stephen and Odhran take some personal satisfaction in being recognised this way by their peers. Their contributions during the month of April make them very worthy recipients.”

 

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