1. Niall Morgan – Tyrone
Morgan put last weekend’s disappointment behind him with three points, a penalty save and a clean sheet. Adrian Faherty managed three points for London against his native Galway, while Paul Durcan’s kickouts were key for Donegal.
2. Karl Lacey – Donegal
Lacey was named at four but he played most of the game in the half back line where he was outstanding for Donegal. He was constantly available for possession, rewarded with a point for his efforts.
3. Justin McMahon – Tyrone
Justin came in to a Tyrone full back line that had been in total disarray against Down a week earlier. He deserves credit in steadying the ship and providing a platform for Tyrone to go on and win the game. Finian Hanley was also impressive for Galway.
4. Chrissy McKaigue – Derry
The Derry full back line struggled at times with an alternating Donegal forward line, although McKaigue enhanced his reputation as one of the country’s tightest corner backs, holding Colm McFadden scoreless.
5. Peter Harte – Tyrone
Harte managed 1-1 for Tyrone, showing huge assurance in slotting his penalty in to the bottom corner. Garreth Bradshaw was lively for Galway early on while the game remained a contest.
6. Mattie Donnelly – Tyrone
Donnelly was excellent at centre-half back for Tyrone, a position he may well make his own this year. He constantly drove forward with possession setting up a number of attacks with some clever distribution.
7. Anthony Thompson – Donegal
Like Lacey, Thompson was a constant outlet for Donegal, making run after run in behind the Derry defence. He too managed a point and was prominent in a number of other scores.
8. Colm Cavanagh – Tyrone
Cavanagh was another Tyrone player to shine this weekend. Cavanagh played a crucial defensive role in the pocket behind the midfield, as Mickey Harte’s men never allowed Down anything near the same space as a week earlier.
9. Patsy Bradley – Derry
Although he was lucky to stay on the pitch early on, Bradley grafted throughout as more was asked of him in the absence of Fergal Doherty. Fiontán Ó Curraoin was solid for Galway, while Dan Gordan can be happy with his performance too as he returned from injury.
10. Leo McLoone – Donegal
McLoone was the official man of the match for Donegal against Derry. He managed a crucial 1-1, the goal – a beautiful finish over the outstretched Derry goalkeeper. He was equally effective in using his physicality to turn over possession for his team.
11. Shane Walsh – Galway
Walsh had struggled with injuries of late, but his 1-6 against London this weekend has suddenly given Galway football fans some renewed optimism. He was the catalyst for a flowing young Galway attack, and London had no answers.
12. Ciarán McGinley – Tyrone
The industrious wing forward managed 2-1 from the half forward line, both goals coming at crucial times. Ryan McHugh was elusive for Donegal while James Kavanagh impressed for his adopted county.
13. Danny Cummins – Galway
Cummins scored 1-3, all from play, as his direct running caused all sorts of problems for London. Galway will be hoping he can deliver on his underage promise in the coming rounds of this year’s championship. Down’s Conor Laverty was once again a nuisance for the Tyrone defenders.
14. Michael Murphy – Donegal
Murphy’s been practising it for a while, since 2001 it would seem. His sideline kick was effortless, as once again he stood up when Donegal needed it most.
15. Michael Martin – Galway
This young man has been destined for great things for a number of years now. Despite the level of opposition this weekend, Alan Mulholland can be hopeful that Martin is finally ready as he displayed a ruthless edge inside. Galway full forward Eddie Hoare also impressed.
