THE SECOND WEEKEND of Super 8s action has been and gone, and what a weekend it was around the country.
It climaxed in St Tiernach’s Park, Clones yesterday as a last-gasp David Clifford goal kept Kerry’s championship hopes alive while Monaghan were left heartbroken, and with it all still to do as they look to reach a first All-Ireland semi-final since 1988.
A dramatic draw there, while Galway saw off Kildare in Newbridge in the earlier fixture.
On Saturday evening, there were wins for Dublin and Donegal, with Brian Howard and Michael Murphy scooping the respective man-of-the-match awards for their outstanding efforts.
And yesterday’s winners — chosen by The Sunday Game’s panellists — were Monaghan goalkeeper Rory Beggan and Galway forward Ian Burke.
Fossa star Clifford, who finished with 1-3, and Monaghan’s leading forward Conor McManus — scorer of 1-9 on the day — were also nominated for the accolade, but it went to the man between the posts.
Beggan’s kicking was immaculate as he stepped forward for 0-4 from placed balls and his kickouts caused serious problems for the Kingdom throughout.
“One of the great goalkeeping performances,” as Joe Brolly said on the show last night. “It’s hard to think that a keeper could have any more impact on a game than that.”
Corofin ace Ian Burke took the award from the Galway-Kildare match, beating teammates Damien Comer and Cathal Sweeney to the title.
Burke put on a serious display in St Conleth’s Park, his distribution of the ball and assists key as the Tribesmen booked their All-Ireland semi-final spot with a three-point win over the hosts.
So do you agree with the man-of-the-match winners from yesterday’s encounters? Let us know.
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