Advertisement
Summer Stars

Mayo, Kerry and Monaghan lead the way in The42's Gaelic football team of the weekend

Do you agree with our selection?

1. Brian O’Donoghue (Galway)

Galway’s have had their goalkeeping problems in recent times but O’Donoghue looked solid and dependable on Saturday while also keeping a clean sheet.

Brian O’Donoghue Galway goalkeeper Brian O'Donoghue. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

2. Dessie Mone (Monaghan)

Nominally selected at corner-back, Mone was everywhere in Clones and central to a terrific Monaghan success.

Martin McElhinney and Dessie Mone Monaghan's Dessie Mone in action against Donegal's Martin McElhinney Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO / Andrew Paton/INPHO

3. Vinny Corey (Monaghan)

Another old-stager in the Monaghan rearguard, Corey was a defensive warrior in helping to shut down the Donegal forward line.

Vinny Corey and Michael Murphy Monaghan's Vinny Corey in action against Donegal's Michael Murphy yesterday Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO / Andrew Paton/INPHO

4. Shane Enright (Kerry)

For the second successive game Enright blotted out the threat of Cork’s Brian Hurley with a superb defensive performance.

Brian Hurley with Shane Enright Kerry's Shane Enright in action against Cork's Brian Hurley. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

5. Brian O’Driscoll (Cork)

A bright spot on a disappointing night for Cork football, O’Driscoll is still U21 this year but is quickly becoming a powerful senior half-back.

Killian Young and Brian OÕDriscoll Brian O'Driscoll collides with Killian Young Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

6. Donal Vaughan (Mayo)

Recalled to the starting side after being omitted against Galway, Vaughan was a launchpad for some of Mayo’s best play and showed tremendous athleticism.

Donal Vaughan and Neil Ewing Donal Vaughan in action for Mayo yesterday Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO

7. Frank McGlynn (Donegal)

Took the fight to Monaghan in the second-half of yesterday’s Ulster final and was key to a Donegal resurgence that almost yielded a draw.

Frank McGlynn Donegal's Frank McGlynn Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

8. David Moran (Kerry)

Kerry’s midfield control was a principal reason as to why they corrected the errors of the drawn game and Moran was at the core of that with a towering display.

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

9. Mattie Donnelly (Tyrone)

Tyrone’s second-half dominance in Thurles on Saturday was underpinned by their ability to gain a foothold around the middle. Donnelly was a vital component of a formidable second-half showing from the Red Hands.

Mattie Donnelly in action with Robbie Kiely Tyrone's Mattie Donnelly Ken Sutton / INPHO Ken Sutton / INPHO / INPHO

10. Gary Sice (Galway)

Getting Sice back involved was a shrewd move by manager Kevin Walsh. He illustrated his worth to the Galway cause on Saturday with a fine display of freetaking as they saw off Derry.

Jamie Clarke chased by Gary Sice Presseye / Declan Roughan/INPHO Presseye / Declan Roughan/INPHO / Declan Roughan/INPHO

11. Peter Harte (Tyrone)

One of the most versatile players in the game, Harte was magnificent on Saturday in Semple Stadium. He roamed the pitch and got involved wherever he went.

Peter Harte Tyrone's Peter Harte Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

12. Diarmuid O’Connor (Mayo)

The Ballintubber man is starting to stepping out of his older brother Cillian’s shadow. Full of hard running throughout, Diarmuid’s influence could not be quelled by Sligo and he also chipped in with four points.

Diarmuid O'Connor with Brendan Egan Diarmuid O'Connor in action against Brendan Egan Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

13. Paul Geaney (Kerry)

The Dingle man fully justified his recall to the Kerry starting side on Saturday night. He fired 1-3, fine scoring on a tough night for scoring forwards, and his second-half goal was the game changing moment.

Paul Geaney scores a goal Paul Geaney fires to the net for Kerry in the Munster final replay Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

14. Aidan O’Shea (Mayo)

The star of Dr Hyde Park yesterday, O’Shea wreaked havoc on the Sligo back line. 3-4 from play told the tale of his scoring input but he was involved in all of Mayo’s other goals in a devastating display.

Aidan O'Shea celebrates winning five Connacht title's in a row Aidan O'Shea celebrates winning five Connacht titles in a row Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

15. Conor McManus (Monaghan)

Coming up against the claustrophobic Donegal defence and holding the mantle of captaincy, meant yesterday was a big challenge for Conor McManus. He rose to in style, reaffirming his status as Monaghan’s go-to man in attack and bagging some priceless points.

Conor McManus celebrates scoring a point Monaghan's Conor McManus Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Plenty players were unlucky to miss out on our team like Karl O’Connell (Monaghan), Gary O’Donnell (Galway), Tom Parsons (Mayo), Anthony Maher (Kerry), Cillian O’Connor (Mayo) and Darren McCurry (Tyrone).

What would you have changed? Let us know in the comments section below.

Alan Dillon and Andy Moran created a slice of history in their Mayo careers yesterday

Poll: Who do you now think will lift Sam Maguire in 2015?

Your Voice
Readers Comments
13
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.