LEE KEEGAN ISN’T paying much attention to the critics who say he didn’t deserve to be named Footballer of the Year.
Keegan was the first ever Mayo man to win the honour, beating off competition from Dublin pair Brian Fenton and Ciaran Kilkenny.
He also became just the fourth footballer to win the award without lifting the All-Ireland title the same year – joining Bernard Brogan (2010), Stephen McDonnell (2003), and Peter Canavan (1995).
The Westport defender enjoyed an dominant campaign, displaying his heart, tenacity and technical ability on a consistent basis as his county ran Dublin agonisingly close in the All-Ireland final replay.
No sooner had Keegan collected the award and the inevitable criticisms began on social media. But the 27-year-old said the negative reaction from some quarters didn’t tarnish his win.
“I didn’t make players pick me for Footballer of the Year,” Keegan said “I didn’t pay them fifties to vote for me.
“That’s up to other people to criticise. I can’t do anything about it. I got recognised by my peers. The system is there. They picked me.
“Again, I was obviously delighted to win it. It’s something I haven’t had a lot of time to think about because I was straight back in with the club scene.
“But no, I don’t see it as tarnished. People have their opinions all the time and they’re entitled to it. I can see why Dublin are probably a bit disappointed at not getting it.
“Obviously, the winning team usually get the Player of the Year. And I wouldn’t begrudge Brian or Ciarán getting it because they had fantastic years for Dublin.
“I don’t think there is anything bad in it at all. Everyone’s going to have their opinion. I’m sure Austin (Gleeson) had the same thing. He only got to a semi-final and still got it – which I think is a great achievement on his behalf.
“I was delighted for my family and my club and being the first Mayo man to win it.”
Keegan was told he’d won the big honour on the morning of the All-Stars, and he opted to let his family wait until it was announced live on television that night.
“It took the pressure off a bit,” he said. “I didn’t tell the family so I let them celebrate accordingly. It was nice. I had just come back in from New York that morning so it was nice to find out.
“As I said, the competition that was there, to win it, it’s even better again. Because Ciaran and Brian are huge cogs in the Dublin team this year that won the All-Ireland.
“And, again, it could have gone to numerous Dublin or Mayo players. I was the lucky recipient of it. But if you look at the quality of the All-Star team alone, you could have picked any of those 15 either.
“I’m very blessed that I won it. I haven’t had time to think about it unfortunately because, again, with club and different bits going on, it’s been a hectic couple of weeks since the All-Ireland. I’m sure I’ll have time to pat myself on the back maybe in late December. ”
Keegan is adamant the best is yet to come.
“I’m very lucky, I have lads around me that really give me their support and help. (It was) definitely one of my best years but I still have one more better to come yet.”
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Players of the Year Lee Keegan and Austin Gleeson were in Croke Park for the launch of the 2016 GAA-GPA Opel All-Stars jersey which continues to help raise funds for the Childhood Cancer Foundation.
