1. Paul Durcan – Donegal
Durcan’s kickouts were flawless, particularly in the second-half as Donegal took control of the game. Much like Stephen Cluxton for Dublin, Durcan repelled Antrim scores with snappy but accurate kickouts, allowing his team to respond instantly.
2. Aaron Murphy – Wicklow
In a very open affair between Offaly and Wicklow, where 3-29 was clocked up, Murphy adapted excellently and he drove forward with two points of his own.
While the Offaly full-forward line amassed 12 points from play, 10 of those came from full-forward Niall McNamee, as Murphy put in a sticky defensive shift in his corner.
Padraig McMahon also performed well for Laois.
3. Sean McVeigh – Antrim
The former London captain had an excellent tussle with Donegal skipper Michael Murphy. McVeigh used every bit of his considerable frame to marshal Murphy and hold him to a single point from play.
He maintained his concentration throughout the second period and Murphy was kept relatively quiet while his colleagues ran riot.
4. Ciaran McDonald – Tipperary
The Tipperary defender was one of the main reasons behind his team’s near-victory over Cork on Saturday. McDonald not only held Cork forward Brian Hurley scoreless from play, but he also forced his substitution on 53 minutes.
Kerry defender Paul Murphy can also be happy with his shift in the corner against Clare.
5. Darren Strong – Laois
The Laois defender has been excellent this year for Laois, both from placed balls and general play. Again on Saturday he finished up with three points, displaying his ability from play, frees and 45s.
Young Colin O’Riordan was also excellent for Tipperary in the half-back line.
6. Mark Lynch – Derry
Lynch was selected in a new-look midfield partnership, although he did operate in a number of roles in the hope of inspiring a response from his Derry team against Longford on Saturday.
His goal was a contender for the score of the weekend, and he ended an otherwise miserable day for Derry with 1-4.
Donegal’s Frank McGlynn stood in for Karl Lacey and he was vital in his team’s semi-final victory.
7. Michael Quinn – Longford
Quinn, like Lynch, operated in a number of roles for Longford on Saturday; for his part in a surprise victory over Derry, he could not be omitted from this team. He managed two points, one of which in the first half demonstrated his pace and determination.
8. Fiontan Ó Curraoin – Galway
What a performance by last year’s Galway U21 captain. Alongside Tom Flynn, the Galway midfielder provided his team with a huge platform against Sligo. Not only did he field ball, but he rarely gave away possession. While the opposition will get better throughout this championship campaign for Galway, so will young Ó Curraoin.
9. Shane McGrath – Clare
The fact that David Moran was replaced within the first half will tell you how influential Shane McGrath was for Clare against Kerry. He scored 1-2, and just edges out midfield partner Gary Brennan who was as dominant as ever for the Banner.
Tipp’s Steven O’Brien was also instrumental against Cork, as his team dominated until the arrival of a certain Aidan Walsh.
10. Damien Dunleavey – London
Dunleavey scored 1-5 from play, and the Galway native did his utmost to turn things around for a London side who trailed by seven points within 25 minutes.
Kerry’s Paul Geaney was on top form for Kerry with six points from play.
11. Shane Walsh – Galway
The Galway U21 oozed class in everything he did on Saturday. Using both feet, Walsh demonstrated every attacking skill possible in the 70 minutes against Sligo, including three points from play, two frees and a 45.
Meanwhile Francis McGee was also prominent for Longford.
12. Odhran MacNiallais- Donegal
Donegal looked to be in real trouble pre-match at midfield, but MacNiallais stepped up and scored four points in a polished display.
Fellow youngster Darrach O’Connor also excelled with 1-2. All of a sudden, Donegal appear to have a strong panel.
13. Paul Barden – Longford
Deployed in a two man full-forward line with Brian Kavanagh, the vastly experienced Barden caused havoc to the Derry defence. He could have had three goals in the opening half as marker after marker tried but failed to contain him.
14. Sean Quigley – Fermanagh
Quigley scored 2-8 against Laois — and his team still couldn’t win. He slotted points with ease and only for him Fermanagh would have really struggled.
Niall McNamee scored 10 points for Offaly, but like Fermanagh, it somehow wasn’t enough.
15. Ian Ryan – Limerick
Ryan gets the nod ahead of Seanie Furlong, as his eight points led Limerick to the next round of the qualifiers.
Furlong’s two goals against Offaly were crucial nonetheless, as was the contribution of Leighton Glynn for the Garden county.
What changes would you make to this team? Who have we left out?
