1 Niall Morgan (Tyrone)
Beaten by a superbly-struck early goal from Dublin’s Colm Basquel but the Edendork man recovered from that setback to do some serious shooting himself. Converted four frees in farcically difficult windswept conditions, inspiring Tyrone to a vital victory.
2 Caolan Ward (Donegal)
The first of a few defenders to make a significant impact at the other end of the pitch, the St Eunan’s man fired in the first goal against Monaghan. His overall display was brilliant, part of a defiant Donegal defensive effort on a dirty day weather-wise.
3 Neil McGee (Donegal)
A game to bring a grin to a grizzled defender’s face and the Gweedore man revelled in the tricky conditions, making sure Monaghan men couldn’t get clean possession. Never stepped back from confrontation and nipped ahead to intercept on a number of occasions.
4 Liam Rafferty (Tyrone)
That Galbally lad set the tone for Tyrone with an early turnover followed by a length of the field run and shot, even if that fell short. He rattled the crossbar too but did fist a fine point and set up others with his all-round effort and ball-winning.
5 James Guinness (Down)
The Carryduff lad looks like he could play almost anywhere and he certainly stood out in Tullamore. Despite doing good defensive work, keeping his man quiet, he got forward repeatedly and scored three points from play.
6 Rory Brennan (Tyrone)
A return of 1-1 from centre half-back should be explanation enough, especially as his well-taken goal was the decisive final score to win the match. Yet the Trillick man also did a mountain of defensive work, turning over plenty of possession and using it well.
7 Ryan McHugh (Donegal)
Often operates at wing-back but usually as a launch-pad for forward forays; on Sunday his role was a defensive, destructive one. Demonstrated his versatility by sticking closely to Conor McCarthy, restricting Monaghan’s danger man of recent matches to a single score from play.
8 Michael Langan (Donegal)
A masterful midfield display from the versatile Naomh Michael clubman. His aerial ability was to the fore after the opening quarter against Monaghan, winning plenty of ball, and he made extremely good use of it. Strode forward time after time and sent over five points from play, as much as the entire visiting team.
9 Colm Duffin (Antrim)
The Moneyglass man was central to the Saffrons’ success. Scored two terrific points from play and also provided a steady platform of possession for colleagues, including playing a key part in the second goal.
10 Barry O’Hagan (Down)
Honourable mentions to Derry’s Emmet Bradley and Tyrone’s Frank Burns, as well as his Down colleague Liam Kerr, but the nod goes to Barry O’Hagan. In the absence of his brother and captain Darren he impressed against Offaly, showing well in attack, with six points, two from play.
11 Paddy McBride (Antrim)
Wherever he plays on the pitch he poses problems to the opposition and Limerick could not contain the St John’s clubman. Regularly involved in creating and scoring, he registered five points from play, converted two frees, and set up the Saffrons’ first goal.
12 Oisin Pierson (Cavan)
A rare bright spot on a gloomy day for the Breffnimen, who lost at home to Clare after recent uplifting victories. Pierson top-scored on the day, though, with 0-7, an impressive return in the inclement conditions, including two from play.
13 Odhran Eastwood (Antrim)
Antrim embarked on a scoring frenzy against leaders Limerick but chief among their marksmen was Glengormley’s Eastwood, who bagged 2-3, all from play. In the right place to finish off the goal chances and also took his points well.
14 Peter Harte (Tyrone)
The Errigal Ciaran man has been criticised in the past for his performances against Dublin but he led the attack extremely well in trying conditions. Put in a power of work and put over two points from play, no mean feat in a wild wind.
15 Paddy McBrearty (Donegal)
The Kilcar man was making only his first inter-county start of the year but he slipped smoothly back into the groove. Inspirational in attack when Monaghan managed to shackle Michael Murphy, McBrearty scored two points from play, a free, and was only denied a goal by being dragged down.
