1. Alan Nolan – Dublin
Nolan came in to the team in the place of injured keeper Gary Maguire and he’ll be hard replaced after his performance on Saturday.
Nolan pulled off two crucial second half saves from Podge Doran strikes, while he was unlucky with Wexford’s sole goal after parrying Conor McDonald’s shot initially.
2. David McInerney - Clare
The Clare defender was one of the few Clare defenders to have performed up to his usual standards. McInerney held Patrick Horgan scoreless from play, and was one of the less in-disciplined Clare players.
Paul Schutte also performed well for Dublin, while Wexford’s Matthew O’Hanlon and Lee Chin gave spirited performances when the chips were down.
3. Tommy Doyle – Westmeath
Tommy Doyle was outstanding for Westmeath in their Liam McCarthy Cup play-off with Kildare on Saturday. When his team took over in the second half Doyle repelled anything Kildare had to offer, at the heart of the Lake county defense.
Damien Cahalane was also outstanding for Cork, even managing to chip in with an inspirational score of his own.
4. Stephen McDonnell – Cork
One of the most improved, and now in form defenders in the game. McDonnell was again ferociously tight throughout in limiting the Clare full forward line to just 0-3 between them.
5. Christopher Joyce – Cork
Joyce seems to be settling in to his new position at wing back after another solid showing for the Rebels.
Lat year’s centre back hoovered up a number of Clare puck outs throughout, and this Cork half-back line is beginning to look very formidable.
6. Mark Ellis – Cork
Ellis has been key for Cork this year, anchoring the defence from centre back. Cork look to have filled what’s been a troublesome position for them in recent years.
Mark Moloney can also be happy with his contribution for Kildare against Westmeath.
7. Michael Carton – Dublin
The elusive Dublin half back was a constant driving force for the Dubs on Saturday. Carton managed two vital long range points to give his side some breathing space in the second half. He was the only Dublin defender to score.
8. Daniel Kearney – Cork
Kearney is thriving in this new Cork midfield partnership, not only did he score three points but his work rate made life very difficult for the Clare players in the middle sector.
Joey Boland also performed well for the Dubs, scoring a point and adding some steel in the middle.
9. Aidan Walsh – Cork
Walsh’s athleticism for Cork on Sunday was phenomenal, the dual star not only fielded, carried and scored, but crucially he floated back to help his defensive unit on a number of occasions.
If Cork sensibly manage his workload, this midfield partnership will be very hard stopped.
10. John Conlon – Clare
Conlon used his physicality to break Cork tackles, and try and inspire his Clare team back into life.
His first half goal gave Clare hope, and he finished with 1-2 in a performance he can be proud of.
Conor Lehane was also in great form for Cork down the other end.
11. Conal Keaney - Dublin
Keaney was a good target early on in the full-forward line for Dublin, but it was out in the half forward line where he found the space to grab five points from play and lead his team into the Leinster final.
12. Alan McCrabbe – Dublin
Alan McCrabbe managed nine points for the Dubs, three of which from play but his accuracy from placed balls proved crucial for Dublin.
Doran managed 1-1 for Wexford, and if wasn’t for the brilliance of Dublin goalkeeper Alan Nolan he could of had one or two more goals.
13. Alan Cadogan – Cork
The youngster again managed three points from play, despite clearly being targeted by the Clare defence. For all their efforts though the best Clare could manage, for the most part, was to foul the diminutive corner forward.
14. Conor McDonald – Wexford
Still only 19, McDonald caused all sorts of problems for the Dublin full-back line. His effort in the first half was palmed into the path of Podge Doran for Wexford’s goal, while his presence on the edge of the square unsettled the Dublin defense from start to finish. He scored two points from play.
15. Patrick Horgan – Cork
Horgan scored 2-11, all of which from placed balls punishing Clare’s indiscipline at every opportunity. This was an exhibition of free, and penalty, taking by last year’s All-Star full forward.
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