Football

Armagh club football Allstars

CROSSMAGLEN picked up their 19th Armagh SFC title in the past 20 years in 2015 but, while Joe McManus does find room for five Rangers in his pick of the Orchard, beaten finalists Armagh Harps lead the way in his selection with six...

Crossmaglen Rangers' Aidan Rushe up against Armagh Harps' Gareth Swift in the Armagh SFC final earlier this month<br />Picture: Colm O'Reilly
Crossmaglen Rangers' Aidan Rushe up against Armagh Harps' Gareth Swift in the Armagh SFC final earlier this month
Picture: Colm O'Reilly
Crossmaglen Rangers' Aidan Rushe up against Armagh Harps' Gareth Swift in the Armagh SFC final earlier this month
Picture: Colm O'Reilly

1. PAUL HEARTY (CROSSMAGLEN)


The sole survivor of the old Cross brigade entered the history books, picking up his 19th medal. He may have left the inter-county stage but, at 37, he is simply the best of the Orchard crop of net-minders. He made a number of outstanding saves throughout this championship and, in the county, final killed off any hope of a Harps recovery with a spectacular stop. His kick-outs were invariably excellent, he is strong under high balls and capped a memorable season by keeping clean sheets in the semi-final and final.

2. PAUL HUGHES (CROSSMAGLEN)


Arguably one of the best defenders in the championship, he will no doubt come under the microscope of the county management once again, having restricted some of the most prolific scorers. He has the art of ghosting through and picking off scores and his two early points in the county final paved the way for an all too easy victory. Hasn't put a foot wrong since rejoining Cross late in the summer after a short spell in America.

3. AIDAN RUSHE (CROSSMAGLEN)


A new kid on the block, just out of minor, but what an impact he has made. Given the task of marking Armagh Harps dangerman Gareth Swift in the county final, he excelled in his assignment, rendering the championship’s top marksman scoreless from play. A young player with skill to burn and still only at the development stage. His quick-thinking and sense of positional play was a treat to watch.

4. MARK McCONVILLE (ARMAGH HARPS)


The county panellist caught the eye with some exceptional displays. He played a leading role in bringing Harps to the final and was their most reliable performer at the back. Apart from being ultra-consistent, he proved incredibly versatile, winning most of his duels with some of the top forwards. An excellent reader of the game, his marking and ball-winning skills were very much to the fore.

5. KAROL LOUGHRAN (ARMAGH HARPS)


Had Aaron Kernan’s championship not ended 18 minutes into the semi-final with Maghery, the Cross talisman would have been the natural choice. The Harps lad, however, fits the bill having turned in some inspirational performances, not least in the semi-final against Ballymacnab when he kicked two wonder points. He is strong and courageous, with a penchant to surge forward. He produced a championship that may have earned him a county call-up.

6. JAMES MORGAN (CROSSMAGLEN)


Solid throughout the campaign, there isn’t a better defender in the game. He marked Charlie Vernon in the county final, coming out tops in a ferocious hammer-and-tongs battle. Suited to most defensive positions, he is a force that makes things happen. His upfield sprints often proved productive, either grabbing a score or setting one up. However, his tight marking and doggedness are his strongest points. Undoubtedly one of the key figures in Crossmaglen’s march to a 43rd title.

7. STEPHEN CUSACK (MAGHERY)


A polished wing half-back, who was central to Maghery’s run to the semi-finals. His dash and purpose singled him out and his technique in taking a score was showcased in every round. Indeed, some of his point-taking in the quarter-final against Pearse Óg was right from the top drawer. He was on form in every game and his pace and ability were eye-catching. Very comfortable pushing out of defence, he is one of the most accomplished club players around at the moment.

8. CHARLIE VERNON (ARMAGH HARPS)


Had a tremendous run at midfield and why he was switched to centre half-forward for the county final is baffling. It simply backfired. His engine-room performances gave him star ratings in every round, though he had a disappointing final. Alongside his exemplary workrate, he came up with vital scores, including a peach of a goal against Ballymacnab in the semi-final. A player who always keeps going, but there was much more to his game than honest endeavour.

9. DECLAN McKENNA (ARMAGH HARPS)


May not have had a good final, but his previous performances were flawless. The 2009 All-Ireland-winning Armagh minor captain was the launchpad for many Harps attacks, kicking some delightful points. He sustained that level of performance right up to the final. He marked his man, won dirty ball, gave hits, took hits and kept going. Was good in the air and unquestionably one of the mainstays of the city side’s campaign.

10. RYAN McSHANE (ARMAGH HARPS)


Rapidly establishing himself as one of the fastest forwards in the county with loads of potential, he was one of the most exciting players in the championship. He scored a fabulous goal in the quarter-final against Killeavy and made it onto the scoring list in every round. Not only is he one of the finest sights soloing with the ball, he has the workrate to match and his ability to hit angled points is becoming a hallmark of his play.

11. AIDAN NUGENT (CULLYHANNA)


The county U21 attacker is a rare talent. Not alone was he Cullyhanna’s top marksman, taking scores from play and frees, including 1-5 in the second round replay against Harps, he was their architect-in-chief. While often left to plough a lone furrow, he really underlined his character and class with a series of solid performances.

12. TONY KERNAN (CROSSMAGLEN)


In an unusual year when the Cross attack wasn’t firing on all cylinders until the final, he was the difference. Beautifully balanced, composed in possession, his vision and passing were instrumental in unlocking opposition defences. A player for the big occasion, he pocketed 0-5 in the county final, totally unnerved as he arrowed over two 45s.

13. SÉAMUS FORKER (MAGHERY)


Was Maghery’s top performer, winning frees and converting them. Always out front to get his hands on the ball and, more importantly, make good use of it. He scored some great goals and, despite retiring injured in the first-half of the semi-final against Cross, returned for the second period to land five points.

14. GARETH SWIFT (ARMAGH HARPS)


Coming into the final, the former county man and All-Ireland U21 winner was the Player of the Championship, but was unable to significantly match this form on the big day. He scored the bulk of the Harps total en route to the final, including 0-12 in the quarter-final against Killeavy, and accounted for half of their tally in the final. His clever movement, high fielding and accuracy meant he was always a scoring threat. He played a huge part in getting Harps to their second consecutive final, scoring goals and points of the highest calibre.

15. GAVIN McPARLAND (BALLYMACNAB)


On his day, there is not a better forward around and, while he may be more suited to a poaching role with his opportunist goal strikes among the highlights of this year’s championship, he also has the ability to score points from distance, including frees off the ground. The county panellist was pivotal to the ’Nab’s extended run and he really underlined his class with a two-goal salvo against Harps in the semi-final and was unfortunate not to have bagged a few more.