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Bernard Brogan names the top 5 Gaelic footballers he's played with during his career and why

Bernard’s played for Dublin, St Oliver Plunkett’s, DCU and Ireland. But who have been his standout teammates?

1. Diarmuid Connolly (Dublin)

“The player I’d rate as the best footballer at the moment in Ireland is Diarmuid Connolly. Pound for pound, he is the most skilful guy I’ve ever played with at any time during my career.

“He’s hugely athletic and a great guy to play alongside. He’s one of the top guys in the country and I saw what he can do against you as well in the Dublin county final this year when Vincent’s got the better of us in Plunkett’s.”

Bernard Brogan and Diarmuid Connolly after the game Bernard Brogan and Diarmuid Connolly. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

2. Paul Flynn (Dublin)

“Paul is another guy I’ve played a lot of football with for Dublin over the last few years. Over the last four or five years, I think he’s been the most standout player in the country. His Allstar record says it all after winning four-in-a-row.

“He’s been the best player Dublin have had. He’s carried us through a lot of games. With the runs he makes in games, he’s great to play alongside. Paul’s an unbelievable footballer and one of the nicest lads you’ll meet but a tough guy out on the pitch.”

Paul Flynn celebrates with Bernard Brogan Bernard Brogan celebrates the 2011 All-Ireland final win with Paul Flynn. James Crombie James Crombie

3. Alan Brogan (Dublin)

“I’d go for another Dub here in my brother Alan. His career says it all after 13 years with Dublin. Growing up, I was looking at how he was doing and I started playing with him from U16 and minor level. Myself and Ross McConnell came up to his age with Plunkett’s and then started playing at underage level.

“I’ve been watching him play since he was 18 for Dublin. It took me to 24 years of age to get to that stage. Anyone that has played football for Dublin during that time, knows how he’s one of the top players and definitely worth mentioning in this regard.”

Bernard Brogan and Alan Brogan celebrate with the Delaney Cup Dublin's Bernard and Alan Brogan after this year's Leinster final win. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

4. Paddy Keenan (Louth)

“Another fella I’d go for is someone outside of Dublin. That’s Paddy Keenan of Louth, who I played football with for DCU. I played against him a good few times as well. I’d rate him as one of the top players I’ve ever played against.

“He was a great footballer to play with. Left or right, he was one of the most naturally gifted two-footed players. On a different team and stronger county, he could have had five or six Allstar awards, or three or four All-Ireland’s. But that shouldn’t take away from his ability.”

Paddy Keenan Louth's Paddy Keenan. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

5. Seanie Johnston (Cavan)

“The last player that I’ll go for here is another one from outside Dublin and that’s Seanie Johnston. He had a tough time over the last few years but I still rate him as a brilliant footballer. I played with him in college in DCU.

“He was a corner-forward with us then and I’ve watched him very thoroughly since then for both club and county. Very few men can turn a defender and get a score like he can in Gaelic football. I’d rate him very highly. It’s a pity his career at inter county level was stifled but Seanie’s still a real talent.”

Seanie Johnston Seanie Johnston in action for Kildare against his native Cavan. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Bernard Brogan names the top 5 defenders he’s faced during his career and why

‘I was surprised Alan didn’t get an All-Star nod’ – Bernard Brogan

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