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GAA Discussion => GAA Discussion => Topic started by: Owen Brannigan on April 05, 2017, 08:32:46 PM

Title: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 05, 2017, 08:32:46 PM
Breheny in the Indo has thrown out this list in trying to put Colm Cooper in the context of the best forwards.........




1 MIKEY SHEEHY (Kerry)
2 PETER CANAVAN (Tyrone)
3 PAT SPILLANE (Kerry)
4 MATT CONNOR (Offaly)
5 COLM COOPER (Kerry)
6 SEAN O'NEILL (Down)
7 MAURICE FITZGERALD (Kerry)
8 LARRY TOMPKINS (Kildare & Cork)
9 JIMMY KEAVENEY (Dublin)
10 COLM O'ROURKE (Meath)
11 PADRAIC JOYCE (Galway)
12 Eoin 'BOMBER' LISTON (Kerry)
13 BERNARD BROGAN (Dublin)
14 JOHN EGAN (Kerry)
15 BARNEY ROCK (Dublin)
16 MICHAEL MURPHY (Donegal)
17 TREVOR GILES (Meath)
18 MARTIN McHUGH (Donegal)
19. MICKEY KEARINS (Sligo)
20 GREG BLANEY (Down)


Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Jinxy on April 05, 2017, 08:37:08 PM
I would remove the following:
Keaveney
Liston
Rock
Murphy
McHugh
Kearins
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: thewobbler on April 05, 2017, 08:40:54 PM
Oisin McConville should be in that list, and very near the top of it too.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: In hiding on April 05, 2017, 08:47:10 PM
I would put Stevie Mc Donnell ahead of Oisin Mc Conville
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: thewobbler on April 05, 2017, 08:51:42 PM
Quote from: In hiding on April 05, 2017, 08:47:10 PM
I would put Stevie Mc Donnell ahead of Oisin Mc Conville

Each to their own. Stevie was outstanding and (like most of that shortlist above) had a very eye catching style. Oisin was mr efficient, who outscored just about them all.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on April 05, 2017, 08:57:45 PM
Would definitely have McConville, Linden, Paddy Bradley and McDonnell in there.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: BennyHarp on April 05, 2017, 09:00:37 PM
Any list without Frank McGuigan isn't worth taking seriously but I wish I'd seen more of Matt Connor.
https://youtu.be/snlHd8e7uKs
The type of player you'd travel miles to watch in a club game. I remember hearing that he traveled up to a benefit night for Frank in Tyrone shortly after Franks injury and him still in a wheelchair himself. Great player and great man.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: From the Bunker on April 05, 2017, 09:05:51 PM
Notable misses

Mickey Linden
Michael Donnelan
Tony McManus
Graham Geraghty
Stevie McDonnell
Conor McManus
Frank McGuigan
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Jinxy on April 05, 2017, 09:23:51 PM
Stephen O'Neill?
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: shark on April 05, 2017, 09:49:11 PM
Ones who we'd all be including if they'd had more success:
- Mattie Forde
- Des Dolan
- Declan Browne
- Kevin O'Brien

Others who are probably not top 20 but are as good as many mentioned above, in my opinion:
- Dinny Allen
- Bernard Flynn
- Ciaran McDonald
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: The Stallion on April 05, 2017, 11:09:57 PM
McDonnell should definitely be in that list. Two footed, strong, could win his own ball, and score from any angle.

O'Neill is another notable absentee.

Mcdonald and Brisn McGuigan weren't the heaviest of scorers. But they were great forwards in a different way.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Wildweasel74 on April 05, 2017, 11:11:27 PM
if Barney Rock , Blaney and Egan are better than (Murphy) sorry just checked, Murphy there.and Mcmanus there sthing wrong, don't see either of the terrible twins there either, Matt Connor No.1 to me and always has been
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Zulu on April 05, 2017, 11:25:20 PM
Some dodgy ones there alright but Michael Murphy can't have many complaints, granted he is playing in an era (and role) that doesn't allow him to flourish as a forward but I can't recall many great attaching performances from him in recent years, though I'm sure there may have been one or two.

Stephen O'Neill would be the biggest omission for me, easily better than most on the list. Connolly the most deserving of the current players and way ahead of the two Dubs on it for a start. Ciaran McDonald was certainly more talented than many on the list but Matt Connor is number one and it isn't even a discussion as far as I'm concerned. As great as the three ahead of him were Matt was a different level entirely.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Jinxy on April 05, 2017, 11:27:20 PM
Bernard Brogan in his prime>>>>>>>>Diarmuid Connolly in his prime.
Scoring machine.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: The Stallion on April 05, 2017, 11:30:02 PM
Murphy wouldn't be in the too 100 for me.  Massively overrated player.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Syferus on April 05, 2017, 11:30:08 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 05, 2017, 09:05:51 PM
Notable misses

Mickey Linden
Michael Donnelan
Tony McManus
Graham Geraghty
Stevie McDonnell
Conor McManus
Frank McGuigan

He doesn't even have Sean Purcell in the list FFS. In Breheny's head Trevor Giles and Michael Murphy were better players than the Master..

I'd have Johnny Doyle on that list above some of the names near the end too.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Wildweasel74 on April 05, 2017, 11:38:30 PM
had already noted either of the terrible twins weren't mentioned
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on April 06, 2017, 12:11:22 AM
Martin Breheny loves a good list. Usually in the depths of winter though. April is a bit late for him to be still churning them out.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Syferus on April 06, 2017, 12:28:09 AM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on April 06, 2017, 12:11:22 AM
Martin Breheny loves a good list. Usually in the depths of winter though. April is a bit late for him to be still churning them out.

In fairness most people like a list or else there would be so many..
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Ohtoohtobe on April 06, 2017, 02:57:42 AM
I would differentiate between the full-forward and half-forward lines. Greg Blaney and Trevor Giles are very different types of player to Canavan and the Gooch.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: nrico2006 on April 06, 2017, 10:01:36 AM
Stevie McDonnell ahead of McConville every day of the week, far bigger scoring threat from play. 

Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: OakleafCounty on April 06, 2017, 10:21:18 AM
'All-time' lists are a bit senseless. None of us have any clue who the great players were from 1884-1950 and even if we do have names none of us have seen them play. The furthest back I've heard of is John Joe Reilly from Cavan but there was a good six decades of GAA before him. I even doubt there's anyone on here who seen Sean Purcell or Sean O'Neil play.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: The Stallion on April 06, 2017, 10:31:03 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 06, 2017, 10:01:36 AM
Stevie McDonnell ahead of McConville every day of the week, far bigger scoring threat from play.

Agreed
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Maroon Manc on April 06, 2017, 10:49:50 AM
In Armagh who would they consider the better player McConville or McDonnell? I'd pick McDonnell

At least we get to see some of the better talents from the less traditional counties, there's far more TV coverage of someone like John Heslin compared to Declan Browne.

The best forwards I've seen are Maurice Fitz, the Gooch, Canavan & Joyce. Joyce suffers in these polls because Galway have been in the wilderness since 2001.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: magpie seanie on April 06, 2017, 10:57:55 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 06, 2017, 10:49:50 AM
In Armagh who would they consider the better player McConville or McDonnell? I'd pick McDonnell

At least we get to see some of the better talents from the less traditional counties, there's far more TV coverage of someone like John Heslin compared to Declan Browne.

The best forwards I've seen are Maurice Fitz, the Gooch, Canavan & Joyce. Joyce suffers in these polls because Galway have been in the wilderness since 2001.

I'd go along with that. I find it hard to pick one over the other, especially the first 3. Joyce was unreal too though and I agree, very underrated.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: seafoid on April 06, 2017, 11:11:33 AM
These lists are always confined to all Ireland winners which means in one year only 6 players qualify. And that, over a period of a few decades, leaves out too many people.

One example would be Benny Coulter. Never won Sam. Neither did Ciaran Mc Donald, Val Daly , Junior McManus or Nudie .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YGx0ENc4ZQ
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Rudi on April 06, 2017, 11:19:13 AM
Martin Mchugh me hole.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Dinny Breen on April 06, 2017, 11:28:38 AM
For those I have seen in the flesh or regularly on TV no particular order

Maurice Fitz
Colm Cooper
MF Russell
Johnny Crowley
Stevie O'Neill
Peter Canavan
Stevie McDonell
Michael Murphy
Johnny Doyle
Alan Brogan
Bernard Brogan
Dairmuid Connolly
Ciaran McDonald
Ja Fallon
Padraig Joyce
Michael Donnellan
Mattie Forde
Trevor Giles
Graham Geraghty
Ollie Murphy
Vinny Claffey
Dessie Dolan
Paddy Bradley

Probably plenty more that I can't think off. It's very hard to compare cross generational, different styles, some of today's forwards would be too soft whereas older forwards wouldn't be as technically proficient.

Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Schkite on April 06, 2017, 12:23:49 PM
I can't believe Murphy is on that list and the likes of Stevie's O'Neill or McDonnell are nowhere to be found.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Franko on April 06, 2017, 03:56:08 PM
To expand a bit on Dinny's list - you could pretty much make a case for any of the below to make that original 20.

Mickey Linden
Benny Coulter
Ciaran McDonald
Stephen O'Neill
Ja Fallon
Mattie Forde
Frank McGuigan
Diarmuid Connolly
Paddy Bradley
Oisin McConville
Dinny Allen
Michael Donnellan
Conor McManus
Graham Geraghty
Jimmy Barry Murphy
Stevie McDonnell
Sean Cavanagh
Ollie Murphy
Mike Frank Russell
Alan Brogan
Dessie Dolan
Johnny Doyle
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: shark on April 06, 2017, 04:35:40 PM
Quote from: Schkite on April 06, 2017, 12:23:49 PM
I can't believe Murphy is on that list and the likes of Stevie's O'Neill or McDonnell are nowhere to be found.

It's only one person's opinion. Everybody would have different list, it's massively subjective.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Hardy on April 06, 2017, 05:00:43 PM
Quote from: shark on April 06, 2017, 04:35:40 PM
Quote from: Schkite on April 06, 2017, 12:23:49 PM
I can't believe Murphy is on that list and the likes of Stevie's O'Neill or McDonnell are nowhere to be found.

It's only one person's opinion. Everybody would have different list, it's massively subjective.

I agree. But that still doesn't account for the appearance of Dinny Allen. Twice.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Schkite on April 06, 2017, 05:30:30 PM
Quote from: shark on April 06, 2017, 04:35:40 PM
Quote from: Schkite on April 06, 2017, 12:23:49 PM
I can't believe Murphy is on that list and the likes of Stevie's O'Neill or McDonnell are nowhere to be found.

It's only one person's opinion. Everybody would have different list, it's massively subjective.

Oh of course it's subjective, I just think those players proved more and performed better as a forward over a longer period of time than Murphy.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: thejuice on April 06, 2017, 09:22:15 PM
I'd probably have Ollie Murphy or Tommy Dowd ahead of Giles if we're talking scoring forwards. Trevor was more versatile than them but he wasn't putting up massive scores or kicking from tight angles or scoring improbable goals. Not to diminish his contributions to our success I believe we'd have won nothing without him.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Jinxy on April 06, 2017, 10:25:57 PM
Should be divided into scoring forwards and playmakers.
Every good team needs both.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: stiffler on April 06, 2017, 10:34:17 PM
Benny coulter most under rated forward of the 21st century.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: 5 Sams on April 06, 2017, 10:41:12 PM
Quote from: stiffler on April 06, 2017, 10:34:17 PM
Benny coulter most under rated forward of the 21st century.

Not in Down....
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: J70 on April 06, 2017, 10:41:50 PM
Quote from: Schkite on April 06, 2017, 05:30:30 PM
Quote from: shark on April 06, 2017, 04:35:40 PM
Quote from: Schkite on April 06, 2017, 12:23:49 PM
I can't believe Murphy is on that list and the likes of Stevie's O'Neill or McDonnell are nowhere to be found.

It's only one person's opinion. Everybody would have different list, it's massively subjective.

Oh of course it's subjective, I just think those players proved more and performed better as a forward over a longer period of time than Murphy.

Murphy was superb when played as an out and out forward when he was very young. Can win ball in the air and on the ground, has great control and can score off either foot. Had he played ten years earlier, who knows where he would rank.

But,, he's barely played as an out and out forward for the past six years, which means he suffers by comparison to men like O'Neill when talking about forwards, and that is fair enough. Unfortunately for him when his story is told, his sheer ability, intelligence and strength being used to fill other gaps in the Donegal team will go against him. He's been the absolute driving force for Donegal in the league this year, but that's as a midfielder.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: rrhf on April 06, 2017, 10:42:14 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on April 06, 2017, 11:28:38 AM
For those I have seen in the flesh or regularly on TV no particular order

Maurice Fitz
Colm Cooper
MF Russell
Johnny Crowley
Stevie O'Neill
Peter Canavan
Stevie McDonell
Michael Murphy
Johnny Doyle
Alan Brogan
Bernard Brogan
Dairmuid Connolly
Ciaran McDonald
Ja Fallon
Padraig Joyce
Michael Donnellan
Mattie Forde
Trevor Giles
Graham Geraghty
Ollie Murphy
Vinny Claffey
Dessie Dolan
Paddy Bradley

Marty Mc Hugh and Dinny Allen not on that list.

Probably plenty more that I can't think off. It's very hard to compare cross generational, different styles, some of today's forwards would be too soft whereas older forwards wouldn't be as technically proficient.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: JimStynes on April 06, 2017, 11:08:40 PM
No Stevie McDonnell, Oisin, Linden, Cairan McDonald  :o :o
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on April 07, 2017, 12:17:56 AM
Quote from: Zulu on April 05, 2017, 11:25:20 PM
Some dodgy ones there alright but Michael Murphy can't have many complaints, granted he is playing in an era (and role) that doesn't allow him to flourish as a forward but I can't recall many great attaching performances from him in recent years, though I'm sure there may have been one or two.

Stephen O'Neill would be the biggest omission for me, easily better than most on the list. Connolly the most deserving of the current players and way ahead of the two Dubs on it for a start. Ciaran McDonald was certainly more talented than many on the list but Matt Connor is number one and it isn't even a discussion as far as I'm concerned. As great as the three ahead of him were Matt was a different level entirely.

Murphy was immense against Dublin in 2014, took the game by the scruff of the neck for Donegal and led the fight back.

Galway in 2015 when Donegal looked in serious bother and he came in with some moments of magic to turn the match
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Il Bomber Destro on April 07, 2017, 12:22:11 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 06, 2017, 10:49:50 AM
In Armagh who would they consider the better player McConville or McDonnell? I'd pick McDonnell

At least we get to see some of the better talents from the less traditional counties, there's far more TV coverage of someone like John Heslin compared to Declan Browne.

The best forwards I've seen are Maurice Fitz, the Gooch, Canavan & Joyce. Joyce suffers in these polls because Galway have been in the wilderness since 2001.

I'd have McDonnell as he was such a threat in the air and so physically strong that he could win any type of ball but McConville was every bit as prolific as McDonnell when he played closer to goal. Before Ronan Clarke arrived on the scene, McConville generally played closer to goal and he was as good as there was in the country, took 1-09 off Moynihan in 2000, hit 2-07 against Down in an Ulster final.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: rrhf on April 07, 2017, 06:32:53 AM
Oisin was a highly productive forward, a finishing machine. May not have had the flair of others but probably delivered more on a consistent basis. Deserves to be mentioned. And was the main reason why Armagh were there or thereabouts for so long. Along with the current dubs and the Kerry dubs of the 70s the three teams of the 2000s were as good as any that played the game. The 2000s may well prove to be the last golden period of Gaelic football. Armagh were part of that.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: vallankumous on April 07, 2017, 08:14:11 AM
Sean Quigley. Perhaps he'll be appreciated in retirement.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Dire Ear on April 07, 2017, 10:03:09 AM
Was Stevie O'Neill or O'Donnell better ??
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: FermGael on April 07, 2017, 11:42:36 AM
Quote from: vallankumous on April 07, 2017, 08:14:11 AM
Sean Quigley. Perhaps he'll be appreciated in retirement.

Rory Gallagher  is the best Fermanagh man I have seen.
Still holds the scoring record for an individual in the Ulster Championship.
He scored 3-9 against Monaghan . 
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: rrhf on April 07, 2017, 01:12:09 PM
Gallagher was the best footballer in Ireland for a very short period but he still was the best. 
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: The Stallion on April 07, 2017, 01:51:06 PM
No he wasn't.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: rrhf on April 07, 2017, 02:52:43 PM
Who was?
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: tiempo on April 07, 2017, 03:23:49 PM
Quote from: rrhf on April 07, 2017, 02:52:43 PM
Who was?

I think he was, w/c 7 Jan 2002, just a few months before he landed the big 3-9. There were no games that week though so nobody noticed.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: redhandefender on April 07, 2017, 03:38:09 PM
Quote from: rrhf on April 07, 2017, 01:12:09 PM
Gallagher was the best footballer in Ireland for a very short period but he still was the best.

What? He wasn't even the best gallagher
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: longballin on April 07, 2017, 03:39:22 PM
Quote from: rrhf on April 07, 2017, 01:12:09 PM
Gallagher was the best footballer in Ireland for a very short period but he still was the best.

for that afternoon?
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Solo_run on April 07, 2017, 04:27:01 PM
Diarmuid Marsden
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: seafoid on April 07, 2017, 04:40:38 PM
Quote from: rrhf on April 07, 2017, 02:52:43 PM
Who was?
Ronaldo
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: The Iceman on April 07, 2017, 04:43:53 PM
We all grew up in different times. Some watched from the sidelines, some played alongside these legends of the game or watched at home on TV.

For me Oisin was the best Armagh forward in my time driving up and down the country following the team. He was Mr consistent and outscored everyone. We've been very fortunate to see some of the best footballers in our time and they'll only get better as the game progresses.  It's keeping them on Irish soil that will be the challenge or keeping them in football
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: DennistheMenace on April 07, 2017, 04:48:12 PM
Most of the posts biased to their own country or club men.

Personally outside of Derry were Paddy Bradley is the best forward our county has produced , I'd say McConville should be up there but wouldn't have O'Neill or McDonnell in a top 20. Both great players though. Canavan a shoe in for at least top 3 forwards, Coulter was efficient but wouldn't be near a top 20 either, Linden much better even in his latter years.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Maroon Manc on April 07, 2017, 04:50:00 PM
Armagh were blessed with those forwards, must be hard to take to see Tyrone winning 3 AI's when there was very little between the sides.

Hard to believe Armagh & Tyrone won 12 Ulster finals in a row between them yet only met in one final.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: No1 on April 07, 2017, 05:07:51 PM
"Coulter was efficient"   ::)

Biased as I am, Benny Coulter was much more than efficient.  He was majestic and for a very long time was the only reason I paid money to watch the county footballers.  Even at the International Rules nonsense he was a class apart.  Any top 20 list without him is a load of shite, in my opinion of course!!
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: randomusername on April 07, 2017, 05:15:35 PM
Quote from: redhandefender on April 07, 2017, 03:38:09 PM
Quote from: rrhf on April 07, 2017, 01:12:09 PM
Gallagher was the best footballer in Ireland for a very short period but he still was the best.

What? He wasn't even the best gallagher

Never saw Rory in action but he must've been pretty good as he was top scorer in the Ulster Championship three years running.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Captain Obvious on April 07, 2017, 05:25:48 PM
Quote from: Rudi on April 06, 2017, 11:19:13 AM
Martin Mchugh me hole.
In fairness Martin McHugh was outstanding forward in his prime and better than most of todays forwards.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: DennistheMenace on April 07, 2017, 05:29:53 PM
Quote from: No1 on April 07, 2017, 05:07:51 PM
"Coulter was efficient"   ::)

Biased as I am, Benny Coulter was much more than efficient.  He was majestic and for a very long time was the only reason I paid money to watch the county footballers.  Even at the International Rules nonsense he was a class apart.  Any top 20 list without him is a load of shite, in my opinion of course!!

Biased as you are and you wouldn't have too many neutrals agreeing but hey ho. Very good player nonetheless.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: JimStynes on April 07, 2017, 05:43:42 PM
If Benny had played on any of those tops teams during his era we would be talking about him being one of the all time greats. Unbelievable footballer.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Muck Savage on April 07, 2017, 06:13:14 PM
There are many ways to classify the best forwards and obviously everyone will be biased towards their own and some will be dependent on how many years you have been watching the game.
For me the best forward I saw was Matt Connor. Everything was done at ease and looked so simple. Scoring 2-9 against the greatest Kerry team in its prime was a remarkable achievement.
Best play-maker I saw was Trevor Giles, again, everything so effortless. Brilliant at finding space and then delivering pin-point passes.
Maurice Fitz was an exceptional footballer also and could score from everywhere.
Peter Canavan carried a Tyrone team on his shoulders in a number of games, he always seemed to be half a yard ahead of the defenders.
I have always wondered how good players like Mike Sheehy, Pat Spilane and others from the Kerry teams would have done in weaker teams. Similarly how would Declan Browne, Kevin O'Brien have done in a good team.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: The Stallion on April 07, 2017, 06:48:17 PM
Benny Coulter wasn't even in the top 3 forwards of his era in Ulster never mind top 20 of all time in Ireland.

McDonnell, O'Neill, the Bradley brothers were all definitely better.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Jinxy on April 07, 2017, 08:52:09 PM
Matt Connor is exceptional also in that he is one of very few players you could take from that era and plug straight into a modern team and he'd be good to go.
Big, strong, fast, agile etc.
Not a scrap of fat on him either.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: blanketattack on April 07, 2017, 09:45:28 PM
Quote from: Owen Brannigan on April 05, 2017, 08:32:46 PM
Breheny in the Indo has thrown out this list in trying to put Colm Cooper in the context of the best forwards.........




1 MIKEY SHEEHY (Kerry)
2 PETER CANAVAN (Tyrone)
3 PAT SPILLANE (Kerry)
4 MATT CONNOR (Offaly)
5 COLM COOPER (Kerry)
6 SEAN O'NEILL (Down)
7 MAURICE FITZGERALD (Kerry)
8 LARRY TOMPKINS (Kildare & Cork)
9 JIMMY KEAVENEY (Dublin)
10 COLM O'ROURKE (Meath)
11 PADRAIC JOYCE (Galway)
12 Eoin 'BOMBER' LISTON (Kerry)
13 BERNARD BROGAN (Dublin)
14 JOHN EGAN (Kerry)
15 BARNEY ROCK (Dublin)
16 MICHAEL MURPHY (Donegal)
17 TREVOR GILES (Meath)
18 MARTIN McHUGH (Donegal)
19. MICKEY KEARINS (Sligo)
20 GREG BLANEY (Down)

Only one forward from the first 85 years of the GAA and 19 from the next 40.
Surely some from Sean Purcell, Mick Higgins, Jim McKeever, Mick O'Dwyer would be deserving of a spot.
Also think Declan O'Sullivan was vastly underated.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: The Stallion on April 07, 2017, 10:22:49 PM
If you include players you haven't really seen enough of to judge it becomes a bit farcical to be fair.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: J70 on April 07, 2017, 11:34:33 PM
Quote from: Rudi on April 06, 2017, 11:19:13 AM
Martin Mchugh me hole.

Why, because you don't rate him as a footballer or a pundit?
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Rudi on April 08, 2017, 12:14:09 AM
Quote from: J70 on April 07, 2017, 11:34:33 PM
Quote from: Rudi on April 06, 2017, 11:19:13 AM
Martin Mchugh me hole.

Why, because you don't rate him as a footballer or a pundit?
[/quote

I don't rate him as a pundit or manager. He was a decent footballer but well outside the top 200 players ever. His son Ryan is a massive talent imo. Watched him at club level, he was playing centre back, never seen a guy who could play that role as well as he could.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: tonto1888 on April 08, 2017, 08:00:55 AM
Outside my own county the best I've seen were probably Fitzmaurice, Joyce and Canavan. Maybe O'Neill and Cooper. Not counting anyone still currently playing
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: J70 on April 08, 2017, 12:00:12 PM
Quote from: Rudi on April 08, 2017, 12:14:09 AM
Quote from: J70 on April 07, 2017, 11:34:33 PM
Quote from: Rudi on April 06, 2017, 11:19:13 AM
Martin Mchugh me hole.

Why, because you don't rate him as a footballer or a pundit?

I don't rate him as a pundit or manager. He was a decent footballer but well outside the top 200 players ever. His son Ryan is a massive talent imo. Watched him at club level, he was playing centre back, never seen a guy who could play that role as well as he could.

McHugh, pending the completion of Ryan and Murphy's careers, is by broad consensus, the best player to wear the Donegal shirt. The man was a genius who could create space in a phone box, score off either foot with deadly accuracy, and direct the attack. It would be interesting to hear your arguments for why he wouldn't rate anywhere near the best 200 footballers ever or who the 200+ men are who were better.
Don't see how you can't rate him as a manager- he's been fairly successful in the posts he's had. Cavan were happy with what he brought, as were Sligo IT. Almost brought Kildare to their first county title in 25 years last year too.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Wildweasel74 on April 08, 2017, 12:36:22 PM
I would have seen Tony Boyle has a better player than McHugh, maybe had not the passing ability of McHugh but if I was playing against either, Boyle would be my bigger concern, Boyle to me could have been even better, I think he didn't reach the vast potential he was capable of.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: The Stallion on April 08, 2017, 12:46:50 PM
Mchugh was a decent player but nothing more.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: J70 on April 08, 2017, 12:54:24 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on April 08, 2017, 12:36:22 PM
I would have seen Tony Boyle has a better player than McHugh, maybe had not the passing ability of McHugh but if I was playing against either, Boyle would be my bigger concern, Boyle to me could have been even better, I think he didn't reach the vast potential he was capable of.

Boyle was a different player. Traditional powerful full forward, fast, could win ball and score. Did not have the ridiculous skill of McHugh though. I wouldn't be too harsh on Tony though. Donegal didn't have a great team for much of his prime, while he had a lot of injury problems after 92.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: mayoaremagic on April 08, 2017, 03:08:49 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on April 05, 2017, 08:37:08 PM
I would remove the following:
Keaveney
Liston
Rock
Murphy
McHugh
Kearins

No Stephen O'Neill,Declan Browne,Paddy Bradley
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on April 09, 2017, 01:42:17 AM
Very difficult to compare forwards from different eras or forwards on different teams. Some a lot stronger than others. Always think you have to give an extra credit to the forwards who performed on the biggest stage of all when the pressure was at its highest though. Always think that is where good or even very good forwards become great forwards.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: snoopdog on April 09, 2017, 07:54:19 PM
James McCartan senior and junior?
Some really great players left off that list but when your limiting the number its always gonna become a debate
Marsden, Nudie Hughes, Shorty Trainor, Michael Donnelan. Stevie Mac all up there with the best
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 09, 2017, 08:15:18 PM
I have merged the original list with additions and suggestions to give:

Allen Dinny
Blaney Greg
Boyle Tony
Bradley Eoin
Bradley Paddy
Brogan Alan
Brogan Bernard
Browne Declan
Canavan Peter
Cavanagh Sean
Claffey Vinny
Clarke Ronan
Connolly Diarmuid
Connor Matt
Cooper Colm
Coulter Benny
Crowley Johnny
Daly Val
Dolan Dessie
Donnellan Michael
Dowd Tommy
Doyle Johnny
Egan John
Fallon Ja
Fitzgerald Maurice
Flynn Bernard
Forde Mattie
Gallagher Rory
Geraghty Graham
Giles Trevor
Heslin John
Higgins Mick
Hughes Nudie
Joyce Padraic
Kearins Mickey
Keaveney Jimmy
Linden Mickey
Liston Eoin
McCartan James
McConville Oisin
McDonald Ciaran
McDonnell Steven
McGuigan Brian
McGuigan Frank
McHugh Martin
McKeever Jim
McManus Conor
McManus Tony
Murphy Jimmy Barry
Murphy Michael
Murphy Ollie
O'Brien Kevin
O'Dwyer Mick
O'Neill Sean
O'Neill Stephen
O'Rourke Colm
O'Sullivan Declan
Purcell Sean
Reilly John Joe
Rock Barney
Russell Mike Frank
Sheehy Mikey
Spillane Pat
Tompkins Larry
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 09, 2017, 11:10:21 PM
Removing those who very few or little on the board have seen playing and those pushed on by local fervour, should others be removed?


Blaney Greg
Brogan Bernard
Browne Declan
Canavan Peter
Cavanagh Sean
Connolly Diarmuid
Connor Matt
Cooper Colm
Dolan Dessie
Egan John
Fitzgerald Maurice
Flynn Bernard
Forde Mattie
Joyce Padraic
Keaveney Jimmy
Linden Mickey
Liston Eoin
McConville Oisin
McDonald Ciaran
McDonnell Steven
McGuigan Brian
McGuigan Frank
McHugh Martin
McManus Conor
Murphy Jimmy Barry
Murphy Michael
O'Neill Stephen
O'Rourke Colm
Sheehy Mikey
Spillane Pat
Tompkins Larry

Removed:
Allen Dinny
Boyle Tony
Brogan Alan
Bradley Eoin
Bradley Paddy
Claffey Vinny
Clarke Ronan
Coulter Benny
Crowley Johnny
Daly Val
Donnellan Michael
Dowd Tommy
Doyle Johnny
Gallagher Rory
Geraghty Graham
Giles Trevor
Heslin John
Higgins Mick
Hughes Nudie
Kearins Mickey
McKeever Jim
Fallon Ja
McCartan James
McManus Tony
Murphy Ollie
O'Brien Kevin
O'Dwyer Mick
O'Neill Sean
O'Sullivan Declan
Purcell Sean
Reilly John Joe
Rock Barney
Russell Mike Frank
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Manning18 on April 10, 2017, 09:48:40 AM
Jaysus, I love Oisin and Benny, but we're talking about the greatest forwards ever here. They're lapped by the runners in that list

I assume the game's greatest (Purcell) is being counted as a midfielder?
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: The Subbie on April 13, 2017, 10:32:15 AM
I can't believe Larry Reilly hasn't got a mention yet ......
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Jinxy on April 13, 2017, 11:53:31 AM
You wouldn't put Superman in a list of the top 20 strongest human beings of all time.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: The Stallion on April 13, 2017, 12:20:12 PM
Superman wasn't a human being.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Jinxy on April 13, 2017, 12:22:27 PM
Exactly.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: The Stallion on April 13, 2017, 12:25:41 PM
I'm not sure the analogy works to be honest.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Jell 0 Biafra on April 14, 2017, 02:41:10 AM
Quote from: Jinxy on April 13, 2017, 11:53:31 AM
You wouldn't put Superman in a list of the top 20 strongest human beings of all time.

Wait...Larry Reilly's fictional?
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: BennyHarp on April 14, 2017, 10:56:16 AM
I'm surprised Colin Corkery hasn't even had a mention on this thread. Maybe not the greatest forward but was unstoppable on his day and would be on a top 10 of any forwards I've seen playing live....even with carrying an extra stone or two.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 14, 2017, 11:11:52 AM
Quote from: BennyHarp on April 14, 2017, 10:56:16 AM
I'm surprised Colin Corkery hasn't even had a mention on this thread. Maybe not the greatest forward but was unstoppable on his day and would be on a top 10 of any forwards I've seen playing live....even with carrying an extra stone or two.

Or unmarkable on his day because he was carrying a few extra stone.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: The Hill is Blue on April 15, 2017, 10:53:01 AM
Did anyone mention Kevin Heffernan who was included in the 1984 team of the century and the 1999 team of the millennium?

Apologies if someone mentioned him.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Owen Brannigan on April 15, 2017, 05:12:15 PM
Quote from: The Hill is Blue on April 15, 2017, 10:53:01 AM
Did anyone mention Kevin Heffernan who was included in the 1984 team of the century and the 1999 team of the millennium?

Apologies if someone mentioned him.

I think only those who members of the Board have seen playing should be included on a list being put forward by the Board.  So, some 'greats' may have to be omitted.
Title: Re: Top 20 Forwards of All Time?
Post by: Jinxy on April 15, 2017, 05:20:23 PM
How come Tommy 'The Boy Wonder' Murphy hasn't been nominated yet?