The Irishman served up a personal goal of the month competition with stunning efforts against Coventry City, Gillingham and Yeovil Town.
Just as vital was his headed goal-line clearance which preserved the 1-1 draw at Yeovil.
Barnsley manager Danny Wilson said: “I am delighted with the impact Conor has had here. The award is thoroughly deserved. I am sure he will be looking for more!”
Sky Sports’ Football League pundit Don Goodman said: “Three goals from midfield in his first five competitive games for Barnsley. That says it all!”
Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery said: “Arriving from Plymouth meant a step up for Hourihane.
“He has chipped in with three high quality goals - twice landing the first goal of the match at odds of 14/1 and 12/1 respectively in our first goal-scorer market.”
The Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month Award went to Charlton Athletic striker Igor Vetokele.
In Sky Bet League 2, AFC Wimbledon striker Matt Tubbs was named Sky Bet Player of the Month.
The Sky Bet Player of the Month judging panel comprises Sky Sports’ Football League expert Don Goodman; Football League Head of Communications John Nagle; League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery.
Sky Bet is the title sponsor of The Football League. This season, a £250,000 Sky Bet Transfer Fund will go to a Football League club to spend on players in the January 2015 transfer window.
Fans who bet with Sky Bet generate Transfer Fund Tokens and go into a random draw to win a £5,000 prize – and the £250,000 Sky Bet Transfer Fund for their Football League club.
To sign up, go to www.skybet.com/transferfund and follow the instructions.
