Derry's Lockhart fought off contenders for the May award

Derry's Sean Marty Lockhart is the Ulster GAA writer's merit award winner for May.

The Maghera teacher pipped a line of top-notch candidates for the prize including Sean Cavanagh, Colm Coyle and hurling goalkeeper Graham Clarke.

Martin, however, nicked the award from under their noses with a couple of dazzling displays in stemming the flow of points from Tyrone's Peter Canavan.

The former Allstar has been consistently impressive for Derry over a number of years, and has come back to form following a serious arm injury last season.