the irish independent top 125 football and hurling stars

[the Deel Rover]

the independent is listing its 125 top 125 football and huling stars from tuesday to saturday here are the 1st 25 of each
The 125 greatest stars of the GAA

Tuesday November 03 2009

The first of our five-part series to mark the 125th anniversary starts the search for the top footballer and hurler of all-time

Football
125 Jimmy Barry Murphy (Cork)

One of the GAA's greatest dual players, he carved a reputation as one of football's deadliest finishers, scoring two of Cork's three goals in their 1973 All-Ireland final win over Galway.

124 PJ Duke (Cavan)

Part of Cavan's magnificent half-back line of the 1940s, Duke would also line out at midfield in the Polo Grounds final of 1947 and corner-forward in the 1945 decider, underlining his great versatility as a footballer. He died aged only 25.

123 Liam Hayes (Meath)

His partnership with Gerry McEntee endured for the best part of a decade, during which time Meath contested four All-Ireland finals (winning two) and won five Leinster titles. Hayes was 'man of the match' in the 1987 All-Ireland final.

122 Gabriel Kelly (Cavan)

Kelly featured regularly on All Star teams selected in the 1960s and was a permanent fixture on the all-conquering Ulster Railway Cup teams of the 1960s. Renowned as one of the great corner-backs of his era, he won four Ulster medals.

121 Peter McGinnity (Fermanagh)

An All Star in 1982, McGinnity spent many long and fruitless years with Fermanagh (1971-'88) but had an imposing presence across a variety of positions.

120 Joe Kernan (Armagh)

Kernan was effective at either midfield or centre-forward and has the distinction of scoring two goals in an All-Ireland final and still ending up on the losing side. Won All Stars in 1977 and '82.

119 Ray Carolan (Cavan)

Carolan forged a reputation in the tough environment of 1960s Ulster football as being one of the dominant forces of Cavan football's last great period, when they won four provincial titles.

118 Jack Higgins (Kildare)

An integral part of the Kildare team that claimed the first Sam Maguire Cup in 1928, Higgins had a reputation as a masterful centre-back and was chosen there on the Kildare 'team of the millennium'.

117 Gerry McEntee (Meath)

McEntee mixed a career as a specialist surgeon with playing his part on a Meath team that took the baton from the great Kerry team in the 1980s. A great competitor and fielder, his partnership with Liam Hayes was enduring.

116 Gerry O'Malley (Roscommon)

O'Malley's career spanned three decades and yielded four Connacht championships but All-Ireland success eluded him in 1962 when he was their 33-year-old captain against Kerry.

115 Eugene 'Nudie' Hughes (Monaghan)

To win three All Stars with Monaghan was quite an achievement. To win one as a defender (1979) -- his previous two were in attack -- underlined the rounded footballer 'Nudie' was. Monaghan's most inspiring player in a golden period.

114 Paddy Mackey (Wexford)

A throwback to the great Wexford team that completed four in a row from 1915-'18, Mackey was a renowned dual player who had previously won an All-Ireland hurling medal in 1910.

113 Gay O'Driscoll (Dublin)

The word solid stuck to O'Driscoll throughout his career. He was unspectacular but brought hardness and durability to a Dublin defence, traits which earned him All Stars in 1975 and '77.

112 Martin Newell (Galway)

Class was written over everything Newell did. Left half-back on Galway's three-in-a-row team of the 1960s, he was one of the team's most stylish players and was 'footballer of the year' in 1965.

111 Paul Curran (Dublin)

One of the most elegant wing-backs of modern times, Curran could play anywhere, but right half-back was his launch pad for an All-Ireland title and four successive Leinster titles in the 1990s. 'Footballer of the year' in 1995.

110 Kevin O'Brien (Wicklow)

The first Wicklow All Star in 1990, he ploughed a lone furrow for many years but was always a creative and brave attacking force who used the platforms of his club, province and even country to showcase his skills.

109 Darren Fay (Meath)

Arguably the best full-back of the modern era, he was a cornerstone on Sean Boylan's Meath teams of the 1990s and for a couple of seasons he was just about unbeatable. Mixed size with great speed and agility. Three times an All Star.

108 Eugene Mulligan (Offaly)

The first automatic All Star in 1971, the year he also picked up 'footballer of the year'. Mulligan was a dashing, stylish half-back and key component of the great Offaly team of the 1970s.

107 Sean O'Connell (Derry)

A popular member of the greatest team never to win an All-Ireland medal voted on in 1984, O'Connell's main stage was the Railway Cup, which he won with Ulster on four occasions. An agile, intelligent forward.

106 Niall Cahalane (Cork)

The iron man of the Billy Morgan's defence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, All Star defender in 1987 and '88, Cahalane's determination was one of the traits of this team.

105 Barney Rock (Dublin)

Rock cultivated an impressive kicking style that gave him wonderful trajectory and was one of the great modern day place-kickers. An All Star in 1983 -- when he won his only All-Ireland medal -- '84 and '85, his goal in the 1983 final against Galway was real opportunism.

104 Paddy Moriarty (Armagh)

Moriarty won his first All Star in 1972 as a teenager and showed immense versatility to win a second five years later at centre-back. Renowned for the class and composure he had in possession.

103 Paddy Cullen (Dublin)

One of the game's great characters, Cullen brought reliability to Dublin on his way to three All-Ireland medals and four All Stars (1974, '76, '77 and '79).

102 Bernard Flynn (Meath)

Flynn gave one of the greatest displays on a losing team in an All-Ireland final against Down in 1991, scoring six points. A lively forward who was equally comfortable off either foot.

101 Paudie Lynch (Kerry)

Won his five All-Ireland medals as a midfielder, half-back and corner-back, making him one of the Kingdom's most versatile performers in the 1970s. Three All Stars (1974, '78 and '81) also came his way.

Hurling
125 Joe Salmon (Galway)

A regular for Galway between 1949 and 1964, was chosen at midfield on the best team never to win an All-Ireland in the GAA's Centenary year. Career coincided with a period when Galway alternated between All-Ireland contenders and lost souls in Munster.

124 Liam Dunne (Wexford)

Played 126 competitive senior games for Wexford in a lengthy career which reached its peak in 1996, when he played an influential role from centre-back in their All-Ireland success. A triple All Star winner in 1990, '93 and '96.

123 Sean Stack (Clare)

He never won an All-Ireland medal but he is still recalled as one of hurling's great centre-backs. A key figure in Clare's double NHL success in 1977-78 on a team which was very unlucky not to make the championship breakthrough.

122 Austin Flynn (Waterford)

Full-back on the Waterford team that won the 1959 All-Ireland title, Flynn continued to excel in the position long into the 1960s and he was chosen at No 3 on unofficial All Star teams in 1963, '65 and '66.

121 Pat Delaney (Offaly)

Hurler of the year in 1981, when he played a huge role in driving Offaly towards their first All-Ireland SHC title. An imposing figure at No 6, he was also extremely effective going forward.

120 Dan Quigley (Wexford)

A member of one of Wexford's most famous hurling families, he was captain of the side that staged a remarkable recovery against Tipperary to win the 1968 All-Ireland final. A regular with Leinster for many years.

119 Tony Browne (Waterford)

Still going strong at the age of 36, he has been a key part of the Waterford scene since helping them win their only All-Ireland U-21 title in 1992. Best-known as a wing-back, he has also excelled at centre-back and midfield.

118 Timmy Ryan (Limerick)

Hurled at senior level with Limerick for 15 years, during which he won three All-Ireland senior medals in 1934, '36 and '40 and five successive NHL titles in 1934-38. Best known as a midfielder, he won 15 Limerick championships with Ahane.

117 Anthony Daly (Clare)

It was fitting that the honour of being the first Clare man to lead the county to All-Ireland glory for 81 years fell to Daly. A natural leader who captained Clare for eight seasons, the All-Ireland wins in 1995 and '97 were the high points of a high-yield career.

116 Seamus Cleere (Kilkenny)

The first Kilkenny man to be chosen as hurler of the year in 1963, a year in which he captained them to All-Ireland success from right half-back. He captained Leinster to Railway Cup success in 1964 and won two more All-Ireland medals in 1967 and '69.

115 Josie Gallagher (Galway)

Chosen at right half-forward in 1984 on the best team never to win an All-Ireland medal, it was a recognition of the Gort man's excellence on the Galway team between 1942 and 1954, a period in which the county enjoyed little success.

114 Tomas Mulcahy (Cork)

A dual player of considerable talent, it was as a hurler that he really excelled in a career which saw him win three All-Ireland senior medals, one as captain in 1990.

Equally effective in either the half-forward or full-forward lines.

113 Martin Comerford (Kilkenny)

His goal, scored after coming on as a sub in this year's All-Ireland final, may well have been the decisive score but then he has a well-deserved reputation for scoring crucial goals since joining the Kilkenny panel for the 2002 season.

112 Martin Storey (Wexford)

Played for Wexford for 23 years, starring as an U-14 in 1977 and ending with the seniors in 2000. In between, he gave remarkable service to the county, the highlight of which was leading them to All-Ireland glory in 1996. A triple All Star winner.

111 Francis Loughnane (Tipperary) A deadly sniper from frees and open play, he enjoyed an outstanding career as a half-forward with club (Roscrea) and county. He was chosen at right half-forward on the first three All Star teams in 1971, '72 and '73.

110 George O'Connor (Wexford)

O'Connor on his knees offering a thanksgiving prayer is one of the great images from the post-match scene at the 1996 final. He had been on the team for 17 years and won the elusive medal in what was his last game for Wexford whom he served so well as a midfielder and half-forward.

109 Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny)

Seven All-Ireland senior medals and four All Star awards. That's quite a haul and it's probably not complete yet for a man who can exploit his opportunistic instincts anywhere in attack.

108 Johnny Dooley (Offaly)

A triple All Star winner in 1994, '95 and again in 2000, he brought a whole lot more than accuracy from frees to an Offaly squad that enjoyed remarkable success.

107 Ben O'Connor (Cork)

One of the real Cork stars right through this decade and, on the evidence of his performance for Newtownshandrum on Sunday, he still has a plenty more in the tank.

106 Willie O'Connor (Kilkenny)

It was wholly appropriate that he should captain Kilkenny to All-Ireland success in 2000, climaxing a great career in which he won four All-Ireland medals and four All Star awards.

105 Martin O'Doherty (Cork)

A triple All-Ireland medal winner from 1976 to '78 and a triple All Star recipient in 1977, '78 and '79, he was a huge presence at full-back in what was a glory era on Leeside.

104 Garrett Howard (Limerick, Dublin)

Winner of five All-Ireland senior medals with Dublin and Limerick between 1921 and 1936, he also holds the distinction of having won Railway Cup medals with both Leinster and Munster.

103 Tony Keady (Galway)

Hurler of the year in 1988, he brought a swashbuckling approach to centre-back play during what was a glory period for Galway.

102 John Leahy (Tipperary)

Promoted to the senior team as a teenager in 1988, he would go on to become of Tipp's main men for over a decade, during which he won three All Star awards, two as a wing-forward and one at midfield.

101 Joe Deane (Cork)

Made his senior debut in 1996 and brought a remarkable level of consistency to his game right up his final season in 2008.

A wonderfully gifted touch player, his strike rate from open play and frees were crucial to many Cork successes.

[5 Sams]

I'd imagine that this is the same list the Belfast Telegraph are copying at the minute in an effort to make themselves fenian friendly.

[the Deel Rover]

100 Oisin McConville (Armagh) No player has scored more in Ulster championship history, a considerable achievement by any standards, underlining the nerves of steel he possessed. Seven Ulster titles, one All-Ireland with Armagh and four with his club Crossmaglen point to a great career.

99 Tony McTague (Offaly) Offaly's All-Ireland winning captain and wing-forward in 1972 was an All Star on the first two teams selected and was renowned for his almost unerring accuracy from both play and frees.

98 Tom O'Hare (Down) O'Hare began the 1968 All-Ireland final against Kerry at corner-back but was quickly shifted to centre-back on to Kerry dangerman Pat Griffin and his influence was profound. For such a big man he oozed skill on the ball.

97 Glenn Ryan (Kildare) The dominant figure on the team that brought glory back to Kildare in the 1990s, Ryan led them from centre-back with courageous displays, none better than their 1997 championship win over Laois with 13 men. Captained Kildare in '98.

96 Tony Hanahoe (Dublin) One of Gaelic football's great captains and great leaders, Hanahoe provided an intelligent presence to Dublin's half-forward line in the 1970s. Captain and coach to Dublin in 1977.

95 Sean Lowry (Offaly and Mayo) One of the few players to win All Stars in defence (1982) and attack (1979), Lowry was hugely versatile and featured on Offaly's All-Ireland winning teams of 1972 and '82. Won a Connacht medal with Mayo in '85.

94 Charlie Gallagher (Cavan) Gallagher's time with Cavan came after their All-Ireland successes but he nevertheless helped them to three Ulster titles with a prolific scoring return, topping the scoring charts in 1965 (123 points) and 1967 (109 points).

93 Tony McManus (Roscommon) One of the greatest forwards never to win an All-Ireland medal, McManus was unfortunate enough to lose out in five All-Ireland club finals with Clanna Gael. An All Star in 1989, he had to be satisfied with six Connacht medals.

92 Colm McAlarney (Down) The only footballer to win Railway Cup medals in three different decades, he was 20 years old when he made such a huge impact as a midfielder on Down's All-Ireland-winning 1968 team and continued playing into the 1980s.

91 Paddy O'Driscoll (Cork) His selection at right corner-back on the Munster 'team of the millennium' is evidence of the high regard O'Driscoll, who lost All-Ireland finals in 1956 and '57, was held in.

90 Pat O'Shea (Kerry) Nicknamed 'Aeroplane' because of the height he could jump and the way he could field a ball, O'Shea's reputation as an early Kerry legend has stood the test of time. Won All-Ireland medals in 1913 and 1914.

89 Brian McEniff (Donegal) McEniff's name is synonymous with Donegal football and, more to the point, Donegal success. An All Star half-back in 1972 when he helped Donegal to their first ever Ulster title which they added to in '74.

88 Mickey Linden (Down) Now making his mark in veterans athletics, which is no surprise because pace and opportunism were his hallmarks as a player. Won two All-Ireland medals but, surprisingly, just one All Star in 1994.

87 Anton O'Toole (Dublin) Stood apart for that loping stride of his synonymous with the Dublin team of the 1970s. O'Toole was one of the few to win All-Ireland medals in 1974, '76, '77 and again in '83. For three years (1975-77), he was an All Star.

86 Larry Stanley (Kildare and Dublin) Won All-Ireland medals with Kildare (1919) and Dublin (1923) and also represented Ireland in the high jump at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.

85 Oliver Freaney (Dublin) A member of the famed St Vincent's club that dominated football in Dublin, he won 13 senior county championships and was Dublin's leading marksman throughout the 1950s.

84 Donie O'Sullivan (Kerry)

A dead-ball specialist, Donie captained Kerry to All-Ireland success in 1970 and followed up with All Stars in 1971 and '72 in a highly versatile career.

83 Des Foley (Dublin) Dual star Des set a record on St Patrick's Day in 1962, winning Railway Cup medals in both hurling and football on the same afternoon. Dublin's midfielder and captain in their 1963 All-Ireland final triumph.

82 Dermot Earley (Roscommon) Now chief of staff with the Irish Defence Forces, Dermot Earley had the distinction of being the first player to represent his county at minor, U-21 and senior in the same year. Such was his reputation as a midfielder he was 'chaired' off the field in his last Conancht championship match which he lost in 1985.

81 John McDermott (Meath) The enforcer in the engine room of Sean Boylan's Meath teams of the 1990s. A ferocious competitor and greater fielder, he won All Stars in 1996, '98 and '99.

80 Anthony Tohill (Derry) The wonder was that Tohill and Derry didn't manage to build on their only All-Ireland title in 1993. An AFL and Manchester United trialist, for a big man he possessed all the skills and could dominate a game. Winner of four All Stars (1992, '93, '98 and 2000).

79 Jack Quinn (Meath) Looked set for a stellar career as a midfielder in the 1960s but shifted to full-back for Meath's 1967 All-Ireland triumph over Cork where he saw out the remainder of his career. A stylish operator.

78 Charlie Nelligan (Kerry) Provided the security for Kerry behind a magnificent defence for seven All-Ireland triumphs from 1978 to '86. An All Star in 1980 and '86, Nelligan also claimed three successive All-Ireland U-21 medals.

77 Willie Bryan (Offaly) His performance in the 1972 All-Ireland final against Kerry when, as Offaly captain, he eclipsed the great Mick O'Connell, is still spoken of fondly, a performance that subsequently earned him 'Footballer of the Year' and a second All Star.

76 Dick Fitzgerald (Kerry) Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney is named after one of Kerry football's early legends. 'Dickeen', as he was known, was involved in their first five All-Ireland successes and captained the team in 1913 and 1914. A man considered ahead of his time.

100 Brendan Cummins (Tipperary) Would have completed his 15th championship season with another All Star award were it not for PJ Ryan's heroics in the All-Ireland final. Still, Cummins has four All Star awards and there may be more to come.

99 Iggy Clarke (Galway) A triple All Star winner at wing-back and midfield in 1975-78-79, he was typical of the new energy which transformed Galway hurling into a powerful force in the early 1970s. Unfortunately for him, he missed out on the big All-Ireland breakthrough in 1980 due to injury.

98 Padraig Horan (Offaly) Captaining Offaly to their first All-Ireland SHC title in 1981 guaranteed him a place in the county's folklore. By then he was a full-forward having previously excelled in the full-back line where he won three successive Railway Cup medals with Leinster in 1973-74-75.

97 Mick Jacob (Wexford) Played in goal, defence and midfield for Wexford at underage/senior level but it was at centre-back that he made most impact, a position in which he won three All Star awards in 1972-76-77.

96 Seanie O'Leary (Cork) His son, Tomas, shows many of his father's sniping instincts in the Ireland and Munster rugby jerseys. Seanie's ability to strike for crucial goals was a major weapon in Cork's All-Ireland three-in-a-row in 1976-77-78 and again in 1984.

95 Seamus Durack (Clare) Changing the rules so that goalkeepers got more protection was a welcome boost for them and Durack was certainly among those who thrived in the new environment. He won All Star awards in 1977-78-81,

94 Sylvie Linnane (Galway) Started his Galway career as a wing-back before switching to corner-back, a move that many defenders find difficult to master. Not Linnane, whose firebrand style brought its own special dimension to Galway's defence when they enjoyed their best decade in the 1980s.

93 Gary Kirby (Limerick) One of the best players never to win an All-Ireland senior medal, he was Limerick's top marksman for many years. His accuracy from frees and open play earned him four All-Star awards in 1991-94-95-96.

92 Martin Quigley (Wexford) Like Gary Kirby, he was one of those special talents that never won an All-Ireland senior medal, despite playing for Wexford between 1970 and 1989. However, his consistency helped him win four All Star awards in 1973-74-75-76.

91 John Horgan (Cork) His blonde hair and his long, sweeping clearances from corner-back, made him a cult hero in Cork during the 1970s, during which he won four All-Ireland senior medals and a Hurler of the Year award in 1978.

90 Mick Ryan (Tipperary) Centre-forward on Tipp's three-in-a-row All-Ireland success in 1949-50-51, he was also a regular with Munster, winning five Railway Cup medals.

89 Michael Kavanagh (Kilkenny) Facts don't lie. Seven All-Ireland senior medals are the main decorations on a brilliant career which saw him switch from wing-back to corner-back, where he has imposed his own brand of calm efficiency.

88 Sean Og O hAilpin (Cork) A dual star who eventually settled on hurling where he has enjoyed a great decade, starting with the All-Ireland win in 1999. An inspirational figure in the No 7 jersey, he was Hurler of the Year in 2004.

87 Billy Fitzpatrick (Kilkenny) An All-Ireland medal winner at all levels, he was a deadly finisher from open play and frees in the 1970s-80s.

86 Denis Murphy (Cork) A consistent presence on the Cork team in the 1960s, winning an All-Ireland medal in 1966. Chosen at left full-back on the Munster team of the Millennium.

85 Jim English (Wexford) One of the great right half-backs, he won All-Ireland medals in 1955-56-60, granting him entry to the exclusive club of Wexford men who won three senior medals.

84 Pat Delaney (Kilkenny) Winner of four All-Ireland medals at centre-forward in 1969-72-74-75, his hard-running style thrilled Kilkenny supporters while causing chaos among opposition defenders.

83 Charlie McCarthy (Cork) Small in stature but his trickery left opposing corner-backs with a serious problem. He played a huge role in Cork winning the All-Ireland treble in 1976-77-78.

82 Brian Cody (Kilkenny) Made his senior debut as an 18-year-old in 1972, he played his last game with Kilkenny in May 1985. In between, he enjoyed an excellent career as a centre-back, corner-back and full-back, winning All Stars in the last two positions.

81 Tommy Doyle (Tipperary) His senior career lasted 16 years, during which he won five All-Ireland senior medals, including three-in-a-row in 1949-50-51.

80 Eugene Coughlan (Offaly) Nobody built more barriers in front of the Offaly goal as they set about creating history in the early 1980s, a success they built on most impressively. A massive presence at full-back, Coughlan won All-Ireland medals in 1981 and 1985, a year in which he was also named Hurler of the Year.

79 Tom Cashman (Cork) His father, Mick, brother, Jim and uncle Jimmy (Brohan) were all excellent performers too, underlining just how much the family contributed to hurling. Equally comfortable as a half-back or midfielder, he won four All-Ireland senior titles and three All Star awards.

78 Pat Fox (Tipperary) Started his career as a corner-back but it was as a crafty corner-forward that he made his name aboard the Tipp team that ended the long barren run in the late 1980s. A triple All Star winner, he was Hurler of the Year in 1991.

77 Davy Fitzgerald (Clare) Standing 5'8", it was claimed early on in his career that he was too small for a goalkeeper. He buried that theory by playing senior championship hurling from 1990 to 2006, a period which featured the golden age of Clare hurling.

76 Tony Wall (Tipperary) Tipperary captain when they won the All-Ireland title in 1958, he added four more medals to his haul in 1961-62-64-65. A centre-back of substance and style, he was Hurler of the Year in 1958.

- Martin Breheny and Colm Keys

Irish Independent

[mackers]

How can a man who is the biggest scorer in the history of the Ulster championship and the most important player on the greatest (debatably) club team ever be deemed to be no 100 on that list??

[Gabriel_Hurl]

because there's 99 people more deserving than him 

[mayogodhelpus@gmail.com]

I don't fancy Mayo to get too many, as we only have one Offalyman who wore the Green & Red on the two lists so far. I would have thought that the contempt the Irish media have for Mayo football would have Mayo players in the this section rather than higher up, so with one Offalyman in Mayo colours so far, I reckon we won't get many. Expected Galway to beat us, especially with the hurling, but Roscommon are kicking our ass so far, so maybe they are the better football county after all.

[muppet]

The top fifty will feature a lot of the two millenium teams so maybe Langan and Flanagan will feature.

There aren't many there who haven't won an AIF so I don't expect much from our more recent times.

[the Deel Rover]

By Martin Breheny and Colm Keys


Thursday November 05 2009

75 Packie McGarty (Leitrim) A popular choice on the team of the century for players who never won an All-Ireland medal. Played in four consecutive Connacht finals from 1957 to '60 and lost each one to Galway. A highly respected forward throughout a long career.

74 Tom O'Reilly (Cavan) 'Big' Tom was John Joe's older brother and, like many great players of his era , he was versatile, switching from midfield to centre-back and full-forward to corner-back in a 15-year career during the 1930s and '40s.

73 Greg Blaney (Down) Very much the on-field architect of Down's 1991 and '94 All-Ireland successes, Blaney was one of the most intelligent centre-forwards of the modern game.

72 Paddy 'Bawn' Brosnan (Kerry) A storied figure, 'the Bawn' cultivated an image of teak toughness. The Dingle fisherman and publican won All-Ireland medals in 1940, '41 and '46, playing in attack first and then defence where his reputation was enshrined.

71 Frank McGuigan (Tyrone) Was there ever a better display from a forward than McGuigan's 11-point haul against Armagh in the 1984 Ulster final? Injury and a spell in the US prevented him from even greater things.

70 Noel Tierney (Galway) The role of full-back remains one of the most important in Gaelic football and Tierney, part of Galway's three-in-a-row team, was among the best of them.

69 Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry) Missed the 1982 All-Ireland final because of injury ensuring Kerry people still ask 'what if'? Won five All-Ireland titles and didn't always get the credit he might have merited.

68 Robbie Kelleher (Dublin) Kelleher was a key cog as Kevin Heffernan revolutionised Dublin football in the 1970s, his brand of intelligence and aggression at corner-back earning him All Stars in 1974, '75, '77 and '78.

67 Declan O'Sullivan (Kerry) O'Sullivan's influence on the current Kerry team continues to grow. Possesses wonderful ball control and vision from either centre-forward or full-forward. Has won three successive All Stars (2007-09).

66 Martin McHugh (Donegal) The 'Wee Man' was the inspirational figure on the Donegal team that landed the county's one and only All-Ireland title in 1992 when he was footballer of the year. Revelled in taking on defences.

65 Paddy Prendergast (Mayo) Prendergast's athleticism as a full-back allowed him to combat the growing trend of roving full-forwards in the 1950s. A wonderful fielder in the traditional sense, he was part of Mayo's greatest ever team.

64 Johnny Geraghty (Galway) In Galway's six All-Ireland semi-finals and finals from 1964 to 1966, Johnny Geraghty conceded just one goal. No wonder Manchester United were on his trail.

63 Frank Stockwell (Galway) The other half of Galway's 'terrible twins' established an All-Ireland final scoring record over 60 minutes in 1956 when he scored 2-5 from play.

62 Tommy Drumm (Dublin) Another half-back who provided the anchor for Dublin's 1983 All-Ireland success when he was footballer of the year. Picked up four All Stars from 1977 to '83.

61 Padraig Carney (Mayo) Known as the 'Flying Doctor', Carney's clashes with Sean Purcell are the stuff of legend. One of the great midfielders who was also comfortable at centre-forward. Won back-to-back All-Ireland titles with Mayo in 1950 and '51.

60 Kieran McGeeney (Armagh) Armagh's inspirational leader for their 2002 All-Ireland triumph, a year when he was crowned best player, McGeeney was involved in six Ulster championship triumphs in a highly competitive era. Combined strength with an accurate delivery.

58 Brian Dooher (Tyrone) Tyrone's modern-day human dynamo has twice captained them to All-Ireland titles in this decade. A supreme leader, when he plays well, Tyrone are on song. Who'll forget his point in the 2008 All-Ireland final?

57 Bill Casey (Kerry) An uncle of Dublin's Brian Mullins, Casey was one of football's most powerful centre-backs and he won four All-Ireland medals. Casey also played in the famous Polo Grounds All-Ireland final of 1947.

56 Aidan Doyle (Wexford) One of the signature names of the great Wexford teams that won four successive All-Ireland titles, Doyle has the distinction of playing in seven successive All-Ireland finals (including the 1914 replay) between 1913 and 1918.

55 John Joe Sheehy (Kerry) Sheehy never allowed politics to get in the way of his Kerry football career. An active IRA man, he put aside his differences to continue representing Kerry in troubled times, winning four All-Irelands in 1924, '26, '29 and '30.

59 Trevor Giles (Meath) In the latter half of the 1990s, Giles vied with Seamus Moynihan as football's most complete operator. Possessed wonderful vision and accuracy, Pat Spillane once figured he would surpass his own All Star record. Giles finished with three and was footballer of the year in 1999.

54 Padraic Joyce (Galway) His second-half tour de force against Meath in the 2001 All-Ireland final remains one

of the stand-out achievements on Gaelic football's biggest day. For a three-year spell around the millenium he was the game's best forward.

53 robbie O'Malley (Meath) Probably the finest right corner-back of the modern era, O'Malley won three All Stars between 1987 and 1990. Brought intelligence and calmness to any situation and was badly missed (through injury) for the '91 final against Down.

52 Denis 'Ogie' Moran (Kerry) Very much the unsung hero of Mick O'Dwyer's great Kerry team, for the two All-Ireland finals that Kerry lost from 1975 to '86 ('76 and '82) Moran didn't start at centre-forward. For the other eight that he did start there, they won.

51 Jimmy Murray (Roscommon) Murray's influence on Roscommon was such that when he started playing for them, the county didn't even have senior status. A leader in every sense of the word and one of the great centre-forwards. Captained the Rossies in 1943 and '44 to All-Ireland titles.

75 Pa 'Fowler' McInerney (Clare & Dublin) His inter-county career lasted from 1913 to 1933 during which he won All-Ireland medals with Clare (1914) and Dublin (1927). He was back with Clare in 1932 when they again reached the All-Ireland final only to lose to Kilkenny.

74 Martin Hanamy (Offaly) Do you judge your corner-backs purely by how little their opponents scored against them? If so, then Hanamy is your type. Remarkably consistent in a long career which yielded two All-Ireland medals and three All Star awards.

73 Eugene 'Eudie' Coughlan (Cork) Born in 1900, he was a revered figure in Cork with whom he won four All-Ireland medals between 1926 and 1931. He was also a Munster regular for many years.

72 Theo English (Tipperary) A multi-talented midfielder, he won five All-Ireland medals in 1958-61-62-64-65 as part of a great Tipperary side that still regards itself as unlucky not to have completed the five-in-a-row in 1961-65.

71 Paddy Barry (Cork) Captained Cork to All-Ireland success from left full-forward in 1952 in what was the start of a three-in-a-row run. Selected at No 15 in a competitive field for the Munster team of the millennium.

70 Michael Cleary (Tipperary) His strike rate from frees and open play were crucial for Tipperary over several years. His consistency was reflected in All Star selections, having been chosen for four successive years (1990-93).

69 Leonard Enright (Limerick) First Pat Hartigan, then Leonard Enright -- what a golden era for Limerick full-backs in the '70s and '80s. Unlike Hartigan, Enright didn't win an All-Ireland title but his consistent excellence earned him three All Star awards.

68 Eoin Kelly (Tipperary) A county minor at the age of 15, it was clear from early on that the Mullinahone youngster would develop into something special. That proved very much the case and since he's still only 27, there's a lot more to come.

67 Liam Fennelly (Kilkenny) Three All-Ireland senior medals and four All Star awards, won over a 10-year period (1982-92) underlined a high level of consistency by a man whose instinct for goal-scoring was a major asset for Kilkenny.

66 Mick 'Rattler' Byrne (Tipperary) A tenacious corner-back on the great Tipp team that won the All-Ireland treble in 1949-50-51, he won a fourth medal in 1958. He was also selected on the Tipperary team of the millennium in 2000.

65 Damien Fitzhenry (Wexford) Still going strong in the Wexford goal after 16 years. A wonderful shot-stopper, he has often been left more exposed than his peers from other counties but thrives in the toughest circumstances.

64 Jamesie O'Connor (Clare) A powerful influence in the Clare attack during the county's golden age when they won two All-Ireland and three Munster titles in 1995-98. Hurler of the Year in 1997, he also won four All Star awards.

63 Michael 'Babs' Keating (Tipperary) A dual player of real substance, Tipperary's strength in hurling provided with the better outlet for his talents. Won three All-Ireland senior medals and was hurler of the year in 1971, a year in which he won an All Star award in the scheme's inaugural season.

62 Ollie Walsh (Kilkenny) Played in eight All-Ireland finals in three different decades between 1957 and 1971. He played in the days when life was a lot tougher for goalkeepers who could be 'tackled' on the goal line but was unflinchingly consistent. Hurler of the Year in 1967.

61 Paddy Kenny (Tipperary) Chosen at right corner-forward on Tipp's team of the millennium, he was a high-scoring forward on the teams which won the All-Ireland treble in 1949-50-51. He also won four Railway Cup medals with Munster.

60 Joe Hennessy (Kilkenny) He won five All Star awards, three at right half-back and one each at midfield and right full-back, which underlines just how versatile the James Stephens man was in a lengthy career with club and county in the '70s and '80s.

59 Seamus Power (Waterford) His senior inter-county career lasted 16 years, the highlight of which was an All-Ireland win in 1959 when he lined out at midfield. Hugely versatile, he won five Railway Cup medals with Munster.

58 Brian Corcoran (Cork) Hurler of the Year at the age of 19 in 1992 (despite being on the losing side in the All-Ireland final), he had to wait until 1999 for the big breakthrough. All Star awards at corner-back, centre-back and full-forward showcased his great versatility.

57 Eamonn Grimes (Limerick) Played inter-county minor at the age of 16 and was promoted to the senior side three years later. A midfielder/half-forward, he captained Limerick to their last All-Ireland title in 1973, a year in which he was chosen as hurler of the year.

56 Tony O'Sullivan (Cork) Any player who wins five All Star awards, a hurler of the year award and three All-Ireland senior medals needs no further claims to be regarded as a true great. O'Sullivan excelled on three fronts, largely thanks to high scoring rate.

55 Ken McGrath (Waterford) His father, Pat, an outstanding player over many years, never won an All-Ireland senior medal. Will the same fate befall his son? McGrath has been a regular on the Waterford team since 1996 where his versatility has won him All Stars as an attacker, midfielder and defender.

54 Liam 'Chunky' O'Brien (Kilkenny) Hurler of the Year in 1975, he slotted easily into the great Kilkenny team of the 1970s -- alternating between midfield and half-forward, winning four All-Ireland medals and four All Star awards.

53 Mick Roche (Tipperary) Won the first of his three All-Ireland hurling medals as a midfielder in 1964 but when he moved to centre-back, he established a reputation as one of the great, powerful defenders of his era.

52 Noel Hickey (Kilkenny) No frills, no fuss -- just brilliant full-back play. Would Kilkenny have won the 2005 All-Ireland title (and now have the five-in-a-row) if he hadn't been hit by a virus in mid-July which kept him out of the semi-final? Quite probably.

51 Ned Wheeler (Wexford) Hurled with Wexford seniors for 16 years between 1949 and 1965, during which they won three All-Ireland titles (1955-56-60) in what was their best era. Wheeler was a major contributor from centre-back and midfield.

- Martin Breheny and Colm Keys

Irish Independent

[Leo]

Brian Dooher and Kieran McGeeney ahead of Greg Blaney and Frank McGuigan???

Time to stop reading this piffle.
Any list that leaves Frank McGuigan out of the top 50 is worthless.

[Hardy]

I think Breheny is involved in his. Enough said.

Robbie O'Malley ahead of Trevor Giles? 

[mackers]

because there's 99 people more deserving than him 

They may think so, but I don't and I'd say I'm not on my own, Gabriel. No need for the sarcasm. 

[saffron sam2]

How can a man who is the biggest scorer in the history of the Ulster championship and the most important player on the greatest (debatably) club team ever be deemed to be no 100 on that list??

Er, he wasn't.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/low/northern_ireland/the_championship/7329996.stm

Bit of a stretch with the Glenullen thing too.

[blanketattack]

How can a man who is the biggest scorer in the history of the Ulster championship and the most important player on the greatest (debatably) club team ever be deemed to be no 100 on that list??

Even though he was a very good player I never considered him a true great. I don't think he contributed enough from play enough in the big games in Croke Park, particularly post 2002. He did well in Ulster and at club level and from frees but at the business end of the c'ship where great players make all the difference, he often went AWOL. In the 6 years from '03 to '08 I can't think of too many performances by McConville in Croke Park where he was outstanding?
I think if he wasn't Armagh's freetaker he wouldn't have even have made the top 125.

[Rudigar]

How can a man who is the biggest scorer in the history of the Ulster championship and the most important player on the greatest (debatably) club team ever be deemed to be no 100 on that list??

Even though he was a very good player I never considered him a true great. I don't think he contributed enough from play enough in the big games in Croke Park, particularly post 2002. He did well in Ulster and at club level and from frees but at the business end of the c'ship where great players make all the difference, he often went AWOL. In the 6 years from '03 to '08 I can't think of too many performances by McConville in Croke Park where he was outstanding?
I think if he wasn't Armagh's freetaker he wouldn't have even have made the top 125.

His late show in the 05 Ulster final replay was first class.

Never seen a player who could be playing so bad but still come up with the crucial scores, fantastic.

[haranguerer]

Think mcconvilles prob about right, Giles should be much higher - superb player