Football

Ulster football team of the week

Lee Brennan tormented the Dublin defence in the first half on Saturday night. Picture by Philip Walsh
Lee Brennan tormented the Dublin defence in the first half on Saturday night. Picture by Philip Walsh Lee Brennan tormented the Dublin defence in the first half on Saturday night. Picture by Philip Walsh

1. Peter Boyle (Donegal)

The former Sligo Rovers stopper was handed his chance against Galway and made one eye-catching acrobatic save from a fisted Damien Comer effort.

2. Colm Flanagan (Down)

Backed up an impressive debut last week with a very solid display, keeping the dangerous Colm O’Neill to a single point from play.

3. Aaron McKay (Armagh)

Dromintee’s finest marshalled the heart of the Orchard defence well against Westmeath, enjoying a good battle with the rangy Luke Loughlin.

4. Mickey Jones (Fermanagh)

Having been ushered back into the fold, last year’s Fermanagh club player of the year put in a typically strong display at corner-back against Offaly.

5. Declan McCusker (Fermanagh)

The pace and energy of Declan McCusker has long been a valuable asset to the Ernemen on the wing and he was a key figure in their attacking platform.

6. Greg McCabe (Armagh)

The Shane O’Neills defender has become a key figure at the heart of the Armagh rearguard and was a robust shield in a first half when they needed protecting.

7. Barry Mulrone (Fermanagh)

As Rory Gallagher’s side hit the ground running against Offaly, the all-action Mulrone bombed forward to kick two sublime points from play.

8. Charlie Vernon (Armagh)

Had a gunslinging battle with one of the finest footballers in the land, John Heslin, and emerged with great credit after keeping the Westmeath talisman scoreless from play.

9. Cathal McShane (Tyrone)

Alternated between midfield and full-forward, and enjoyed a particularly profitable start to the game, sliding home a fine finish for Tyrone’s early goal.

10. Ryan Murray (Antrim)

In a straight choice between the Murray brothers, Ryan edges out Conor following their influential displays in Antrim’s win over Westmeath. Hit 1-2.

11. Cian Mackey (Cavan)

His team-mates have been coming out one-by-one to welcome his decision to play another year, and in hitting 0-4 off the bench on Sunday, he showed exactly why.

12. Conor McCarthy (Monaghan)

The Scotstown maestro proved the match-winner for Monaghan, netting the game’s only goal and striking the 65th minute free that separated them from Kildare at the death.

13. Paddy McBrearty (Donegal)

Is there a better finisher in Ireland right now? Having hit 0-10 last weekend, he backed it up with 0-9 against Galway, including a series of sublime scores.

14. Ethan Rafferty (Armagh)

Has filled the gaps in Armagh’s attack with his early season displays at full-forward. Hit six points, five from play, some of them outstanding, and set up their first goal.

15. Lee Brennan (Tyrone)

The clamour for his inclusion has been going since he hit 3-14 against Strabane last year and when he finally got his chance, the Trillick man grabbed it with both hands, hitting 0-6 against Dublin.