1: Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)
The easiest position on the team to pick, Stephen Cluxton reimagined the position of goalkeeper to make it the most important on the pitch thanks to his laser-guided kick-outs. He has a deep catalogue of brilliant saves too and his match-winner in the 2011 All-Ireland Final will always be an iconic score.
2: Marc Ó Sé
The five-time All-Ireland winner and 2007 Footballer of the Year combined defensive grit with attacking class. He carried the ball with such style it looked like he glided across the ground.
3: Seamus Moynihan (Kerry)
Footballer of the year in 2000, Moynihan is one of the greatest ball-playing defenders in the history of the game. His athleticism, anticipation, and skill made him a joy to watch as he attacked every ball with gusto.
4: Keith Higgins (Mayo)
The four-time All-Star as the prototype of the modern corner-back thanks to his combination of tigerish defending and counter-attacking ability. He had pace, skill, and a great knack for reading the game.
5: Lee Keegan: The five-time All-Star and 2016 footballer of the year was a brilliant all-round footballer who could combine touch-tight man-marking with a great ability to join the attack and kick important scores.
6: Kieran McGeeney (Armagh)
The 2002 All-Ireland winning Armagh captain was a relentless competitor who tackled brilliantly, read the game intuitively, and had a great range of kick-passing that could turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.
7: James McCarthy (Dublin)
The five-time All-Star was a crucial component in the Dublin team that won nine All-Ireland titles. One of the most athletic players of his generation, his power in the tackle, strength under a high ball, and ability to stride forward in possession always gave his team huge momentum.
8: Brian Fenton (Dublin)
The most important player in Dubin's six-in-a-row winning team and the best midfielder of his generation. Fenton's fielding, athleticism, scoring range, and ability to be in the right place at the right time was special.
9: Michael Murphy (Donegal)
The five-time All-Star is one of the most complete players of his era. A master of all skills from catching to kicking, tackling to scoring.
10: Sean Cavanagh (Tyrone)
The 2008 Footballer of the Year and five-time All-Star was irresistible at his best thanks to a rare combination of speed, skill, strength, and scoring power.
11: Peter Canavan (Tyrone)
He played champagne football in the 1990s as well but Canavan saved the sweetest wine for the noughties, captaining Tyrone to their first ever All-Ireland in 2003 and playing a key role in their second two years later. A master at creating space for himself and finishing clinically.
12: Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin)
The six-time All-Star and two-time Footballer of the Year nominee has been hugely consistent for Dublin during their era of dominance. His work-rate, physicality, eye for a score, and ability to perform on the biggest of occasions have made him a force to be reckoned with.
13: Colm Cooper (Kerry)
The eight-time All-Star and five-time All-Ireland winner is one of the most skilful forwards the game has ever produced. His unique combination of cold-blooded finishing and creative passing saw him excel both as an inside forward and a play-making centre-forward later in his career.
14: David Clifford (Kerry)
Still only 25, David Clifford is already commonly regarded as bone of greatest footballers to ever play the game. His size, speed, skill, and outrageous scoring ability makes him the most complete forward of his generation.
15: Conor McManus (Monaghan)
From 2008 to 2024, Conor McManus scored an astounding 9-291 in championship football, putting him fourth in the list of all-time championship scorers. There are none better at arcing over angled points from either side of the pitch than the Monaghan maestro.
16: Niall Morgan (Tyrone)
It's been the Stephen Cluxton era of goalkeeping but none have stepped out from his shadow more than Morgan who's ability to rove up the field as a play-maker and score points from both play and free-kicks makes him something special.
17: Conor Gormley (Tyrone)
His iconic block on Steven McDonnell in the 2003 All-Ireland Final will always have a special place in Tyrone lore. The three-time All-Star a defender of great physicality and intelligence who could play in a variety of positions.
18: Michael Fitzsimons (Dublin)
The nine-time All-Ireland winner is the best man-marker of his generation. His sustained effectiveness against the best forwards in the game over such a long career has been highly impressive.
19: Tomás Ó Sé (Kerry)
The five-time All-Ireland winner was a force of nature at wing-back for Kerry with his buccaneering runs from defence and ability to take a score an inspiration for team-mates and supporters alike.
20: Jack McCaffrey (Dublin)
Another wing-back who got bums off seats thanks to his electric pace and ability to join the attack and get big scores.
21: Philip Jordan (Tyrone)
Jordan was poetry in motion when he ran forward with the ball and was highly effective too when it came to the bread and butter stuff in defence.
22: Darragh Ó Sé (Kerry)
The six-time All-Ireland winner was the dominant midfielder of his generation. A magnificent fielder of the ball who had a happy habit of kicking some big scores.
23: Stephen O'Neill (Tyrone)
Stephen O'Neill had one of the sweetest left pegs the game has ever seen and a great ability to weave his way through opposition defences thanks to his balance and side-step.
24: Steven McDonnell (Armagh)
The 2003 Footballer of the Year was an absolute assassin in front of the posts who blessed with skill, strength, and ruthless finishing instinct.
25: Cillian O'Connor (Mayo)
Cillian O'Connor is the leading scorer in the history of the championship with an incredible tally of 32-363. The bigger the occasion the more he seemed to like it.
26: Bernard Brogan (Dublin)
The 2010 Footballer of the Year was a really classy attacker seemed just as strong off either foot and showed great composure when goal-scoring opportunities came his way.
Not as "controversial" as the hurling one I don't think. Darren Fay deserves a spot on the panel at the very least.
Quote from: Blowitupref on December 20, 2024, 06:02:40 PM1: Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)
The easiest position on the team to pick, Stephen Cluxton reimagined the position of goalkeeper to make it the most important on the pitch thanks to his laser-guided kick-outs. He has a deep catalogue of brilliant saves too and his match-winner in the 2011 All-Ireland Final will always be an iconic score.
2: Marc Ó Sé
The five-time All-Ireland winner and 2007 Footballer of the Year combined defensive grit with attacking class. He carried the ball with such style it looked like he glided across the ground.
3: Seamus Moynihan (Kerry)
Footballer of the year in 2000, Moynihan is one of the greatest ball-playing defenders in the history of the game. His athleticism, anticipation, and skill made him a joy to watch as he attacked every ball with gusto.
4: Keith Higgins (Mayo)
The four-time All-Star as the prototype of the modern corner-back thanks to his combination of tigerish defending and counter-attacking ability. He had pace, skill, and a great knack for reading the game.
5: Lee Keegan: The five-time All-Star and 2016 footballer of the year was a brilliant all-round footballer who could combine touch-tight man-marking with a great ability to join the attack and kick important scores.
6: Kieran McGeeney (Armagh)
The 2002 All-Ireland winning Armagh captain was a relentless competitor who tackled brilliantly, read the game intuitively, and had a great range of kick-passing that could turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.
7: James McCarthy (Dublin)
The five-time All-Star was a crucial component in the Dublin team that won nine All-Ireland titles. One of the most athletic players of his generation, his power in the tackle, strength under a high ball, and ability to stride forward in possession always gave his team huge momentum.
8: Brian Fenton (Dublin)
The most important player in Dubin's six-in-a-row winning team and the best midfielder of his generation. Fenton's fielding, athleticism, scoring range, and ability to be in the right place at the right time was special.
9: Michael Murphy (Donegal)
The five-time All-Star is one of the most complete players of his era. A master of all skills from catching to kicking, tackling to scoring.
10: Sean Cavanagh (Tyrone)
The 2008 Footballer of the Year and five-time All-Star was irresistible at his best thanks to a rare combination of speed, skill, strength, and scoring power.
11: Peter Canavan (Tyrone)
He played champagne football in the 1990s as well but Canavan saved the sweetest wine for the noughties, captaining Tyrone to their first ever All-Ireland in 2003 and playing a key role in their second two years later. A master at creating space for himself and finishing clinically.
12: Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin)
The six-time All-Star and two-time Footballer of the Year nominee has been hugely consistent for Dublin during their era of dominance. His work-rate, physicality, eye for a score, and ability to perform on the biggest of occasions have made him a force to be reckoned with.
13: Colm Cooper (Kerry)
The eight-time All-Star and five-time All-Ireland winner is one of the most skilful forwards the game has ever produced. His unique combination of cold-blooded finishing and creative passing saw him excel both as an inside forward and a play-making centre-forward later in his career.
14: David Clifford (Kerry)
Still only 25, David Clifford is already commonly regarded as bone of greatest footballers to ever play the game. His size, speed, skill, and outrageous scoring ability makes him the most complete forward of his generation.
15: Conor McManus (Monaghan)
From 2008 to 2024, Conor McManus scored an astounding 9-291 in championship football, putting him fourth in the list of all-time championship scorers. There are none better at arcing over angled points from either side of the pitch than the Monaghan maestro.
16: Niall Morgan (Tyrone)
It's been the Stephen Cluxton era of goalkeeping but none have stepped out from his shadow more than Morgan who's ability to rove up the field as a play-maker and score points from both play and free-kicks makes him something special.
17: Conor Gormley (Tyrone)
His iconic block on Steven McDonnell in the 2003 All-Ireland Final will always have a special place in Tyrone lore. The three-time All-Star a defender of great physicality and intelligence who could play in a variety of positions.
18: Michael Fitzsimons (Dublin)
The nine-time All-Ireland winner is the best man-marker of his generation. His sustained effectiveness against the best forwards in the game over such a long career has been highly impressive.
19: Tomás Ó Sé (Kerry)
The five-time All-Ireland winner was a force of nature at wing-back for Kerry with his buccaneering runs from defence and ability to take a score an inspiration for team-mates and supporters alike.
20: Jack McCaffrey (Dublin)
Another wing-back who got bums off seats thanks to his electric pace and ability to join the attack and get big scores.
21: Philip Jordan (Tyrone)
Jordan was poetry in motion when he ran forward with the ball and was highly effective too when it came to the bread and butter stuff in defence.
22: Darragh Ó Sé (Kerry)
The six-time All-Ireland winner was the dominant midfielder of his generation. A magnificent fielder of the ball who had a happy habit of kicking some big scores.
23: Stephen O'Neill (Tyrone)
Stephen O'Neill had one of the sweetest left pegs the game has ever seen and a great ability to weave his way through opposition defences thanks to his balance and side-step.
24: Steven McDonnell (Armagh)
The 2003 Footballer of the Year was an absolute assassin in front of the posts who blessed with skill, strength, and ruthless finishing instinct.
25: Cillian O'Connor (Mayo)
Cillian O'Connor is the leading scorer in the history of the championship with an incredible tally of 32-363. The bigger the occasion the more he seemed to like it.
26: Bernard Brogan (Dublin)
The 2010 Footballer of the Year was a really classy attacker seemed just as strong off either foot and showed great composure when goal-scoring opportunities came his way.
I'd definitely have jack mccaffrey starting in place of mcgeeney with mccarthy going to 6. Diarmuid Connolly should be on the list also, probably starting ahead of cavanagh.
Quote from: gallsman on December 20, 2024, 07:32:11 PMNot as "controversial" as the hurling one I don't think. Darren Fay deserves a spot on the panel at the very least.
Darren Fay? Padraic Joyce retired him in 2001.
Someone who puts Cillian O'Connor ahead of Padraic Joyce should be referred to a shrink.
Quote from: lenny on December 20, 2024, 07:37:56 PMQuote from: Blowitupref on December 20, 2024, 06:02:40 PM1: Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)
The easiest position on the team to pick, Stephen Cluxton reimagined the position of goalkeeper to make it the most important on the pitch thanks to his laser-guided kick-outs. He has a deep catalogue of brilliant saves too and his match-winner in the 2011 All-Ireland Final will always be an iconic score.
2: Marc Ó Sé
The five-time All-Ireland winner and 2007 Footballer of the Year combined defensive grit with attacking class. He carried the ball with such style it looked like he glided across the ground.
3: Seamus Moynihan (Kerry)
Footballer of the year in 2000, Moynihan is one of the greatest ball-playing defenders in the history of the game. His athleticism, anticipation, and skill made him a joy to watch as he attacked every ball with gusto.
4: Keith Higgins (Mayo)
The four-time All-Star as the prototype of the modern corner-back thanks to his combination of tigerish defending and counter-attacking ability. He had pace, skill, and a great knack for reading the game.
5: Lee Keegan: The five-time All-Star and 2016 footballer of the year was a brilliant all-round footballer who could combine touch-tight man-marking with a great ability to join the attack and kick important scores.
6: Kieran McGeeney (Armagh)
The 2002 All-Ireland winning Armagh captain was a relentless competitor who tackled brilliantly, read the game intuitively, and had a great range of kick-passing that could turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.
7: James McCarthy (Dublin)
The five-time All-Star was a crucial component in the Dublin team that won nine All-Ireland titles. One of the most athletic players of his generation, his power in the tackle, strength under a high ball, and ability to stride forward in possession always gave his team huge momentum.
8: Brian Fenton (Dublin)
The most important player in Dubin's six-in-a-row winning team and the best midfielder of his generation. Fenton's fielding, athleticism, scoring range, and ability to be in the right place at the right time was special.
9: Michael Murphy (Donegal)
The five-time All-Star is one of the most complete players of his era. A master of all skills from catching to kicking, tackling to scoring.
10: Sean Cavanagh (Tyrone)
The 2008 Footballer of the Year and five-time All-Star was irresistible at his best thanks to a rare combination of speed, skill, strength, and scoring power.
11: Peter Canavan (Tyrone)
He played champagne football in the 1990s as well but Canavan saved the sweetest wine for the noughties, captaining Tyrone to their first ever All-Ireland in 2003 and playing a key role in their second two years later. A master at creating space for himself and finishing clinically.
12: Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin)
The six-time All-Star and two-time Footballer of the Year nominee has been hugely consistent for Dublin during their era of dominance. His work-rate, physicality, eye for a score, and ability to perform on the biggest of occasions have made him a force to be reckoned with.
13: Colm Cooper (Kerry)
The eight-time All-Star and five-time All-Ireland winner is one of the most skilful forwards the game has ever produced. His unique combination of cold-blooded finishing and creative passing saw him excel both as an inside forward and a play-making centre-forward later in his career.
14: David Clifford (Kerry)
Still only 25, David Clifford is already commonly regarded as bone of greatest footballers to ever play the game. His size, speed, skill, and outrageous scoring ability makes him the most complete forward of his generation.
15: Conor McManus (Monaghan)
From 2008 to 2024, Conor McManus scored an astounding 9-291 in championship football, putting him fourth in the list of all-time championship scorers. There are none better at arcing over angled points from either side of the pitch than the Monaghan maestro.
16: Niall Morgan (Tyrone)
It's been the Stephen Cluxton era of goalkeeping but none have stepped out from his shadow more than Morgan who's ability to rove up the field as a play-maker and score points from both play and free-kicks makes him something special.
17: Conor Gormley (Tyrone)
His iconic block on Steven McDonnell in the 2003 All-Ireland Final will always have a special place in Tyrone lore. The three-time All-Star a defender of great physicality and intelligence who could play in a variety of positions.
18: Michael Fitzsimons (Dublin)
The nine-time All-Ireland winner is the best man-marker of his generation. His sustained effectiveness against the best forwards in the game over such a long career has been highly impressive.
19: Tomás Ó Sé (Kerry)
The five-time All-Ireland winner was a force of nature at wing-back for Kerry with his buccaneering runs from defence and ability to take a score an inspiration for team-mates and supporters alike.
20: Jack McCaffrey (Dublin)
Another wing-back who got bums off seats thanks to his electric pace and ability to join the attack and get big scores.
21: Philip Jordan (Tyrone)
Jordan was poetry in motion when he ran forward with the ball and was highly effective too when it came to the bread and butter stuff in defence.
22: Darragh Ó Sé (Kerry)
The six-time All-Ireland winner was the dominant midfielder of his generation. A magnificent fielder of the ball who had a happy habit of kicking some big scores.
23: Stephen O'Neill (Tyrone)
Stephen O'Neill had one of the sweetest left pegs the game has ever seen and a great ability to weave his way through opposition defences thanks to his balance and side-step.
24: Steven McDonnell (Armagh)
The 2003 Footballer of the Year was an absolute assassin in front of the posts who blessed with skill, strength, and ruthless finishing instinct.
25: Cillian O'Connor (Mayo)
Cillian O'Connor is the leading scorer in the history of the championship with an incredible tally of 32-363. The bigger the occasion the more he seemed to like it.
26: Bernard Brogan (Dublin)
The 2010 Footballer of the Year was a really classy attacker seemed just as strong off either foot and showed great composure when goal-scoring opportunities came his way.
I'd definitely have jack mccaffrey starting in place of mcgeeney with mccarthy going to 6. Diarmuid Connolly should be on the list also, probably starting ahead of cavanagh.
Agreed.. I'd agree with all those McGeeney attributes except for the kick passing.
Serious team and bench. Of course there should be a Derryman or two on there, but t'is the season of good will 🎄
Cavanagh shouldn't be at 10 but the idea of Connolly ranking ahead of him is hilarious.
Quote from: gallsman on December 20, 2024, 07:53:38 PMCavanagh shouldn't be at 10 but the idea of Connolly ranking ahead of him is hilarious.
It's not, Connolly is one of the most skilful, exciting players to have ever played the game
Imaginary teams are always good craic in midwinter.
Quote from: JoG2 on December 20, 2024, 07:55:21 PMQuote from: gallsman on December 20, 2024, 07:53:38 PMCavanagh shouldn't be at 10 but the idea of Connolly ranking ahead of him is hilarious.
It's not, Connolly is one of the most skilful, exciting players to have ever played the game
And Cavanagh was better than him and certainly had a better career. Connolly fucked around too much.
Connolly went missing in too many All Ireland finals. It's easy run up big scores in Leinster when the rest have given up.
Quote from: gallsman on December 20, 2024, 08:18:34 PMQuote from: JoG2 on December 20, 2024, 07:55:21 PMQuote from: gallsman on December 20, 2024, 07:53:38 PMCavanagh shouldn't be at 10 but the idea of Connolly ranking ahead of him is hilarious.
It's not, Connolly is one of the most skilful, exciting players to have ever played the game
And Cavanagh was better than him and certainly had a better career. Connolly fucked around too much.
Cavanagh is definitely the weak link in that forward line. I would definitely have Connolly or even P Joyce well ahead of him.
Canavan in the half forwards doesn't seem right.
I don't think Mc Geeney should be on it. He was captain of the team which adds a few more percent to any player but definately his longevity as a maanger has got him a place on that team.
Cavanagh is no doubt a tool but he was a fantastic footballer. It is no coincidence Tyrone's best ever period coincided with him being in his prime. I think that clouds judgement. 08 final one of the better individual performances I remember in a final. One of the Donegal ulster finals one of the best I remember in an ulster final.
Would agree on mcgeeney. Excellent but maybe not best of the last 25 years. Not sure on mcmanus either. Obviously fantastic but not sure about best of last 25 years.
Cavanagh won 5 All Stars and a FOTY. When he was in midfield during Tyrone's peak, he was the best midfielder in the country. When he was at FF he was the best FF in the country.
Quote from: imtommygunn on December 20, 2024, 09:15:53 PMCavanagh is no doubt a tool but he was a fantastic footballer. It is no coincidence Tyrone's best ever period coincided with him being in his prime. I think that clouds judgement. 08 final one of the better individual performances I remember in a final. One of the Donegal ulster finals one of the best I remember in an ulster final.
Would agree on mcgeeney. Excellent but maybe not best of the last 25 years. Not sure on mcmanus either. Obviously fantastic but not sure about best of last 25 years.
McManus is as good an inside forward as there's been imo, outstanding player
Diarmuid Connolly was a maverick footballer who was really loved and hyped by the likes of Balls.ie,Joe.ie Colm Parkinson etc however when they picked that best 26 they probably left him out because he was mostly a flat track bully.
Quote from: gallsman on December 20, 2024, 09:23:09 PMCavanagh won 5 All Stars and a FOTY. When he was in midfield during Tyrone's peak, he was the best midfielder in the country. When he was at FF he was the best FF in the country.
Yep. I think people forget how good he was because he's such a tool as a pundit.
McManus great don't get me wrong but I just think there maybe were a few better.
Quote from: dec on December 20, 2024, 08:57:25 PMCanavan in the half forwards doesn't seem right.
He should be in midfield no doubt ahead of Murphy who has been shoehorned in as a midfielder.
Quote from: gallsman on December 20, 2024, 09:23:09 PMCavanagh won 5 All Stars and a FOTY. When he was in midfield during Tyrone's peak, he was the best midfielder in the country. When he was at FF he was the best FF in the country.
Would agree was brilliant as a midfielder there was one year Harte threw him in at full forward to give them a target man but in the main played 14 when he was coming to the end and the legs started to go? Not sure he was at the level of McManus, Murphy, Brogan etc when was at 14?
Why has the GAA even published this shite, it's Irish News joe.ie slow news week off season drivel
No Con O'Callaghan on team never mind 26!
Quote from: marty34 on December 20, 2024, 09:03:08 PMI don't think Mc Geeney should be on it. He was captain of the team which adds a few more percent to any player but definately his longevity as a maanger has got him a place on that team.
Has it?
He won f**k all as a manager before a few months ago.
Think Oisin McConville and Paraic Joyce need a place in the 26.
It's a good team. It's pretty close.
But if you can't find room for Canavan in the full forward line, then you shouldn't be moving him out the field. It's like the 2005 all stars, when Tyrone had by two and half distances the best CHF in the country. But the committee overlooked this and swansonged the award.
Quote from: statto on December 20, 2024, 10:36:24 PMQuote from: gallsman on December 20, 2024, 09:23:09 PMCavanagh won 5 All Stars and a FOTY. When he was in midfield during Tyrone's peak, he was the best midfielder in the country. When he was at FF he was the best FF in the country.
Would agree was brilliant as a midfielder there was one year Harte threw him in at full forward to give them a target man but in the main played 14 when he was coming to the end and the legs started to go? Not sure he was at the level of McManus, Murphy, Brogan etc when was at 14?
He was FF in 2008 as FOTY and (I'm pretty sure) MOTM in the final.
The suggestion of Connolly replacing Cavanagh is bonkers.
I have O'Se in midfield.
Wouldn't even have Canavan on it. Great in the 90's, but only played 5yrs of that 25yrs and was on the slide by then. I move Cooper No.11,Clifford to the Corner,Murphy full forward. Lad never played midfield, maybe 2/3yrs at the finish.
Actually drop McGeeney too, Tomas O'Se was a way better footballer, move McCarthy to No.6
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on December 21, 2024, 12:37:09 PMWouldn't even have Canavan on it. Great in the 90's, but only played 5yrs of that 25yrs and was on the slide by then. I move Cooper No.11,Clifford to the Corner,Murphy full forward. Lad never played midfield, maybe 2/3yrs at the finish.
If that's the criteria I'd get rid of Moynihan too. Canavan was way more impactful in the noughties than he was.
Clifford shouldn't be a cert either.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on December 21, 2024, 12:37:09 PMWouldn't even have Canavan on it. Great in the 90's, but only played 5yrs of that 25yrs and was on the slide by then. I move Cooper No.11,Clifford to the Corner,Murphy full forward. Lad never played midfield, maybe 2/3yrs at the finish.
:D The years he got three All Stars to add to the three he already had...
Quote from: The Trap on December 21, 2024, 04:50:38 AMNo Con O'Callaghan on team never mind 26!
You can't fit everyone, unfortunately.
Where's Karl Lacey, after Murphy the best player to come out of Donegal and a master at two positions?
Its a fun debate though.
At a quick glance the obvious big omission seems to be Padraic Joyce.
Joyce would probably be ahead of Clifford and McManus for me. Stevie as well.
Quote from: J70 on December 21, 2024, 01:01:11 PMQuote from: The Trap on December 21, 2024, 04:50:38 AMNo Con O'Callaghan on team never mind 26!
You can't fit everyone, unfortunately.
Where's Karl Lacey, after Murphy the best player to come out of Donegal and a master at two positions?
Its a fun debate though.
Lacey was the first I thought of when I seen the 26.
Joyce, Canavan, Clifford, Murphy and Cooper are automatic picks in the forwards. It's the other pick that's debatable. Any one from Connolly, Kilkenny, Mcmanus, Stephen O'neill and Cavanagh. Connolly was definitely the best to watch of those players but Kilkenny possibly the most consistent and effective. Stephen O'Neill unlucky to miss out on a starting spot for me but he could easily come in for canavan based on performances since 2000.
How many yrs did Joyce play from 99? Few big yrs at the start if the 00"s then disappeared as Galway fell away.McManus played on a less successful and low profile team but I say he was the better player.
Quote from: lenny on December 21, 2024, 04:38:31 PMJoyce, Canavan, Clifford, Murphy and Cooper are automatic picks in the forwards. It's the other pick that's debatable. Any one from Connolly, Kilkenny, Mcmanus, Stephen O'neill and Cavanagh. Connolly was definitely the best to watch of those players but Kilkenny possibly the most consistent and effective. Stephen O'Neill unlucky to miss out on a starting spot for me but he could easily come in for canavan based on performances since 2000.
Clifford not a cert for me tbh.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on December 21, 2024, 04:51:07 PMHow many yrs did Joyce play from 99? Few big yrs at the start if the 00"s then disappeared as Galway fell away.McManus played on a less successful and low profile team but I say he was the better player.
Retired in 2012. Galway fell off a lot after 2005 ish so he spent the latter half of his career on some very ordinary Galway sides. But he was still very good right up to retirement. Just slowed down. Don't see how he could be left off this list though. He was that good.
Joyce did more from 2000-2005 than Canavan did.
Quote from: Cortoon on December 22, 2024, 08:37:23 PMJoyce did more from 2000-2005 than Canavan did.
Won less All Irelands, less All Stars & less NFLs in that time though??
Eoin O'Gara won 7 All Irelands. He should be on the team so.
No he shouldn't be. Don't think he won a single All Star.
Put it this way. If Canavan made his debut in 2000 and was already tailing off as an impact sub by 2005, he wouldn't be near the team.
The selectors are giving him credit for what he did before 2000.
Put it this way, Canavan won the same amount of All Stars 2002-2005 as Joyce did in his whole career.
Joyce v Canavan shouldn't be a discussion unless it's about who they're replacing in the FF line.
To be honest I'd have both ahead of McManus and Cooper in the full forward line, and y'know pick half forwards for the half forward line.
As a completely biased Fermanagh man , I find it hard to believe that Barry Owens hasn't been mentioned .
Larry Reilly better than any of them boys...player of the century.
Quote from: Duine Inteacht Eile on December 22, 2024, 08:58:20 PMQuote from: Cortoon on December 22, 2024, 08:37:23 PMJoyce did more from 2000-2005 than Canavan did.
Won less All Irelands, less All Stars & less NFLs in that time though??
Fewer. What's your day job?
Quote from: Cortoon on December 22, 2024, 08:37:23 PMJoyce did more from 2000-2005 than Canavan did.
Canavan
2001 Won Ulster championship.
2002... Tyrone won first League title and Canavan got his 4th All Star.
2003 Captained Tyrone to win Ulster and their first All Ireland senior title.
Top scorer in the All Ireland final with 5 points despite having suffered an ankle injury in the previous match, and was not expected (or advised) to play. Taken off before half-time and went back on with 10 minutes to go.
In the drawn Ulster final against Down, he scored penalty to start Tyrone comeback.
In 2003 championship scored 1–48, including 8 points in Ulster final replay, and won the National League.
All Star No 5.
2005
In the All-Ireland semi-final against Armagh, Canavan scored with the last high pressure free kick of the game, winning the match for Tyrone.
Scored the only goal of the All Ireland final when Tyrone beat Kerry.
All Star No 6.
Retired from County football.
Tell us what Joyce did those years...
Look I like Joyce. Was a fantastic footballer. But I think just below Canavan, which is no slight imo as I'd have Canavan in the top tier of footballers to have played that I witnessed. Stephen O'Neill or Joyce is a better conversion as both exceptional point takers.
O'Neill a better footballer than Joyce. Joyce had the better career.
Mattie forde worth a mention?
Declan Browne is a huge omission. He was one of the greatest corner forwards of all time.
He played on a weak team and still performed miracles.
Most of those other forwards mentioned got an armchair ride from playing on strong teams.
Imagine if Cooper or Joyce played on a Division 4 team, double marked, the ball rarely getting up to them!
Quote from: Premier Emperor on December 23, 2024, 02:37:41 PMDeclan Browne is a huge omission. He was one of the greatest corner forwards of all time.
He played on a weak team and still performed miracles.
Most of those other forwards mentioned got an armchair ride from playing on strong teams.
Imagine if Cooper or Joyce played on a Division 4 team, double marked, the ball rarely getting up to them!
Would it not perhaps be more difficult to be the clear stand-out player on a great team than do do likewise on a poor team?
The likes of Canavan, Joyce, Cooper, Clifford spent their entire careers being marked by the best defender from the best teams in Ireland. With the greatest respect to Browne and Forde, they did not.
Quote from: thewobbler on December 23, 2024, 03:24:51 PMQuote from: Premier Emperor on December 23, 2024, 02:37:41 PMDeclan Browne is a huge omission. He was one of the greatest corner forwards of all time.
He played on a weak team and still performed miracles.
Most of those other forwards mentioned got an armchair ride from playing on strong teams.
Imagine if Cooper or Joyce played on a Division 4 team, double marked, the ball rarely getting up to them!
Would it not perhaps be more difficult to be the clear stand-out player on a great team than do do likewise on a poor team?
The likes of Canavan, Joyce, Cooper, Clifford spent their entire careers being marked by the best defender from the best teams in Ireland. With the greatest respect to Browne and Forde, they did not.
Argument to be made both ways isn't there.
If you're the main man on a weak team as a forward, you're getting less good ball into you, you could be the only real threat so the opposition can fully focus on you, if you're one of 3 or 4 top forwards on the team the opposition has more to worry about.
Quote from: thewobbler on December 23, 2024, 03:24:51 PMQuote from: Premier Emperor on December 23, 2024, 02:37:41 PMDeclan Browne is a huge omission. He was one of the greatest corner forwards of all time.
He played on a weak team and still performed miracles.
Most of those other forwards mentioned got an armchair ride from playing on strong teams.
Imagine if Cooper or Joyce played on a Division 4 team, double marked, the ball rarely getting up to them!
Would it not perhaps be more difficult to be the clear stand-out player on a great team than do do likewise on a poor team?
The likes of Canavan, Joyce, Cooper, Clifford spent their entire careers being marked by the best defender from the best teams in Ireland. With the greatest respect to Browne and Forde, they did not.
I thought the same... would Browne have been a stand-outplayer with Mulligan, Stephen O'Neill, Brian McGuigan, Cavlan, Dooher etc around him? 🤷
Quote from: Armagh18 on December 23, 2024, 03:37:22 PMQuote from: thewobbler on December 23, 2024, 03:24:51 PMQuote from: Premier Emperor on December 23, 2024, 02:37:41 PMDeclan Browne is a huge omission. He was one of the greatest corner forwards of all time.
He played on a weak team and still performed miracles.
Most of those other forwards mentioned got an armchair ride from playing on strong teams.
Imagine if Cooper or Joyce played on a Division 4 team, double marked, the ball rarely getting up to them!
Would it not perhaps be more difficult to be the clear stand-out player on a great team than do do likewise on a poor team?
The likes of Canavan, Joyce, Cooper, Clifford spent their entire careers being marked by the best defender from the best teams in Ireland. With the greatest respect to Browne and Forde, they did not.
Argument to be made both ways isn't there.
If you're the main man on a weak team as a forward, you're getting less good ball into you, you could be the only real threat so the opposition can fully focus on you, if you're one of 3 or 4 top forwards on the team the opposition has more to worry about.
You're right, and there's neither science nor symmetry to either side of the argument.
But just from personal experience of watching club football in Down around the same vintage as Browne and Forde i.e. before mass defences, the biggest difference for yo-yo club stars like Ronan Murtagh, Danny Hughes and John Clarke, was when they went to D1, most clubs had a defender with the physical and mental capacity to go head-to-head with them. Same 3 lads were still more than easy to pick out at D1, but they had to work much harder, and had to be more tuned in, in order to stand out. I'd expect county football follows a similar pattern.
Meanwhile the best player in Down throughout that era was Benny Coulter. Yes he'd the best team around him, and by a distance. But he was visibly the best and most important player in that team, and ruined most defenders who tried to prove otherwise.
Quote from: Truthsayer on December 23, 2024, 03:49:44 PMI thought the same... would Browne have been a stand-outplayer with Mulligan, Stephen O'Neill, Brian McGuigan, Cavlan, Dooher etc around him? 🤷
Ah playing with Cavlan would have brought out the dog in him alright.
Jokes aside, would he still have stood out? Yes. Would he have stood out to the same extent? Clearly no.
No word of Paddy Bradley, Sean Marty Lockhart , Brian McGuigab?
Quote from: gallsman on December 23, 2024, 04:50:58 PMQuote from: Truthsayer on December 23, 2024, 03:49:44 PMI thought the same... would Browne have been a stand-outplayer with Mulligan, Stephen O'Neill, Brian McGuigan, Cavlan, Dooher etc around him? 🤷
Ah playing with Cavlan would have brought out the dog in him alright.
Jokes aside, would he still have stood out? Yes. Would he have stood out to the same extent? Clearly no.
Not sure that he was he better than any of those players who all got All Stars (apart from Cavlan)
Quote from: Truthsayer on December 23, 2024, 06:57:50 PMQuote from: gallsman on December 23, 2024, 04:50:58 PMQuote from: Truthsayer on December 23, 2024, 03:49:44 PMI thought the same... would Browne have been a stand-outplayer with Mulligan, Stephen O'Neill, Brian McGuigan, Cavlan, Dooher etc around him? 🤷
Ah playing with Cavlan would have brought out the dog in him alright.
Jokes aside, would he still have stood out? Yes. Would he have stood out to the same extent? Clearly no.
Not sure that he was he better than any of those players who all got All Stars (apart from Cavlan)
I didn't say he was better then them. All those players you mention "stood out" in that team to one extent or another on different days.
Sure your going down that route, then John Galvin best midfielder past 25yrs!
Quote from: Truthsayer on December 23, 2024, 12:52:39 AMQuote from: Cortoon on December 22, 2024, 08:37:23 PMJoyce did more from 2000-2005 than Canavan did.
Canavan
2001 Won Ulster championship.
2002... Tyrone won first League title and Canavan got his 4th All Star.
2003 Captained Tyrone to win Ulster and their first All Ireland senior title.
Top scorer in the All Ireland final with 5 points despite having suffered an ankle injury in the previous match, and was not expected (or advised) to play. Taken off before half-time and went back on with 10 minutes to go.
In the drawn Ulster final against Down, he scored penalty to start Tyrone comeback.
In 2003 championship scored 1–48, including 8 points in Ulster final replay, and won the National League.
All Star No 5.
2005
In the All-Ireland semi-final against Armagh, Canavan scored with the last high pressure free kick of the game, winning the match for Tyrone.
Scored the only goal of the All Ireland final when Tyrone beat Kerry.
All Star No 6.
Retired from County football.
Tell us what Joyce did those years...
11 points in the Ulster final replay in 2003
Quote from: Armagh18 on December 21, 2024, 06:29:14 PMQuote from: lenny on December 21, 2024, 04:38:31 PMJoyce, Canavan, Clifford, Murphy and Cooper are automatic picks in the forwards. It's the other pick that's debatable. Any one from Connolly, Kilkenny, Mcmanus, Stephen O'neill and Cavanagh. Connolly was definitely the best to watch of those players but Kilkenny possibly the most consistent and effective. Stephen O'Neill unlucky to miss out on a starting spot for me but he could easily come in for canavan based on performances since 2000.
Clifford not a cert for me tbh.
Having read most of the posts here I'd still stick with my first 5 choices as forwards but I would add paddy Bradley to make up the forward line. If any team left him one on one he was unstoppable against any defender. Strong, really quick and a class finisher, he was as good as anyone.
Quote from: lenny on December 24, 2024, 01:43:51 PMQuote from: Armagh18 on December 21, 2024, 06:29:14 PMQuote from: lenny on December 21, 2024, 04:38:31 PMJoyce, Canavan, Clifford, Murphy and Cooper are automatic picks in the forwards. It's the other pick that's debatable. Any one from Connolly, Kilkenny, Mcmanus, Stephen O'neill and Cavanagh. Connolly was definitely the best to watch of those players but Kilkenny possibly the most consistent and effective. Stephen O'Neill unlucky to miss out on a starting spot for me but he could easily come in for canavan based on performances since 2000.
Clifford not a cert for me tbh.
Having read most of the posts here I'd still stick with my first 5 choices as forwards but I would add paddy Bradley to make up the forward line. If any team left him one on one he was unstoppable against any defender. Strong, really quick and a class finisher, he was as good as anyone.
Paddy was an elite forward, one of the best in a group of exceptional inside forwards, you could argue a case for any of them. But Clifford / Canavan would be absolutely nailed on.
I know he's not going to be on this team so no abuse please, but Shane Walsh's performance in the 2022 final was up there with anything any of these players have produced, if you're basing these off peak performance in a one off game, not many hit a higher level.
Obviously hasn't had enough days like that to get on this list but worth a mention.
Has Diarmuid Connolly not got a case as well?
Nope, liability to the team to be honest! Exceptional player but not the best forward on that Dublin Team, Bernard Brogan was better, even though they intersected at different times in their careers. As for Canavan All star No.6, don't even mention it, didn't deserve it,got the sympathy vote of his last year. That's was McGuigans spot all over!
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on December 24, 2024, 03:53:18 PMNope, liability to the team to be honest! Exceptional player but not the best forward on that Dublin Team, Bernard Brogan was better, even though they intersected at different times in their careers. As for Canavan All star No.6, don't even mention it, didn't deserve it,got the sympathy vote of his last year. That's was McGuigans spot all over!
He hardly needed sympathy: he'd just won his second All Ireland medal and scored the only goal in the All Ireland final and had 5 All Stars :D
And that deserved an all star that year? Nope!
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on December 24, 2024, 04:24:14 PMAnd that deserved an all star that year? Nope!
Debatable... maybe McGuigan should have got Gooch's All Star... he didn't turn up for the final
Quote from: Truthsayer on December 24, 2024, 04:27:58 PMQuote from: Wildweasel74 on December 24, 2024, 04:24:14 PMAnd that deserved an all star that year? Nope!
Debatable... maybe McGuigan should have got Gooch's All Star... he didn't turn up for the final
The best CHF should have got the CHF spot. All stars will always have a subjective air to them - as with the 25 year team - but picking someone who doesn't play in a given position makes it all wishy washy nonsense.
Quote from: Truthsayer on December 24, 2024, 04:27:58 PMQuote from: Wildweasel74 on December 24, 2024, 04:24:14 PMAnd that deserved an all star that year? Nope!
Debatable... maybe McGuigan should have got Gooch's All Star... he didn't turn up for the final
Gooch got 3 points from play in 2005 final.
Quote from: thewobbler on December 24, 2024, 04:41:08 PMQuote from: Truthsayer on December 24, 2024, 04:27:58 PMQuote from: Wildweasel74 on December 24, 2024, 04:24:14 PMAnd that deserved an all star that year? Nope!
Debatable... maybe McGuigan should have got Gooch's All Star... he didn't turn up for the final
The best CHF should have got the CHF spot. All stars will always have a subjective air to them - as with the 25 year team - but picking someone who doesn't play in a given position makes it all wishy washy nonsense.
You're not wrong. All opinions anyway. McGuigan probably should have got CHF that year. Maybe should pick best 20 players of the year, whatever their position...
Quote from: Gael85 on December 24, 2024, 04:50:05 PMQuote from: Truthsayer on December 24, 2024, 04:27:58 PMQuote from: Wildweasel74 on December 24, 2024, 04:24:14 PMAnd that deserved an all star that year? Nope!
Debatable... maybe McGuigan should have got Gooch's All Star... he didn't turn up for the final
Gooch got 3 points from play in 2005 final.
Tyrone be happy with that from a legendary Kerry forward...