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Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh and a panel of experts from The Star and TG4 have selected a shortlist of twenty five players who they consider to be the finest stars of the GAA in the last 25 years. Now we need your votes to decide who will be crowned the best footballer and hurler of the last 25 years, and who will be honoured during the 125 celebration game in Thurles on 1st November.



I'm sure some notable omissions from the list will cause a bit of debate on here. Disappointed our own Glenn Ryan isn't inculded - possibly ahead of our current bainisteoir. At least their is one (ahem) "Kildareman" included - Eadestown's finest Larry Tompkins!

Maurice Fitzgerald gets my vote anyway. Oozed class with everything he did on the football field. Had incredible skill and it always looked like he found the game too easy to play with the effortless way he did everything. Don't think we'll see a better player than Maurice for many years to come.

Canavan for me. Best I ever seen.

If Mayo won an All-Ireland, I'm sure we'd have McDonald on the list.

This is going to turn out to be such a lop sided poll with the amount of Tyronies on here, you should have to vote for someone outside your county.

Quote from: Madge on September 28, 2009, 09:06:57 PM
This is going to turn out to be such a lop sided poll with the amount of Tyronies on here, you should have to vote for someone outside your county.

Especially when you take into account the number of aliases O'Neill has.

Greg Blaney is a serious omission from this list.

Quote from: DownFanatic on September 28, 2009, 09:18:53 PM
Greg Blaney is a serious omission from this list.

Spotters badge

Best I've seen is Tohill, the complete footballer imo.

Quote from: Minder on September 28, 2009, 09:20:46 PM

Quote from: DownFanatic on September 28, 2009, 09:18:53 PM
Greg Blaney is a serious omission from this list.

Spotters badge

Explain?

Quote from: DownFanatic on September 28, 2009, 09:26:38 PM

Quote from: Minder on September 28, 2009, 09:20:46 PM

Quote from: DownFanatic on September 28, 2009, 09:18:53 PM
Greg Blaney is a serious omission from this list.

Spotters badge

Explain?

Sounds like a compliment for you. Its between Canavan, Fitzgerald and Tohill for me. Canavan probably edging it..

Quote from: DownFanatic on September 28, 2009, 09:26:38 PM

Quote from: Minder on September 28, 2009, 09:20:46 PM

Quote from: DownFanatic on September 28, 2009, 09:18:53 PM
Greg Blaney is a serious omission from this list.

Spotters badge

Explain?

Means a badge for spotting, as in well spotted.

Quote from: Madge on September 28, 2009, 09:06:57 PM
This is going to turn out to be such a lop sided poll with the amount of Tyronies on here, you should have to vote for someone outside your county.

Add to that the era. I for one barely remember Spillane playing. Canavan for me followed by Tohill.

Anthony Tohill was an unbelievably good footballer and would be my choice. That man drove his Derry team to many victories in a way that ive never seen one man on a team do. Worth the entrance fee alone and i would pay triple any entrance fee to see him if i could see him again in his prime. Awesome

Where's Kevin McGourty?

The 90s were when I started watching / remembering football.

Tohill was deadly while McGeeney was the most influential on a team of any individual. Peter Canavan and Maurice Fitz from a skill perspective though.

I don't like the man but I'd still have to say Canavan...

Maurice Fitz - outrageous talent.

I'm surprised not to hear Jacko or Sheehy mentioned.  Maybe most posters are like myself and didn't get to see them play but on reputation they'd have to be serious contenders for this award.

Larry Reilly by a country mile.

SUrprised that Michael Donnellan didn't make this list

Quote from: stephenite on September 29, 2009, 12:31:10 AM
SUrprised that Michael Donnellan didn't make this list

They probably only wanted two from Galway but I'm still surprised they picked Kevin Walsh ahead of him. No disrespect to big Kevin who was a super player in his own right.

Cant believe Francie Bellew didnt make the list!

Quote from: stephenite on September 29, 2009, 12:31:10 AM
SUrprised that Michael Donnellan didn't make this list

Aye, him and Ja Fallon.

Quote from: Onion Bag on September 29, 2009, 08:57:11 AM
Cant believe Francie Bellew didnt make the list!

Read the title.....best footballer.....when did Francie ever use his foot or come to think of it when did actually play any football whatsoever???

Quote from: Final Whistle on September 29, 2009, 09:53:45 AM

Quote from: Onion Bag on September 29, 2009, 08:57:11 AM
Cant believe Francie Bellew didnt make the list!

Read the title.....best footballer.....when did Francie ever use his foot or come to think of it when did actually play any football whatsoever???

C'mon FW, You know the man is a legend footballer

Voted for Maurice Fitz, more football in him than Canavan, though Canavan was the better leader. 

These kind of awards always favour Forwards

kind of unfair to Defenders

Quote from: Onion Bag on September 29, 2009, 12:44:27 PM
These kind of awards always favour Forwards

kind of unfair to Defenders

It certainly does - thought Scullion might have made that list.
When did Paidi retire from playing county football?

Quote from: Estimator on September 29, 2009, 01:18:32 PM

Quote from: Onion Bag on September 29, 2009, 12:44:27 PM
These kind of awards always favour Forwards

kind of unfair to Defenders

When did Paidi retire from playing county football?

Pretty sure it was 1987 when Cork finally beat them..

I know this will sound a bit pedantic but i didnt see the programme and only know what has been written on this thread - but is the point of this to find out who was the best footballer who actually kicked a ball during the period 1984 - 2009 or who had the most impact during that time! For example - does it mean that Mikey Sheehy (the kerry player not the clown who posts on here!) who was slighly passed his best by then is judged by what he did since 1984 or what kind of footballer he was at his best - circa 78-8b? Maybe i'm thinking too much into this!!

PTG - best footballer i've ever seen.

Maurice Fitz. Most natural talent the game has ever seen.

Amazingly 2 people voted for Ciaran Whelan.  :o

If you're up there and you can hear me - please save me Superman.

Mikey Sheehy for me

Went for Canavan just ahead of Fitzgerald as Canavan didn't have the same quality of players around him but still produced the highest levels of quality. Only going from about the mid 90s though. Declan Browne and Paul McGrane would both have been well worthy of making this list

It's ridiculous that Greg Blaney isn't on this list

lists like these are designed to divide opinion. I went for Tohill but there are glaring omissions here too.

Asking for THE best footballer is like asking whats your favourite episode of Coronation St - theres just too many pick an outright winner!!

Alan Brogan has been a better footballer than Whelan...

To be honest, it's between Canavan and Fitzgearld.
Blaney not been on the list is a shame all the same.
Canavan will probably get the nod over Maurice, as he
was without a doubt, the best we have seen in that period.
From a minor in '88, winning a AI vocational the same year,
right up to another AI win in '05, he was always sublime.
5 All Irelands in 17 years will also ensure that he will be
selected as the best footballer between '84 and '09.

Just my opinion though...............

Well Jacko is the only guy to win 2 player of the year awards in the timeframe - there's your winner.

Edit: That was the Texaco award, Trevor Giles has 2 All Star footballer of the year awards as well

I don't understand how Ciaran Whelan is on this list.

Whelan is a very questionable on alright. From the same county, I'd have John O'Leary and Barney Rock in front of him.

Maurize Fitz for me too... sublime, natural talent.

Quote from: give her dixie on September 30, 2009, 12:09:47 AM
To be honest, it's between Canavan and Fitzgearld.
Blaney not been on the list is a shame all the same.
Canavan will probably get the nod over Maurice, as he
was without a doubt, the best we have seen in that period.
From a minor in '88, winning a AI vocational the same year,
right up to another AI win in '05, he was always sublime.
5 All Irelands in 17 years will also ensure that he will be
selected as the best footballer between '84 and '09.

Just my opinion though...............

would agree with that, canavan, just ahead of maurice fitz, but the omission of greg blaney from the list is a strange one.would always have rated him higher that linden

For a purist like myself, Fitzgerald is out in front of Canavan. Granted that Canavan was a superb talent, but to me he has always been a bit of a flawed genius.

There is the patchy disciplinary record, the rumours of broken jaws, the 5 year hiatus from'97 to '01 where he may have cost Tyrone at least one All-Ireland, the inability to consistently get the better of Kieran McKeever (a man who is nowhere near the top 25 list according to TG4) and the nagging suspicion that the GAA hierarchy contrived to hand him his first Celtic cross in '03.

No such suspicions with the tanned Cahirciveen man.

He gets my vote.

Quote from: saffron sam2 on September 30, 2009, 11:52:39 AM
For a purist like myself, Fitzgerald is out in front of Canavan. Granted that Canavan was a superb talent, but to me he has always been a bit of a flawed genius.

There is the patchy disciplinary record, the rumours of broken jaws, the 5 year hiatus from'97 to '01 where he may have cost Tyrone at least one All-Ireland, the inability to consistently get the better of Kieran McKeever (a man who is nowhere near the top 25 list according to TG4) and the nagging suspicion that the GAA hierarchy contrived to hand him his first Celtic cross in '03.

No such suspicions with the tanned Cahirciveen man.

He gets my vote.

What? How do you make this out?

Players from the 1984-86 three in a row Kerry team not getting enough recognition - practically no votes for these ...it seems that individuals who have stood out in relatively poor teams in       mid - late 90s (ie Canavan & M Fitz) are getting the highest votes. Canavan has couple of influential cameos in noughties but was a shadow of the 95 PTG at that time. I wouldnt dispute their brillance and both had relatively long careers which peaked in the middle of the period under consideration but for sustained excellence throughout 20 of these 25 years I have opted for Mickey Linden. Darragh O Se would have been my next choice.

No Greg Blaney ???

Quote from: Cúig huaire on September 30, 2009, 12:17:32 PM
No Greg Blaney ???

Would people please shut the f**k up about Greg Blaney. He wasn't that good FFS.

Best Down player of his generation, one of the best Down players ever.

Quote from: bcarrier on September 30, 2009, 12:13:35 PM
Players from the 1984-86 three in a row Kerry team not getting enough recognition - practically no votes for these ...it seems that individuals who have stood out in relatively poor teams in       mid - late 90s (ie Canavan & M Fitz) are getting the highest votes. Canavan has couple of influential cameos in noughties but was a shadow of the 95 PTG at that time. I wouldnt dispute their brillance and both had relatively long careers which peaked in the middle of the period under consideration but for sustained excellence throughout 20 of these 25 years because I'm from Down, I have opted for Mickey Linden. Darragh O Se would have been my next choice.

Fixed that for you. Sustained excellence throughout 20 of those years my arse.

Quote from: Cúig huaire on September 30, 2009, 12:21:42 PM
Best Down player of his generation, one of the best Down players ever.

Better than Linden?

i don't know does wee marty mc hugh deserve to be on the list as some of the lads said here donnellan should be definately on it

Quote from: botman on September 30, 2009, 12:25:55 PM

Quote from: Cúig huaire on September 30, 2009, 12:21:42 PM
Best Down player of his generation, one of the best Down players ever.

Better than Linden?

Yes.

Quote from: saffron sam2 on September 30, 2009, 12:28:16 PM

Quote from: botman on September 30, 2009, 12:25:55 PM

Quote from: Cúig huaire on September 30, 2009, 12:21:42 PM
Best Down player of his generation, one of the best Down players ever.

Better than Linden?

Yes.

Do you know that he wore his socks up? Do you know that he had a mop top in the 90s? Do you realise that you have overrated him something shocking?

Quote from: An Fhairche Abu on September 30, 2009, 12:04:11 PM

Quote from: saffron sam2 on September 30, 2009, 11:52:39 AM
For a purist like myself, Fitzgerald is out in front of Canavan. Granted that Canavan was a superb talent, but to me he has always been a bit of a flawed genius.

There is the patchy disciplinary record, the rumours of broken jaws, the 5 year hiatus from'97 to '01 where he may have cost Tyrone at least one All-Ireland, the inability to consistently get the better of Kieran McKeever (a man who is nowhere near the top 25 list according to TG4) and the nagging suspicion that the GAA hierarchy contrived to hand him his first Celtic cross in '03.

No such suspicions with the tanned Cahirciveen man.

He gets my vote.

What? How do you make this out?

was wondering that myself

also about canavans 'hiatus', most of it was inforced through injury.If there is a doubt about maurice fitz, its that he didnt acheive enough over a long period that he should have with his ability.Canavan, undoubtedly did it over a longer period of time, and at times with a poor team around him.
Not taking away from a great player in fitzgerald, just think your arguement is flawed

Brian McGuigan was a better player than anyone in that list. He gets my vote.

Quote from: saffron sam2 on September 30, 2009, 11:52:39 AM
For a purist like myself, Fitzgerald is out in front of Canavan. Granted that Canavan was a superb talent, but to me he has always been a bit of a flawed genius.

There is the patchy disciplinary record, the rumours of broken jaws, the 5 year hiatus from'97 to '01 where he may have cost Tyrone at least one All-Ireland, the inability to consistently get the better of Kieran McKeever (a man who is nowhere near the top 25 list according to TG4) and the nagging suspicion that the GAA hierarchy contrived to hand him his first Celtic cross in '03.

No such suspicions with the tanned Cahirciveen man.

He gets my vote.

His unavailability for Tyrone from 97 - 2000 certainly didnt cost Tyrone an AI in that period as even with him in tow they would not have had that type of quality.  The inability to consistently get the better of McKeever is a bit of a red herring in my opinion.  McKeever may have marked him out of it on a few occassions but then again Canavan was sublime for Tyrone in the 95 and 96 championship meetings between Tyrone and Derry.

Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2009, 01:37:34 PM
Brian McGuigan was a better player than anyone in that list. He gets my vote.

Brian's unfortunate run of injuries would have cost him a place in the reckoning for the likes of this, in spring 2006 he was the best player in the country with the best years of his career in front of him.

went for Moynihan, great solid player

Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2009, 01:37:34 PM
Brian McGuigan was a better player than anyone in that list. He gets my vote.

If Blaney had been on the list, would he (McGuigan) still have got your vote?

Quote from: loughshore lad on September 30, 2009, 01:41:31 PM

Quote from: saffron sam2 on September 30, 2009, 11:52:39 AM
For a purist like myself, Fitzgerald is out in front of Canavan. Granted that Canavan was a superb talent, but to me he has always been a bit of a flawed genius.

There is the patchy disciplinary record, the rumours of broken jaws, the 5 year hiatus from'97 to '01 where he may have cost Tyrone at least one All-Ireland, the inability to consistently get the better of Kieran McKeever (a man who is nowhere near the top 25 list according to TG4) and the nagging suspicion that the GAA hierarchy contrived to hand him his first Celtic cross in '03.

No such suspicions with the tanned Cahirciveen man.

He gets my vote.

His unavailability for Tyrone from 97 - 2000 certainly didnt cost Tyrone an AI in that period as even with him in tow they would not have had that type of quality.  The inability to consistently get the better of McKeever is a bit of a red herring in my opinion.  McKeever may have marked him out of it on a few occassions but then again Canavan was sublime for Tyrone in the 95 and 96 championship meetings between Tyrone and Derry.

Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2009, 01:37:34 PM
Brian McGuigan was a better player than anyone in that list. He gets my vote.

Brian's unfortunate run of injuries would have cost him a place in the reckoning for the likes of this, in spring 2006 he was the best player in the country with the best years of his career in front of him.

I was thinking more 2001.

Quote from: macdanger2 on September 30, 2009, 01:45:02 PM
went for Moynihan, great solid player

You scare me.

Quote from: saffron sam2 on September 30, 2009, 01:46:33 PM

Quote from: loughshore lad on September 30, 2009, 01:41:31 PM

Quote from: saffron sam2 on September 30, 2009, 11:52:39 AM
For a purist like myself, Fitzgerald is out in front of Canavan. Granted that Canavan was a superb talent, but to me he has always been a bit of a flawed genius.

There is the patchy disciplinary record, the rumours of broken jaws, the 5 year hiatus from'97 to '01 where he may have cost Tyrone at least one All-Ireland, the inability to consistently get the better of Kieran McKeever (a man who is nowhere near the top 25 list according to TG4) and the nagging suspicion that the GAA hierarchy contrived to hand him his first Celtic cross in '03.

No such suspicions with the tanned Cahirciveen man.

He gets my vote.

His unavailability for Tyrone from 97 - 2000 certainly didnt cost Tyrone an AI in that period as even with him in tow they would not have had that type of quality.  The inability to consistently get the better of McKeever is a bit of a red herring in my opinion.  McKeever may have marked him out of it on a few occassions but then again Canavan was sublime for Tyrone in the 95 and 96 championship meetings between Tyrone and Derry.

Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2009, 01:37:34 PM
Brian McGuigan was a better player than anyone in that list. He gets my vote.

Brian's unfortunate run of injuries would have cost him a place in the reckoning for the likes of this, in spring 2006 he was the best player in the country with the best years of his career in front of him.

I was thinking more 2001.

2001 team had too many weak links and the lads who played on the minor teams of 97-98 were that year or 2 young.

For me this is a straight choice between Maurice Fitzgerald and Peter Canavan. I've gone for Maurice Fitzgerald. Genius and all that Canavan was I don't think he can eclipse Maurice. Players like Canavan come along maybe once a generation. Players like Maurice Fitzgerald come along once.

This myth that Canavan could never get the better McKeever is promoted by Derry people and people who dont really know much about football but dont like tyrone! As was pointed out by someone earlier - in 1995 and 1996 Canavan completely took McKeever to the cleaners in major championship matches. The1995 Ulster semi still being one of the greatest indiviual performances i have witnessed by a player at any level! So to lazily say that Canavan could never get the better of McKeever is an idiotic statement worthy of Liam Hayes!! As for his hiatus from 1997-2001 - you cant blame a man for getting injured, this should in fact further increase his claim to be the best, as how many of the players listed above have come back from career threatening injuries only to re-establish themselves at the top of the game and claim two all-ireland medals! 

Quote from: BennyHarp on September 30, 2009, 01:58:47 PM
This myth that Canavan could never get the better McKeever is promoted by Derry people and people who dont really know much about football but dont like tyrone! As was pointed out by someone earlier - in 1995 and 1996 Canavan completely took McKeever to the cleaners in major championship matches. The1995 Ulster semi still being one of the greatest indiviual performances i have witnessed by a player at any level! So to lazily say that Canavan could never get the better of McKeever is an idiotic statement worthy of Liam Hayes!! As for his hiatus from 1997-2001 - you cant blame a man for getting injured, this should in fact further increase his claim to be the best, as how many of the players listed above have come back from career threatening injuries only to re-establish themselves at the top of the game and claim two all-ireland medals!

Spillane? Only he came back to win 4 more All-Irelands!

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on September 30, 2009, 02:18:39 PM

Quote from: BennyHarp on September 30, 2009, 01:58:47 PM
This myth that Canavan could never get the better McKeever is promoted by Derry people and people who dont really know much about football but dont like tyrone! As was pointed out by someone earlier - in 1995 and 1996 Canavan completely took McKeever to the cleaners in major championship matches. The1995 Ulster semi still being one of the greatest indiviual performances i have witnessed by a player at any level! So to lazily say that Canavan could never get the better of McKeever is an idiotic statement worthy of Liam Hayes!! As for his hiatus from 1997-2001 - you cant blame a man for getting injured, this should in fact further increase his claim to be the best, as how many of the players listed above have come back from career threatening injuries only to re-establish themselves at the top of the game and claim two all-ireland medals!

Spillane? Only he came back to win 4 more All-Irelands!

I didnt say none did - my question was how many? Probably colm o rourke as well!

Quote from: BennyHarp on September 30, 2009, 01:58:47 PM
This myth that Canavan could never get the better McKeever is promoted by Derry people and people who dont really know much about football but dont like tyrone! As was pointed out by someone earlier - in 1995 and 1996 Canavan completely took McKeever to the cleaners in major championship matches. The1995 Ulster semi still being one of the greatest indiviual performances i have witnessed by a player at any level! So to lazily say that Canavan could never get the better of McKeever is an idiotic statement worthy of Liam Hayes!! As for his hiatus from 1997-2001 - you cant blame a man for getting injured, this should in fact further increase his claim to be the best, as how many of the players listed above have come back from career threatening injuries only to re-establish themselves at the top of the game and claim two all-ireland medals!

And who said that?

You appear to have missed my use of the word "consistently" or you may not have read my post.

You really should think before you post.

But the more I read about Canavan on this thread, the more convinced I am that Fitzgerald should get the accolade. We have posters talking about a career that spanned '88 - '05, but there appears to have been a gap of 4/5 years there. Injured or otherwise, you can't really use these years as evidence of his (undoubted) greatness. Nor, I would suggest should you use a Vocational Schools title for your case, unless it is a weak case. The two All-Irelands are also a bit of a red herring, won at the tail end of a career and 8 / 9 years after what some posters think is "one of the greatest individual performances".

However, undoubtedly the strongest evidence is the fact that Magpie Seanie could see beyond his red tinted glasses and pick Fitzgerald.

I would probably have Canavan second, but there were too many flaws in his game to justify #1.

Maybe the wee man needed those flaws in order to save his remaining teeth.

Quote from: ONeill on September 30, 2009, 03:05:20 PM
Maybe the wee man needed those flaws in order to save his remaining teeth.

You'll have to do better than that Shane. Whilst it is beyond dispute that Canavan was the victim of gross thuggery during the early part of career and whilst there is much validity in "the looking after yourself" argument, it is also clear that he over-stepped the mark on numerous occasions.

Something, which to my knowledge, Fitzgerald never did.

If Fitzgerald was playing club football  in tyrone and annually in the Ulster championship i would have no doubt these "flaws" may have evolved.


Anyway doesnt really matter as these awards are usually won by  individuals with concerted campaigns  behind them rather than a reasonable logical selection. Specifically thinking back to RTE 20 top moments a few years back.

Not from tyrone, dont like tyrone, but definitely canavan.

Used to love watching Trevor Giles too, pure quality

As said before - whelan??! What a joke.

Here goes...
I honestly believe that Maurice Fitz was greatly over rated. He may be the most naturally talented footballer ihave ever seen but definately not the best. There is a huge difference. Indeed i would rate Moynihan and Dara O Se as better footballers. Neither would possess the god given talent of Fitzgerald but i wiuld rather have either of them in my team.
Ready for the backlash from the purists 

Quote from: Bensars on September 30, 2009, 03:21:36 PM
If Fitzgerald was playing club football  in tyrone and annually in the Ulster championship i would have no doubt these "flaws" may have evolved.

Whereas Kerry club football is renowned for its total lack of any physicality. Puffs the lot of them. A ridiculous contribution.



Here's Kieran Shannon's thoughts

Quote
In being such public property, Cooper is there to be deconstructed. Liam Hayes has questioned Cooper's claims to greatness, saying that he could never win a game on his own the way a Canavan or Colm O'Rourke did. It's a dubious argument; for every brilliant performance of Canavan or O'Rourke's, we'd be able to counter it immediately with one from Cooper. But there was another fundamental reason why it was flawed. Only Cooper's dodgy spells were recalled by Hayes; never Canavan's or O'Rourke's.

The country had never heard of Colm O'Rourke before he hit a 14-yard free off the upright against Dublin in a 1983 Leinster semi-final. O'Rourke by then was 25. Cooper was only 25 last year.

Peter Canavan was 23 by the time he won his first championship match. When Cooper was 23 he had won three All Stars and three All Irelands. Liam will magnify Cooper's run of four poor-to-mediocre games in the middle of Championships 2006 and 2009, without any mention of Canavan's five-year anonymity from 1997 to 2001. We say this not to question Canavan or O'Rourke's greatness, but to defend Cooper's. He's been a gift to the game.

Shannon must be from Derry or hate Tyrone. Or possibly both.

SS2 - McGuigan shades Blaney in my book because he knew (knows) where the posts are. His performance in the 2005 AI final was the best I ever saw.

Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2009, 09:01:06 PM
SS2 - McGuigan shades Blaney in my book because he knew (knows) where the posts are. His performance in the 2005 AI final was the best I ever saw.

No offence to McGuigan, but he isnt good enough to clean Blaneys boots.

Quote from: Cúig huaire on September 30, 2009, 09:07:09 PM

Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2009, 09:01:06 PM
SS2 - McGuigan shades Blaney in my book because he knew (knows) where the posts are. His performance in the 2005 AI final was the best I ever saw.

No offence to McGuigan, but he isnt good enough to clean Blaneys boots.

Ah now thats pure rubbish

Quote from: Cúig huaire on September 30, 2009, 09:07:09 PM

Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2009, 09:01:06 PM
SS2 - McGuigan shades Blaney in my book because he knew (knows) where the posts are. His performance in the 2005 AI final was the best I ever saw.

No offence to McGuigan, but he isnt good enough to clean Blaneys boots.

He cleaned Ciaran McGeeney... pure class. Blaney was excellent too but I'd take Brian's contribution before he got those injuries. Although to come back from them and contribute so much to last 10 minute of beating kerry last year was awesome. 

Quote from: botman on September 30, 2009, 01:46:45 PM

Quote from: macdanger2 on September 30, 2009, 01:45:02 PM
went for Moynihan, great solid player

You scare me.

Not as much as you scare me if you think Moynihan isn't worth a mention. As others have said these things always favour forwards, not least because it is far easier to recall some of their outstanding exploits than it it is to recall the day a great defender completely blotted out a top class forward. But Moynihan was a top class footballer in any position from 2 to 9 and few if any of teh other players on that list could claim something like that. Is he the best on that list? I don't know and it's only a bit of craic really but he certainly deserves far more recognition than he has got around here so far.

As a Tyrone man I would'nt go so far as to say mcguigan would'nt clean Blaneys boots but I would agree that imo Blaney was the better CF he was a class act as is Mcguigan but Blaney for me

Quote from: saffron sam2 on September 30, 2009, 08:59:04 PM

Peter Canavan was 23 by the time he won his first championship match. When Cooper was 23 he had won three All Stars and three All Irelands. Liam will magnify Cooper's run of four poor-to-mediocre games in the middle of Championships 2006 and 2009, without any mention of Canavan's five-year anonymity from 1997 to 2001.

Ah come on, that's a ridiculous comparison if it's to enhance an argument. It's like saying the Kerry sub goalie was much better than say Stephen Cluxton simply beacuse he was part of a 4-5 All-Ireland winning squad. Tyrone 90-94 were tripe. Kerry in the 00s were overflowing with class acts. Cooper had the stage to play on. Could Cooper have done with Tyrone in '95 what Peter did? And '96? Fergal Logan ffs. 

As for Canavan 1997 - he was still hobbling badly after Meath and still managed to play against Down, Armagh and Derry that year.
1998 - Broken Jaw - played major part in winning the International Rules later on (25 pts in 2 games).
1999 - Canavan was actually back to his brilliant best that year and only for a defensive collapse against Down in the semis he might have added to his All-Star tally
2000 - Injured - played half a game
2001 - Played well. Won Ulster title. Sent off in first half in All-Ireland quarter final.

So anonymity it definitely wasn't. Injury and a middlin side meant he wasn't getting the exposure Cooper did in the decade we're in.

Quote from: saffron sam2 on September 30, 2009, 03:14:37 PM

Quote from: ONeill on September 30, 2009, 03:05:20 PM
Maybe the wee man needed those flaws in order to save his remaining teeth.

You'll have to do better than that Shane. Whilst it is beyond dispute that Canavan was the victim of gross thuggery during the early part of career and whilst there is much validity in "the looking after yourself" argument

Thanks for wholeheartedly agreeing with me.

Did Canavan even play a half in 2000? Eoin Gormley was the main man and got 7 of the 8 points v Armagh IIRC.

I thought he came on at the start of the second half but not sure.

I'm not actually sure, I remember McGuigan came on at the start of the 2nd half and was off almost as quick after a clash with one of the McNulty's. Hub and Stevie made their championship debuts as well that day as subs - I honestly don't remember Canavan being involved

Didn't Art's son line out that day?

Quote from: ONeill on September 30, 2009, 10:51:34 PM
Didn't Art's son line out that day?

Aye, that's possibly why I've blanked out Canavan.

Edit: Mea Culpa, Canavan came on for Damien Gormley that day

Please fill in the blanks and let the stats answer our questions instead of trying to see sense the pseudo anti tyrone raving of master bollocks ss2:
All irelands: 2 each
National League medals: Canavan 2; Fitz:
All stars:
Player of the year awards:
International rules appearances:
Career length:
Points / goals scored in chamnpionship:   

Quote from: longrunsthefox on September 30, 2009, 09:17:38 PM

Quote from: Cúig huaire on September 30, 2009, 09:07:09 PM

Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2009, 09:01:06 PM
SS2 - McGuigan shades Blaney in my book because he knew (knows) where the posts are. His performance in the 2005 AI final was the best I ever saw.

No offence to McGuigan, but he isnt good enough to clean Blaneys boots.

He cleaned Ciaran McGeeney... pure class. Blaney was excellent too but I'd take Brian's contribution before he got those injuries. Although to come back from them and contribute so much to last 10 minute of beating kerry last year was awesome.

Cleaned McGeeny twice in high profile championship games, both the AI final of 2003 (when he shouldnt even have been anywhere near a pitch as he had flu) and drawn ulster final of 2005, as well as giving as near a complete all round performance as you are ever likely to see in an AI final against Kerry in 2005 when being picked up by Seamus Moynihan so to say he couldnt clean the likes of Blaneys boots is laughable in my opinion.  Not disputing Blaney was a class act but so was McGuigan.

Maurice Fitz without a doubt the best player.

Quote from: Cúig huaire on September 30, 2009, 09:07:09 PM

Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2009, 09:01:06 PM
SS2 - McGuigan shades Blaney in my book because he knew (knows) where the posts are. His performance in the 2005 AI final was the best I ever saw.

No offence to McGuigan, but he isnt good enough to clean Blaneys boots.

Wise up lad. Brian McGuigan is one of the best centre half forwards ever.

Cannot for the life of me believe how the greatest footballer in the country has been left off.....
Tomas O Se - an absolute legend of a footballer. Consistently he has been the best without a shadow of a doubt. Disgrace that he left out

Quote from: rrhf on October 01, 2009, 08:31:44 AM
All irelands: 2 each
National League medals: Canavan 2; Fitz:
All stars:
Player of the year awards:
International rules appearances:
Career length:
Points / goals scored in chamnpionship:

Great post, Im not sure of the answers to these questions but my feeling is that Canvan matches Fitz on most counts and probably even exceeds.  Looks like thats the tin hat one it...

All Irelands: 2 each
National League medals: Canavan 2 Fitz: 1
All stars: Canavan 6 Fitz 3
Player of the year awards: Canavan 1 Fitz 1
International rules appearances:
Career length: (intercounty) Canavan 89-05 Fitz 88-01
Points / goals scored in chamnpionship: Canavan: 9-191 (49 games) Fitz: 12-285 (58 games)

Quote from: Master Yoda on October 01, 2009, 08:51:04 AM

Quote from: Cúig huaire on September 30, 2009, 09:07:09 PM

Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2009, 09:01:06 PM
SS2 - McGuigan shades Blaney in my book because he knew (knows) where the posts are. His performance in the 2005 AI final was the best I ever saw.

No offence to McGuigan, but he isnt good enough to clean Blaneys boots.

Wise up lad. Brian McGuigan is one of the best centre half forwards ever.

I concur with the previous post.. Blaney never produced a performance of the quality of McGuigan's in the 05 AIF.  Blaney's distribution and ball winning capabilites were outstanding, but in terms of pure skill and footballing ability, McGuigan wins every time!

Quote from: redhandloo on October 01, 2009, 11:23:56 AM

Quote from: Master Yoda on October 01, 2009, 08:51:04 AM

Quote from: Cúig huaire on September 30, 2009, 09:07:09 PM

Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2009, 09:01:06 PM
SS2 - McGuigan shades Blaney in my book because he knew (knows) where the posts are. His performance in the 2005 AI final was the best I ever saw.

No offence to McGuigan, but he isnt good enough to clean Blaneys boots.

Wise up lad. Brian McGuigan is one of the best centre half forwards ever.

I concur with the previous post.. Blaney never produced a performance of the quality of McGuigan's in the 05 AIF.  Blaney's distribution and ball winning capabilites were outstanding, but in terms of pure skill and footballing ability, McGuigan wins every time!

Just as a matter of interest..... when did you start watching Greg Blaney play football and how many times have you seen him play "live" to give you the evidence to make that assertion.

5 Sams, your clubmate should be barred from your club.  The pints have obviously ruined his brain.   ;)

Quote from: 5 Sams on October 01, 2009, 12:08:07 PM

Quote from: redhandloo on October 01, 2009, 11:23:56 AM

Quote from: Master Yoda on October 01, 2009, 08:51:04 AM

Quote from: Cúig huaire on September 30, 2009, 09:07:09 PM

Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2009, 09:01:06 PM
SS2 - McGuigan shades Blaney in my book because he knew (knows) where the posts are. His performance in the 2005 AI final was the best I ever saw.

No offence to McGuigan, but he isnt good enough to clean Blaneys boots.

Wise up lad. Brian McGuigan is one of the best centre half forwards ever.

I concur with the previous post.. Blaney never produced a performance of the quality of McGuigan's in the 05 AIF.  Blaney's distribution and ball winning capabilites were outstanding, but in terms of pure skill and footballing ability, McGuigan wins every time!

Just as a matter of interest..... when did you start watching Greg Blaney play football and how many times have you seen him play "live" to give you the evidence to make that assertion.

i would safely say that i saw blaney play more often than you wee brian. I remember him in ulster final in 86 when noel mcginn got the better of him. I remember 89 when big enda roasted him. In 91 and 94 he was truly outstanding. So please get down off your high horse

TG4 - Best Footballer: 1984-2009
Kieran McGeeney (Armagh)Not even Our Ma's best
Graham Canty (Cork)  ::)
Larry Tompkins (Cork)
Anthony Tohill (Derry)
Martin McHugh (Donegal)tokenism
Mickey Linden (Down)
Paul Curran (Dublin) ::)
Ciarán Whelan (Dublin) ::)
Pádraig Joyce (Galway)
Kevin Walsh (Galway) Not a patch on Donellan
Colm Cooper (Kerry) too many kerrymen ahead of him
Maurice Fitzgerald (Kerry)
Seámus Moynihan (Kerry)
Darragh Ó Sé (Kerry)
Páidí Ó Sé (Kerry)Wrong era*
Jack O'Shea (Kerry)Wrong era
Mikey Sheehy (Kerry)Wrong era
Pat Spillane (Kerry)Wrong era
Trevor Giles (Meath)only mead 'defenders' should be elligible for this
Martin O'Connell (Meath)
Robbie O'Malley (Meath)
Colm O'Rourke (Meath) see TG
Peter Canavan (Tyrone)
Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone)
Stephen O'Neill (Tyrone) too many gaps in his cv


Glaring omissions
Blaney
Donnellan
T O Se
M O Se
Mc Grane
E Mc Kenna
H Downey
C Mc Donald
E O Hara
Gormley
Wee James


*best days behind them in 84

Quote from: redhandloo on October 01, 2009, 12:29:08 PM

Quote from: 5 Sams on October 01, 2009, 12:08:07 PM

Quote from: redhandloo on October 01, 2009, 11:23:56 AM

Quote from: Master Yoda on October 01, 2009, 08:51:04 AM

Quote from: Cúig huaire on September 30, 2009, 09:07:09 PM

Quote from: thewobbler on September 30, 2009, 09:01:06 PM
SS2 - McGuigan shades Blaney in my book because he knew (knows) where the posts are. His performance in the 2005 AI final was the best I ever saw.

No offence to McGuigan, but he isnt good enough to clean Blaneys boots.

Wise up lad. Brian McGuigan is one of the best centre half forwards ever.

I concur with the previous post.. Blaney never produced a performance of the quality of McGuigan's in the 05 AIF.  Blaney's distribution and ball winning capabilites were outstanding, but in terms of pure skill and footballing ability, McGuigan wins every time!

Just as a matter of interest..... when did you start watching Greg Blaney play football and how many times have you seen him play "live" to give you the evidence to make that assertion.

i would safely say that i saw blaney play more often than you wee brian. I remember him in ulster final in 86 when noel mcginn got the better of him. I remember 89 when big enda roasted him. In 91 and 94 he was truly outstanding. So please get down off your high horse

I played against Blaney on numerous occasions from 1980 onwards and have seen practically every major club and county game he has ever played in. Most of Tyrone major games involving McGuigan have been televised live or I have seen him play in the flesh....high horse my hole.... Blaney was streets ahead.

Quote from: passedit on October 01, 2009, 12:55:58 PM
TG4 - Best Footballer: 1984-2009
Kieran McGeeney (Armagh)Not even Our Ma's best
Graham Canty (Cork)  ::)
Larry Tompkins (Cork)
Anthony Tohill (Derry)
Martin McHugh (Donegal)tokenism
Mickey Linden (Down)
Paul Curran (Dublin) ::)
Ciarán Whelan (Dublin) ::)
Pádraig Joyce (Galway)
Kevin Walsh (Galway) Not a patch on Donellan
Colm Cooper (Kerry) too many kerrymen ahead of him
Maurice Fitzgerald (Kerry)
Seámus Moynihan (Kerry)
Darragh Ó Sé (Kerry)
Páidí Ó Sé (Kerry)Wrong era*
Jack O'Shea (Kerry)Wrong era
Mikey Sheehy (Kerry)Wrong era
Pat Spillane (Kerry)Wrong era
Trevor Giles (Meath)only mead 'defenders' should be elligible for this
Martin O'Connell (Meath)
Robbie O'Malley (Meath)
Colm O'Rourke (Meath) see TG
Peter Canavan (Tyrone)
Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone)
Stephen O'Neill (Tyrone) too many gaps in his cv


Glaring omissions
Blaney
Donnellan
T O Se
M O Se
Mc Grane
E Mc Kenna
H Downey
C Mc Donald
E O Hara
GormleyWee James


*best days behind them in 84

Please don't say you mean Conor Gormley.

Quote from: passedit on October 01, 2009, 12:55:58 PM
TG4 - Best Footballer: 1984-2009
Kieran McGeeney (Armagh)Not even Our Ma's best
Graham Canty (Cork)  ::)
Larry Tompkins (Cork)
Anthony Tohill (Derry)
Martin McHugh (Donegal)tokenism
Mickey Linden (Down)
Paul Curran (Dublin) ::)
Ciarán Whelan (Dublin) ::)
Pádraig Joyce (Galway)
Kevin Walsh (Galway) Not a patch on Donellan
Colm Cooper (Kerry) too many kerrymen ahead of him
Maurice Fitzgerald (Kerry)
Seámus Moynihan (Kerry)
Darragh Ó Sé (Kerry)
Páidí Ó Sé (Kerry)Wrong era*
Jack O'Shea (Kerry)Wrong era
Mikey Sheehy (Kerry)Wrong era
Pat Spillane (Kerry)Wrong era
Trevor Giles (Meath)only mead 'defenders' should be elligible for this
Martin O'Connell (Meath)
Robbie O'Malley (Meath)
Colm O'Rourke (Meath) see TG
Peter Canavan (Tyrone)
Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone)
Stephen O'Neill (Tyrone) too many gaps in his cv


Glaring omissions
Blaney
Donnellan
T O Se
M O Se
Mc Grane
E Mc Kenna
H Downey
C Mc Donald
E O Hara
Gormley
Wee James


*best days behind them in 84

mcgrane and o'hara (the latter in particular) "glaring ommissions"?? i disagree completely, whilst good footballers don't get me wrong. nowhere near the best in the last 25 years. i agree with the rest of your post with the exception of the complete dismissal of graham canty and cooper?? what difference does it make how many kerrymen in particular are on the list. would that mean stephen o'neill and cavanagh should not be there because canavan is also on the list?

Anyway its Maurice FitzGerald for me

Wouldn't agree that McGrane is nowhere near the best 25. Ok he's not going to be in the top 3 but I don't think he's out of his depth amongst the players mentioned. In my view if you compare the performances of Darragh O Sé and Paul McGrane over the years, there's very little between them and in my (admittedly biased) view, McGrane might well shade it.

Was Maurice Fitz not quite often a sub, especially towards the end of his career?

For the older boffins comparing Canavan and Maurice Fitz was like comparing Kevin Keegan and George Best. Keegan worked far harder and had a longer career and won far more awards and medals but Best was pure magic when he did play, a natural genius who didn't win as much and hadn't the same drive and dedication.
If I had to choose who I could go and watch... wud be Fitz and Best any day.   

Quote from: No way ref on September 30, 2009, 08:32:19 PM
Here goes...
I honestly believe that Maurice Fitz was greatly over rated. He may be the most naturally talented footballer ihave ever seen but definately not the best. There is a huge difference. Indeed i would rate Moynihan and Dara O Se as better footballers. Neither would possess the god given talent of Fitzgerald but i wiuld rather have either of them in my team.
Ready for the backlash from the purists

Are you serious? If anything Fitzgerald was hugely underrated. He had to spend half his Kerry career out around midfield because Kerry were in transition in the early nineties. He's easily the best on this list IMO. Canavan, great player and all that he was, doesn't come close.

It is just unfortunate that he was born either ten years too early, or ten years too late. Had he been playing on the Kerry team of the late 70s/early 80s or the Kerry team of today, he'd have a similar standing to Ring in hurling.

Two people voted for Ciaran Whelan.  :o

Quote from: magpie seanie on October 01, 2009, 05:19:49 PM
Two people voted for Ciaran Whelan.  :o

Gnevin & Tankie

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on October 01, 2009, 05:08:07 PM

Quote from: No way ref on September 30, 2009, 08:32:19 PM
Here goes...
I honestly believe that Maurice Fitz was greatly over rated. He may be the most naturally talented footballer ihave ever seen but definately not the best. There is a huge difference. Indeed i would rate Moynihan and Dara O Se as better footballers. Neither would possess the god given talent of Fitzgerald but i wiuld rather have either of them in my team.
Ready for the backlash from the purists

Are you serious? If anything Fitzgerald was hugely underrated. He had to spend half his Kerry career out around midfield because Kerry were in transition in the early nineties. He's easily the best on this list IMO. Canavan, great player and all that he was, doesn't come close.

It is just unfortunate that he was born either ten years too early, or ten years too late. Had he been playing on the Kerry team of the late 70s/early 80s or the Kerry team of today, he'd have a similar standing to Ring in hurling.

Absolutly and Frank McGuigan would be legend throughout Ireland not just Tyrone had he been on the recent teams

Peter Canavan,
for me an absolute footballing genius.

Anthony Tohill a close number 2 as in my opinion the best midfielder of all time.

What is entirely unsurprising, yet still most disappointing, about this thread is the inability of many to see beyond the narrow parochial boundaries that cause us all to pre-judge. Always try, as I do, to adopt the position of a neutral. That will help prevent you posting some of the muck that it has been my misfortune to read on this thread.

Stuff like this:

Quote from: loughshore lad on September 30, 2009, 01:48:53 PM
2001 team had too many weak links and the lads who played on the minor teams of 97-98 were that year or 2 young.

So Mick O'Dwyer didn't win an All-Ireland with an equally young team in 1975 - that is a myth?

Besides the Tyrone team of 2001 had already comfortably beaten Derry in that year's Championship. The same Derry team would put Galway to the pin of their collars in cliche land of the 2001 semi-final. The same Galway team who destroyed Meath in the All-Ireland final of 2001. Had Canavan not been sent off, Tyrone would have seen off Derry and I would have put my money on them beating Galway. Maybe not 100% convinced they would have beaten Meath such is the forelock-tugging reverence the Bushmen reserve for the Royal county.

The youngsters on the Tyrone team in 2001 needed Canavan to help them over the line, just as the did in '03 and '05 when they were that year or two older.

Or this

Quote from: ONeill on September 30, 2009, 03:05:20 PM
Maybe the wee man needed those flaws in order to save his remaining teeth.

Maybe the wee man saw Johnny McBride coming at him with a big pair of pliers. Something no else saw. Surely a man without the disciplinary flaws would simply have laughed at McBride's windup efforts or called him a Littlebridge clown. Or something like that.

Do you think Peter costs you Sam in '01?


But particularly this

Quote from: rrhf on October 01, 2009, 08:31:44 AM
All irelands: 2 each
National League medals: Canavan 2; Fitz:
All stars:
Player of the year awards:
International rules appearances:
Career length:
Points / goals scored in chamnpionship:

You can't compare like this, but if you like off we go.

Two All-Irelands each, Paidi, Jacko, Spillane and Mikey Sheehy had three each (from the '84 - present period) by the time '86 was finished. Dooher has three, so does Ciaran Gourley and Collie Homes yet none are on this list. (Would have no qualms with Dooher on it btw.)

League titles, are you seriously suggesting league titles are a measure of greatness? At least you had the good grace not to mention Vocational schools and under 21 titles.

All stars, are you mad? I refer you back to 2005, when Tyrone's best ever footballer Frank McGuigan auctioned off his All Star in protest at Canavan getting one. Sort of. The All-Star system is not taken seriously by anyone who takes Gaelic games seriously. 

International appearances? You are bringing in a totally different game and hence this is totally irrelevant.

Scores - may be some validity there. I'll give you that one.

When did the three of you pose for this picture?

(http://bnp.org.uk/files/2009/05/see-no-evil.jpg)

Quote from: The Forfeit Point on October 01, 2009, 02:43:12 PM

mcgrane and o'hara (the latter in particular) "glaring ommissions"?? i disagree completely, whilst good footballers don't get me wrong. nowhere near the best in the last 25 years. i agree with the rest of your post with the exception of the complete dismissal of graham canty and cooper?? what difference does it make how many kerrymen in particular are on the list. would that mean stephen o'neill and cavanagh should not be there because canavan is also on the list?

Anyway its Maurice FitzGerald for me

Canty completely beaten by a mullocker in this year's final, gooch is behind his contemporaries, the O Se's,Galvin and donaghy in his importance to the team and that's too many to be considered for this list. Gormley has been a standout in different positions on one of the best teams ever. More important to tymoan than Moynihan was to Kerry ( and better able for Clarke than him).

Fitzgerald is in a straight fight with O Neill for the most naturally gifted on the list but there's more to being the best footballer than that. The ability to carry a team rests only with Tompkins,Canavan, Tohill and Cavanagh. Tompkins gets it for me as he had the heaviest load to carry.

Quote from: saffron sam2 on October 02, 2009, 11:37:20 AM
All stars, are you mad? I refer you back to 2005, when Tyrone's best ever footballer Frank McGuigan auctioned off his All Star in protest at Canavan getting one.

Mc Guigan's protest was entirely about Brian not getting one, and not about Canavan getting one. The general consensus was that Canavan secured one at Mc Guigan's expense, yes, but Frank's beef was about the specific absence, not about a presence.

Ah come on, Tyrone didn't comfortably defeat Derry in 2001. Something like 3-7 to 0-14. McConnell saved a point-blank chance in the last minute to win it. They even struggled in the Ulster final v Cavan.

Quote from: passedit on October 02, 2009, 12:04:26 PM

Quote from: The Forfeit Point on October 01, 2009, 02:43:12 PM

mcgrane and o'hara (the latter in particular) "glaring ommissions"?? i disagree completely, whilst good footballers don't get me wrong. nowhere near the best in the last 25 years. i agree with the rest of your post with the exception of the complete dismissal of graham canty and cooper?? what difference does it make how many kerrymen in particular are on the list. would that mean stephen o'neill and cavanagh should not be there because canavan is also on the list?

Anyway its Maurice FitzGerald for me

Canty completely beaten by a mullocker in this year's final, gooch is behind his contemporaries, the O Se's,Galvin and donaghy in his importance to the team and that's too many to be considered for this list. Gormley has been a standout in different positions on one of the best teams ever. More important to tymoan than Moynihan was to Kerry ( and better able for Clarke than him).

Fitzgerald is in a straight fight with O Neill for the most naturally gifted on the list but there's more to being the best footballer than that. The ability to carry a team rests only with Tompkins, Canavan, Tohill and Cavanagh. Tompkins gets it for me as he had the heaviest load to carry.

He wasn't willing to carry it with Kildare!  >:(

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on October 02, 2009, 12:54:13 PM

Quote from: passedit on October 02, 2009, 12:04:26 PM

Quote from: The Forfeit Point on October 01, 2009, 02:43:12 PM

mcgrane and o'hara (the latter in particular) "glaring ommissions"?? i disagree completely, whilst good footballers don't get me wrong. nowhere near the best in the last 25 years. i agree with the rest of your post with the exception of the complete dismissal of graham canty and cooper?? what difference does it make how many kerrymen in particular are on the list. would that mean stephen o'neill and cavanagh should not be there because canavan is also on the list?

Anyway its Maurice FitzGerald for me

Canty completely beaten by a mullocker in this year's final, gooch is behind his contemporaries, the O Se's,Galvin and donaghy in his importance to the team and that's too many to be considered for this list. Gormley has been a standout in different positions on one of the best teams ever. More important to tymoan than Moynihan was to Kerry ( and better able for Clarke than him).

Fitzgerald is in a straight fight with O Neill for the most naturally gifted on the list but there's more to being the best footballer than that. The ability to carry a team rests only with Tompkins, Canavan, Tohill and Cavanagh. Tompkins gets it for me as he had the heaviest load to carry.

He wasn't willing to carry it with Kildare!  >:(

Well ye seemed to have learned yer lesson about opening the purse strings since.  ;)

 ;D

Tompkins and Fahy were the missing pieces of the jigsaw during the early 90s.

There was such a rich irony to Brian Murphy scoring the goal against Meath in 1998. As long as Cork don't come looking for a few new Lilywhites to win the All-Ireland again!

Quote from: passedit on October 01, 2009, 12:55:58 PM
TG4 - Best Footballer: 1984-2009

Jack O'Shea (Kerry)Wrong era



*best days behind them in 84

Jack O'Shea's best years behind him in '84 at the age of the 26??? IMO his peak years were when he was 26-29, winning Player of the year twice and was probably runner up another year, also winning 3 All-Irelands.
Probably not the best player over the last 25 years but it's wrong to say his best years were behind him in '84.

Canavan best i ever saw,

think Blaney should be on the list, and can't believe McGuigan is being compared to him

For length of playing at the top i do think what Linden did was amazing

4 of the top 5 are from Ulster. Think that puts the nail int he coffin of an unbiased vote!

Shefflin and O'Shea are fans' favourites

Two greats of the GAA. Kilkenny's Henry Shefflin and Kerry's Jack O'Shea
02 November 2009

Kilkenny's Henry Shefflin and Kerry legend Jack O'Shea were yesterday named as TG4 viewers' favourite hurler and footballer of the last 25 years.

To celebrate the GAA's 125th anniversary, the Irish language station asked viewers to vote for their favourite hurler and footballer of the past quarter of a century. Over 104,000 viewers voted, with Shefflin voted the best hurler. Fellow county man DJ Carey came second with Tipperary's Nicky English third.

Kerry's Jack O'Shea was voted best footballer, followed in second place by Tyrone's Peter Canavan and Kerry midfielder Darragh O Se in third place.

http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=119893 (http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=119893)


No Maurice Fitz in the top 3?  :o

Well deserved by Jacko all the same. I only caught the tail end of his career but he was clearly an incredible footballer and athlete. I was priveleged to be at the last game he ever played - Leixlip v Clane in the Kildare County League Final 21/12/1997!

(http://www.sportsfile.com/winshare/watermarked/Library/SF1/000845.jpg)

Quote from: longrunsthefox on October 01, 2009, 04:42:04 PM
For the older boffins comparing Canavan and Maurice Fitz was like comparing Kevin Keegan and George Best. Keegan worked far harder and had a longer career and won far more awards and medals but Best was pure magic when he did play, a natural genius who didn't win as much and hadn't the same drive and dedication.
If I had to choose who I could go and watch... wud be Fitz and Best any day.

Not sure about that, did I not read about Fitz deciding to get serious with a weights program that including training on Christmas day?

But I see your point about Wee Peter, his genius was absolutely matched by desire to win, workrate, hardiness etc. Also a far better head of hair than Kevin Keegan and will no doubt prove to be a better manager!

I cant see how Dara is in the top 3.....

This thread is a big indictment of the all stars.

170 votes and not a single one for the record 9 time winner  :D

Never understood the hype about Canavan. Couldn't take a hit, for a start. Too small, too slow, no strength. Good free taker, OK and could take a score, but how does that earn you not one, but the two most OTT nicknames in GAA history?

Quote from: Hardy on November 03, 2009, 11:44:06 AM
Never understood the hype about Canavan. Couldn't take a hit, for a start. Too small, too slow, no strength. Good free taker, OK and could take a score, but how does that earn you not one, but the two most OTT nicknames in GAA history?

you'll need to pitch that a bit higher to get a bite...

My top three was joyce,canavan and giles.

I honestly think that padraig joyce is one of the best footballers the country ever produced and in my eyes a better all round footballer than canavan.

Canavan has to be there as he sometimes single handley dragged tyrone to wins during the 90's and when the young turks came along he was the catalyst for them to win the all ireland in 2002.

Giles could pick a pass anywhere on the pitch and as tough as nails for his size and throw in a prolific scorer as well. Very underestimated in my eyes.

Quote from: thebandit on November 03, 2009, 09:26:56 AM
I cant see how Dara is in the top 3.....

Yes, because those 6 All-Ireland and 4 national leagues medals he has, were found in boxes of Rice Krispies.

I agree Rossie. Think Joyce has never nationally received his due credit. Ruthlessly clinical footballer as was Canavan  but I would have had Joyce ahead of him on his ability to win his own ball.

I think he is a complete footballer matt.
His performance against kerry last year as well as against mayo two years ago and meath in 01 were there with some of the best.

A wee story to describe the man.

I was at the connacht final this year with the youngfella.
All he was on about all week was getting padraig joyces autogragh.

Anyway after the final whistle i didnt think it was a great idea after the way galway lost but to avoid the tears (this lad is 5) i carried him on to the pitch and made my way over to joyce and himself asked padraig for his autogragh.

Now remember this fella is after losing a connacht title in the most heartbreaking fashion and i thought it was a bad ideabut joyce he turns around and signs my young bucks ros jersey p joyce.

I thought it was a nice gesture and showed him up as a good man.

It also shows my son has bigger stones than me ;D

Nice story Rossie. Says alot for Joyce alright especially as you say in the moments after losing a big match. Intercounty players would put pro soccer players to shame in that regard.

Quote from: ross matt on November 03, 2009, 09:45:18 PM
. Intercounty players would put pro soccer players to shame in that regard.

They would in most regards Matt...except maybe the size of their bank balances  :-\
Relations of mine live near Joyce's part of the world and can't speak highly enough of him.

Quote from: Hardy on November 03, 2009, 11:44:06 AM
Couldn't take a hit, for a start.

Yes, he was a bit anti-social. Didn't like getting taken out.