TG4 - Best Footballer: 1984-2009

thebandit · November 03, 2009, 09:26:56 AM

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

whiskeysteve · November 03, 2009, 11:40:16 AM

This thread is a big indictment of the all stars.

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

Hardy · 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?

whiskeysteve · November 03, 2009, 11:49:57 AM

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...

rossie mad · November 03, 2009, 11:57:36 AM

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.

blanketattack · November 03, 2009, 12:31:58 PM

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.

ross matt · November 03, 2009, 03:23:02 PM

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.

rossie mad · November 03, 2009, 04:36:57 PM

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

ross matt · November 03, 2009, 09:45:18 PM

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.

Rossfan · November 03, 2009, 10:27:44 PM

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.

ONeill · November 04, 2009, 12:26:09 AM

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.