The Irish News - your county's top 15 players ever

[Schkite]

Fair enough saffron sam, Gerry McCarville may not have been an brilliant or a classy footballer, but he was great at what he did. His record speaks for itself, he has achieved a hell of alot. He may have been a hatchet man of sorts, a tough guy when they were about, or whatever you want to describe him as, but he contributed alot to Monaghan's success in the time he played, so deserves credit for that. He was unlucky not to get an all-star in 1985 aswell.

And as for me being taken seriously, I couldn't care less. I'm just expressing my views, up to you whether you agree with them or not. But it's a bit rich you talking about being taken seriously when you actually don't believe Nudie Hughes is one of the 125 greatest Ulster players. Now that really beggars belief.

[Minder]

Fair enough saffron sam, Gerry McCarville may not have been an brilliant or a classy footballer, but he was great at what he did. His record speaks for itself, he has achieved a hell of alot. He may have been a hatchet man of sorts, a tough guy when they were about, or whatever you want to describe him as, but he contributed alot to Monaghan's success in the time he played, so deserves credit for that. He was unlucky not to get an all-star in 1985 aswell.

And as for me being taken seriously, I couldn't care less. I'm just expressing my views, up to you whether you agree with them or not. But it's a bit rich you talking about being taken seriously when you actually don't believe Nudie Hughes is one of the 125 greatest Ulster players. Now that really beggars belief.

It is the be all and end all for some on here though Schkite..........

[Schkite]

Fair enough saffron sam, Gerry McCarville may not have been an brilliant or a classy footballer, but he was great at what he did. His record speaks for itself, he has achieved a hell of alot. He may have been a hatchet man of sorts, a tough guy when they were about, or whatever you want to describe him as, but he contributed alot to Monaghan's success in the time he played, so deserves credit for that. He was unlucky not to get an all-star in 1985 aswell.

And as for me being taken seriously, I couldn't care less. I'm just expressing my views, up to you whether you agree with them or not. But it's a bit rich you talking about being taken seriously when you actually don't believe Nudie Hughes is one of the 125 greatest Ulster players. Now that really beggars belief.

It is the be all and end all for some on here though Schkite..........

I'll have to remember that then Minder. Is it too late to start over with a clean slate? 

[Maguire01]

It should also be pointed out that Hughes won his three at a time when Ulster football was muck and when a provincial title was enough to guarantee a token All-Star for that county.

The standard still wasn't low enough for Antrim to come close to a title challenge.

It should also be noted that Monaghan did win a national title in the 80's - National League in 1985. It should also be noted that in the Championship they came across one of the great Kerry teams in the 1980's - few were up to their standard.

In fact the more I think about, the less worthy of a place Hughes is.

Can you list Ulster's 125 greatest players without a Monaghan representative? If so, i'll be happy to reconsider.

[Leo]

1.  Sean O'Neill
2.  Paddy Mo
3. James McCartan Snr
4. Tom O'Hare
5. Dan McCartan
6. Colm McAlarney
7. Peter Rooney
8. Kevin Mussen
9. Greg Blaney
10. Mickey Linden
11. James McCartan Jnr
12. Shorty Trainor
13. Paul Higgins
14. Ross Carr
15. Ambrose Rodgers RIP

This is the best IMHO I know I could have listed a lot more but hey I havenyt time to list them sorry!!

Dan Mc Cartan, Breen Morgan, Tom O'Hare are certs, so I'm afraid Ross, K Mussen and Ambrose lose out.
John O'Hare(goalkeeper), Joker Carr from 40's-50's surely warrant mention but maybe most of our posters are too young.
Shorty ahead of his clubmates Tommy McGovern or Paddy O'Rourke? - or before Benny? - no chance.
Paul Higgins ahead of Brendan Sloan? - hardly.

[Leo]

I feel that no-one from Monaghan has ever achieved greatness on the football pitch.

you said it

You have found one player who could possibly be described as a great.

make your mind up

No, personally, I wouldn't describe Nudie Hughes as a great; I can see how others may possibly feel otherwise. The term 'great' is bandied about far too readily. People like Sean O'Neill, Tony Scullion, Kieran McKeever, Mickey Linden, Paddy Doherty, Greg Blaney and Peter Canavan are greats. Nudie Hughes wasn't in the same league as any of these. A very good player no doubt, but not a great one.

As a Dowenman I would not have Nudie in this elite company, or indeed in a top 10, but he'd certainly be in anyone's top 125, and in my top 50.

[mylestheslasher]

Had a look at the blog there for cavan. Load of crap really. Cavan won 38 Ulster titles before 1970 and took part in 10 all ireland finals, winning five. There are far too many names from modern times on that list. I suppose that our glory years are so far gone that people begin to forget about those players. I'm glad to see Packie Phair on the list. I knew him well when he was alive. He was the last surviving member of the 1933 & 1935 winning team. I remember talking to him in the pub in 1997 when cavan won ulster and the whole county was going mad. Packie told me he was delighted for stephen king to have finally won an ulster title. Mind you, he said, I quit playing football when I was 27 and had 8 ulster medals and 2 all irelands. Different times.

[Doire abú]

Had a look at the blog there for cavan. Load of crap really. Cavan won 38 Ulster titles before 1970 and took part in 10 all ireland finals, winning five. There are far too many names from modern times on that list. I suppose that our glory years are so far gone that people begin to forget about those players. I'm glad to see Packie Phair on the list. I knew him well when he was alive. He was the last surviving member of the 1933 & 1935 winning team. I remember talking to him in the pub in 1997 when cavan won ulster and the whole county was going mad. Packie told me he was delighted for stephen king to have finally won an ulster title. Mind you, he said, I quit playing football when I was 27 and had 8 ulster medals and 2 all irelands. Different times.

Would I be right in thinking he was in his 17th year before winning that Ulster medal??

Some going, even if they won that Ulster without scoring more than their opponents in the final. 

[mylestheslasher]

I think King was 34/35 in 1997 and had been playing Cavan since he was 17. Had to wait a long time, also fair to say he did not help himself along the way with his attitude to training and beer.

[BallyhaiseMan]

Indeed
Ronan Flanagan
Gerry Pierson
Jelly and Mickey Lyng,and Miller are very good players but at this stage in their careers how can they be in the discussion about greatest Cavan players ever.

Tommy Smyth and Philip Smith were good players and i may be a bit biased here but did they do as much for the county as Ballyhaise greats Steve Duggan and Hughie Newman(who were key members of great cavan teams and in Duggans case Ulster teams in the 60's)
sorry i cant see why a guy like Gerry Sheridan(Baileborough) who was Cavan's best man marker of the 90's was omitted either.
Bernard Morris was one of Cavans best players over the last 20 years,hes very deserving.

McCabe
Peter,Jason and Larry
Fordey deserve a mention due to their great service.. POD was the best goalkeeper in Ireland in 97 and was robbed of an all star.

[saffron sam2]

From today's Irish News

Martin McHugh

The best the county has seen, especially in 1992. The wee man from Bavin famously went "down the barrel of the gun" and the Dubs were so shocked, they have won only one All-Ireland since. Marksman and supreme motivator, playmaker extraordinaire and cocky enough to attempt the impossible, the Kilcar star would walk onto any team in the country. Got two Allstars and could have had more.

Brian McEniff

The godfather of Donegal football with a great football brain. A wing-back who worked relentlessly at his game and became a truly great leader in the late 1960s and '70s. An Allstar, McEniff was a master of precision passing in an era when skyscraper clearances were de riguer. He would still be playing if they let him.

Tony Boyle

A truly unique talent from Dungloe. Perfected a famous sliding method of winning possession and turning in a flash. Could win and keep the ball and score as casually as you'd sip a cup of tea. Made it all look so easy and won an Allstar in 1992.

Sean O'Donnell

THERE were few better footballers in Donegal in the 1960s. O'Donnell was a brilliant reader of the game and had the subtlety to mark feared forwards without resorting to ugly tactics. Played from 1955-1968 but unfortunately never tasted Ulster success.

Sean Ferriter

Majestic would describe the St Eunan's midfielder. Played from 1957-1970 and still fit enough to make a comeback in 1975.

Hudie Beag Gallagher

The Gaoth Dobhair speed machine played when the Gaeltacht men ruled Donegal in the 1940s. Small in stature, his blistering pace and swerve broke the hearts of many Ulster defenders from 1934-1945.

Barry McGowan

He couldn't be awkward if he tried. Donegal's most graceful player had the balance, vision and intelligence to perform anywhere. The Killybegs man was converted into a corner-back for the All-Ireland final of 1992, and saw space instead of a skull to be stopped at all costs.

Anthony Molloy

You can never have enough good midfielders and they don't come any more special than Molloy from Ardara. Had levels of character and charisma that were very apparent in 1992 when he was captain and an Allstar.

Padraig McShea

A big man on the edge of the square with a fine mix of skill and steel. He could mix it with the best full-forwards around. Captained his county to an Ulster title in 1974 and received an Allstar.

Hughie Tim Boyle

Carved from Gaeltacht granite. Hughie Tim could play anywhere in defence but was an exceptional corner-back in the '40s and '50s. A key figure in the invincible Gaoth Dobhair team which took eight county titles in that era.

Mickey McLoone

McLoone was like a meteor, with a thundering shot and incredible pace. Route one was the only way the St Joseph's star knew and his performance in the All-Ireland club final against Dunmore MacHales in 1968 was epic.

Manus Boyle

Not many men score nine points in an All-Ireland final as a late call-up. One of the most natural strikers of a ball anywhere. A key figure in Donegal's renaissance from 1987-1993 and spurred Killybegs to many club championships.

PJ Flood

A colossal centre-back from Pettigo. Flood was a magnificent fielder who negated some of the finest forwards in the country. He played for Ulster in 1963 and 1966. Was remarkably agile and held his own against great Down sides.

Michael Lafferty

When the going got tough, the captain of the 1983 Ulster title-winning side got going. Lafferty was a no-nonsense stopper at centre-back who also provided superb leadership to a young Donegal side in a year when they might have taken an All-Ireland if Martin Carney had been around.

Martin Carney

The Ballyshannon native was a flying wing-forward with a headband. Played for the county from 1971-1987. One of the most complete footballers to come from the south of the county and key to Donegal's Ulster successes in 1972 and 1974.

Paul Kelly

There were few better defenders than Paul Kelly. A tidy corner-back who went about his business in an unfussy manner. Paul was a key figure on the Railway Cup sides of 1965 and 1966.

John Hannigan

Mr Versatility played in more positions than virtually any other player. Equally at home as an attacker or defender, he represented his county from 1958-1973 and was also a driving force for St Eunan's.

Martin 'Rambo' Gavigan

His nickname was deserved as the Ardara man was probably the most powerful centre-back of them all. Held the line superbly in Donegal's triumph in 1992 and his meticulous dedication and preparation was an example to all.

Seamus Hoare

The custodian from Letterkenny raised the standard of goalkeeping immeasurably in the 1960s. Hoare's talents were recognised by Ulster and he won three Railway Cup medals, as well as lining out for Tir Chonaill from 1955-1969. He was an icon in an unenviable position.

Michael Carr

In the days before Martin McHugh, he was Kilcar's superstar. A gifted wing-back and a bulwark 1983 Ulster final victory over Cavan.
Carr always had time on the ball and he also played corner-forward in the 1974 Ulster victory.

Frankie McFeely

A true class act from the Sean MacCumhaill's in Ballybofey who became the first Donegal man to lift the Anglo Celt Cup on a wet day in Clones in 1972. An athletic midfielder whose early years coincided with a superb MacCumhaill's side which took four county titles in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Matt Gallagher

Vocal and versatile, he played a very successful brand of handball in the All-Ireland final of 1992. The Naomh Brid man was one of Tir Chonaill's best performers from 1982-1997. Donegal had problems at full-back and Matt solved them superbly. If they gave degrees for grit, Matt would have first class honours. He played 147 county games.

Seamus Bonner

Always remembered for two stunning goals which broke Down hearts in the final of 1974. The Four Masters man also got a vital goal against Tyrone two years earlier when the county took its first ever Anglo Celt. Strong and forceful, he has three Ulster medals and was equally at home at midfield and full-forward.

Anthony Gallagher

The St Eunan's man was a commanding centre-back for Donegal in the Ulster triumphs of 1972-1974. Excellent hands and an ability to drive forward which was crucial to those victories over Tyrone and Down. Also a key figure for Eunan's in the late 1960s.

Jim 'Natch' Gallagher

A tough, uncompromising centre-back who featured prominently for Donegal in the 1940s and 1950s. The Aodh Ruadh man was very much a prototype for 'Rambo' Gavigan, who also excelled in this position. Was a driving force on the Aodh Ruadh side who had great tussles with Gaoth Dobhair in the 1940s.

Columba McDyer

A truly legendary figure in the 1940s who brought an element of tactics to playing at centre-forward. The Glenties man also had the 
distinction of playing with the great Cavan team which won the All-Ireland in New York in 1947.

'Red' Jack Gallagher

'Red' Jack was a small man with a huge spring and immense physical strength. The Aodh Ruadh dynamo was a flying wing-forward for Donegal from 1943-1949 and helped Aodh Ruadh to two championships in 1942-1943.

Donal Monaghan

The Four Masters man won an Allstar in 1974 at right corner-back after his county team had taken their second Ulster title in three years. Formed a fine line with Padraig McShea and Andy Curran.

John Joe Doherty

More Gaeltacht granite which was very important in that 1992 victory. Famously came in as a last minute replacement for Martin Shovlin and played superbly to win an Allstar. A direct player who could hold the line with the best, he played for Donegal from 1988-1995 and 1997-1998.

Patsy Brogan

A teak tough defender for Four Masters in the leaner days of the 1950s. Could mix with the best forwards around. A corner-?back who represented the county from 1949-1957.

Frankie Brennan

The 1950s were lean times but Ardara's Frankie Brennan stood out like a beacon. At home in midfield or half-forward and was feared throughout Ulster.

Brian Murray

Almost ever-present from 1984-1998. A great pair of hands and a perfect foil for Anthony Molloy in 1992. The Aodh Ruadh man was a stylish midfielder.

Donal Reid

Eloquent and adaptable, the Killlygordon man made a seamless transition from half-forward to wing-back and was a key figure in 1992. Best known as an attacking wing-back who played from 1983-1986 and 1988-1993.

Declan O'Carroll

An army midfielder who kicked the ball with military precision. Was a commanding figure on the St Joseph's side which dominated club football in the county in the 1960s.

Neily Gallagher

A very skilful corner-forward from Gaoth Dobhair who spent many of his formative years abroad. Was a great dead-ball kicker who was a key figure in 1974.

Brendan Dunleavey

A very classy wing-back from Sean MacCumhaill's. Dunleavy, Michael Lafferty and Michael Carr were Donegal's finest ever line. Dunleavey played for Donegal from 1975-1989.

Jackie Gallagher

The rock on which many an Ulster full-forward perished. Jackie was the lynchpin of the great Gaoth Dobhair team which won so many Donegal titles in the 1940s and early '50s

Kieran Keeney

A LIVEWIRE corner-forward who won two Ulster Championship medals in 1974 and 1983. Exceptionally fit and able to stand up physically.

Joyce McMullan

One of the most physical forwards ever to play for Donegal. Showed remarkable raw power in 1983 when a very young Donegal side took an Ulster title. Was a wing-back in the All-Ireland of 1992 and gave the team an extra edge in the physical battle with the Dubs.

Kevin Cassidy

Won an Allstar in 2002 and his combative spirit has inspired Gaoth Dobhair in recent years. Equally at home in defence and midfield. 'Cass' has shown much improved leadership qualities in recent years.

Peadar McGeehan

The St Eunan's legend was a clever wing-back in the late 1940s and 1950s. Was a great thinker about the game. Also a central figure in the Letterkenny club.

Seamie Granaghan

A pocket rocket from St Joseph's who cut swathes through defences in the 1960s and early '70s. Had a definite eye for goal as well in his career which lasted from 1965-1977. Tested All-Ireland champions Offaly in the All-Ireland semi-final of 1972.

Noel Hegarty

If you were going into battle you would always have 'Higgs' with you. Hegarty had one of the greatest engines ever seen on a football field and he could solo for Ireland. Played for his county from 1991-2001

James McHugh

A wing-froward who had the abiility to play really well in the shadow of big brother Martin. Great vision as well and deserved his Allstar in 1992. A little Kilcar jewel.

Bernard Brady

A most commanding full-back in the mid-60s. Played for the county for five years from 1963-1968 and was a match for many of the top full-forwards around.

Gary Walsh

HE was a quite remarkable keeper and an excellent shot-stopper. Didn't go for theatrics but was a very steadying influence on the characters who stood in front of him. Almost an ever-present figure from 1984-1996.

Martin Griffin

So much phsyique and raw natural talent. A free spirit who made the edge of the square his own and had one of the finest catches ever seen on Donegal fields. Did not quite fulfil his enormous potential.

Adrian Sweeney

MAY be gone from the county scene but he is not forgotten. At his peak 'Eddie' was a superb natural scorer who earned an Allstar in 2003. Strong upper body enabled him to swat off challenges easily.

Brendan Devenney

The enigmatic one's career may or may not be over but he has left his mark. Remembered for scoring 0-14 in the county final of 1999. Great pace and natural strength ensured he was a big hit in the International Rules series. A St Eunan's icon.

Mick Melly

A really towering presence for Donegal in the late 1930s. The big Ballyshannon man was selected on the Donegal team of the century in 1984 and played for Tir Chonaill from 1936-1945.

Declan Bonner

The Na Rossa man had skill to burn and tremendous accuracy, a left foot to die for and an ability to punish mistakes ruthlessly. His celebration after hitting a late point in the 1992 final is still a vivid image in Donegal. Played almost without interruption from 1987-1995.

Brian Roper

THE tombstone carver from Corker is the county's current favourite little big man. The record appearance holder has been a fixture for the past 14 years and has the ability to kick truly memorable points against high-quality opposition.

Unfortunately, this will be the last day that I am able to post the IN lists. I would like to make it clear that I would not have posted the Fermanagh list. I would have cut and pasted the bit about Peter McGinnity, but as with Monaghan, no one else from the Erne county has achieved greatness.

[Goats Do Shave]

You are definately good craic!

[cavanmaniac]

Indeed
Ronan Flanagan
Gerry Pierson
Jelly and Mickey Lyng,and Miller are very good players but at this stage in their careers how can they be in the discussion about greatest Cavan players ever.

Those players were listed in Cavan's greatest ever team? Who to f**k picked that? Their mothers?

That's an absolute farce and totally devalues it. Maybe in time they will be deserving of such accolades but they're a bit short on achievements to be in teams like this.

[Caid]

Brian Roper

THE tombstone carver from Corker is the county's current favourite little big man. The record appearance holder has been a fixture for the past 14 years and has the ability to kick truly memorable points against high-quality opposition.

Unfortunately, this will be the last day that I am able to post the IN lists. I would like to make it clear that I would not have posted the Fermanagh list. I would have cut and pasted the bit about Peter McGinnity, but as with Monaghan, no one else from the Erne county has achieved greatness.[/b]

I don't necessarily argue that Peter McGinnity is the only great from Fermanagh, but you publish a Donegal list with Brian Roper, Devenney etc on it.  IMO Barry Owens, two time allstar and probably among the best two or three full backs of this decade, is more of a great than either of those two. But hey it's just an opinion right?

[anglocelt39]

Lists for the sake of lists alright. Cavan's glory days at senior level have been few and far between since 1969, we had more than enough of them before that to dine out on, even if we never witnessed them. The last genuinely class Cavan team at national level was the 60's version that went toe to to with Down in Ulster when Down were some force. Anybody who could be considered a candidate for an all time Cavan 15 from 1970 onward would have to be a serious exception, my nominations being:

Texas Brady-first Cavan All Star-wouln't make an all time 15 as we had plenty of swashbuckling half backs from the days of yore (John Joe, Duke etc);
Jim Reilly-class at colleges, club and county level, represented Ireland and made it onto another of the Irish Indo "lists" best players never to win All Stars;
Stephen King for sticking around so long and finally being there when we ended the famine in 1997;
Dermot McCabe probably deserves a nomination as he is only one of two all stars ever to come out of the County and midfield was not an area that we were totally over run with greats, We didn't see the best of him as he was shagged with injuries, would be leaving the inspiring team talks to others on the 15 though.

Can't see any others in there.