"Who is the best Free Taker in Ireland"

[johnpower]

Yes I seem to recall that. I think he kicked 10 points in his first Munster final in 1988. From what I have seen (in no order) the best I have seen are

Matt Connor
Peter Canavan
Maurice Fitzgerald
Oisin McConville
Brian Stafford
Jimmy Keavney

[Syferus]

Frankie Dolan, at his peak, was in Maurice Fitz territory. The only pity was that peak was just the 2003 season but he was (and still is) able to take everything from 45's to sideline cuts. The Offaly and Kildare games in 2003 would stand up to any display of free-taking and indeed general play in the history of the GAA.

[johnpower]

Frankie Dolan, at his peak, was in Maurice Fitz territory. The only pity was that peak was just the 2003 season but he was (and still is) able to take everything from 45's to sideline cuts. The Offaly and Kildare games in 2003 would stand up to any display of free-taking and indeed general play in the history of the GAA.

Yes of course I also forgot Mr Tompkins and no doubt there are many club players who would make the list. It may well pass that a specialist position will come into play of free taker. But given the rules and refs that is unlikely.

[thewobbler]

I think your mind play tricks with you about free takers from the past. Unless they're famous for a bad miss (Ray Cosgrove), then you're almost certainly going to remember the big kicks over the wee misses. TG4 Gold is something of an antidote in that my childhood memory was that Stafford never missed. Now i'm not saying he's not one of the best ever, but he missed plenty over the 91 season alone!

I'd like more televised evidence for/against Enda Gormley and Ronan Carolan. My memory tells me they never missed, but I'm sure Cavan and Derry fans could tell me I'm mad.

Oisin McConville though, up until the last few years of his county career, was something else, a proper dead ball game winner. I'd still have him ahead of Sheehan for calmness, but Sheehan's kicking technique is joyous to watch.

[johnpower]

I think your mind play tricks with you about free takers from the past. Unless they're famous for a bad miss (Ray Cosgrove), then you're almost certainly going to remember the big kicks over the wee misses. TG4 Gold is something of an antidote in that my childhood memory was that Stafford never missed. Now i'm not saying he's not one of the best ever, but he missed plenty over the 91 season alone!

I'd like more televised evidence for/against Enda Gormley and Ronan Carolan. My memory tells me they never missed, but I'm sure Cavan and Derry fans could tell me I'm mad.

Oisin McConville though, up until the last few years of his county career, was something else, a proper dead ball game winner. I'd still have him ahead of Sheehan for calmness, but Sheehan's kicking technique is joyous to watch.

Yip but Sheehan is not as good as his clubmate. I suppose the guys who gets the last minute free to draw the game is the real deal yet he may have missed easier ones early in the game.

[spuds]

Frankie Dolan, at his peak, was in Maurice Fitz territory. The only pity was that peak was just the 2003 season but he was (and still is) able to take everything from 45's to sideline cuts. The Offaly and Kildare games in 2003 would stand up to any display of free-taking and indeed general play in the history of the GAA.

Last of the Rossie dual stars.

[rrhf]

Yes I seem to recall that. I think he kicked 10 points in his first Munster final in 1988. From what I have seen (in no order) the best I have seen are

Matt Connor
Peter Canavan
Maurice Fitzgerald
Oisin McConville
Brian Stafford
Jimmy Keavney

Maurice scored the year before Munster final as well.  Really only for mayo he would have retired the best never to win Sam

[rrhf]

Yes I seem to recall that. I think he kicked 10 points in his first Munster final in 1988. From what I have seen (in no order) the best I have seen are

Matt Connor
Peter Canavan
Maurice Fitzgerald
Oisin McConville
Brian Stafford
Jimmy Keavney

Maurice scored the year before In Munster final as well. I'll keep you guys right.  Really only for mayo he would have retired the best never to win Sam

[Fuzzman]

Scotchy Conway from Cookstown. He never missed  and in 1989 Ulster final brought Donegal back to a replay with the last kick of the game.

[rrhf]

Does it have to be a size 5

[Mike Sheehy]

Yes I seem to recall that. I think he kicked 10 points in his first Munster final in 1988. From what I have seen (in no order) the best I have seen are

Matt Connor
Peter Canavan
Maurice Fitzgerald
Oisin McConville
Brian Stafford
Jimmy Keavney

Maurice scored the year before In Munster final as well. I'll keep you guys right.  Really only for mayo he would have retired the best never to win Sam

you do remember 2000 right ?

[neilthemac]

Micheál Kerins of Sligo has been acknowledged as the best free taker by many ex county players of his era

[haranguerer]

Really? We'll give it to him so

[rrhf]

in 1986 aifinal Tyrone played a forward line which included Bob Mc Nally, Mickey Mc Clure, Paudge Quinn, and Mickey Mallon.  iF nothing else, Mallon excelled at the free taking, though if he was a bit worried about one he'd have asked Noel Mc Ginn to come up and have a go.  Even the best need to know their limits.     

[screenexile]

Anyone who remembers Eamonn Burns taking frees for Derry or Screen will know he missed very little from the '45 onwards!!