Odhran Lynch (Derry)
NOT an outfield player who does goals, he’s a genuine goalkeeper who is able to push out the field. Lynch was Derry’s hero in their penalty shoot-out win in the Ulster final against Armagh when the quality of his shot-stopping shone through. His supporting runs are now commonplace and he was able to chip in with four points as Derry came within a whisker of the All-Ireland final.
Conor McCluskey (Derry)
THE thoroughly modern defender. McCluskey is one of the best man-markers in the game. Quick, strong and smart, he came through a series of demanding assignments this summer – Conor McManus in the Ulster semi-final, then Conor Turbitt and Jason Duffy in the final. Added scores to his defensive duties with a brilliant goal against Monaghan that meant Vinny Corey had to tear up his tactical script. Blotted out Paudie Clifford in the All-Ireland semi-final against Kerry when he turned defence into attack at every opportunity.
Aaron McKay (Armagh)
BRAVE and dependable, McKay put his body on the line in his county’s cause and was the lynchpin of a defence that conceded only three goals in eight Championship games. The Orchardmen conceded just one in Ulster - a fortuitous effort from Brendan Rogers - and two more outside the province. A determined man-marker, McKay was ever-present throughout a season of what-might-have-beens for Armagh and his yeoman service deserves to be recognised.
Aidan Forker (Armagh)
ORIGINALLY a forward, then turned into a tenacious man-marker, Forker was able to combine both roles throughout a typically wholehearted season. Totally committed, the Maghery clubman is a fierce competitor who relishes the physical challenge. He was allowed to push forward this year and produced a steady stream of important scores off his cultured left boot.
Conor McCarthy (Monaghan)
A BIG game player in a team of big game hunters. It’s not necessarily his weight of scores (for the record he finished with 2-12) it’s when and how he got them. His late point against Kildare in the final round of the All-Ireland group stage will go down in Farney county folklore. Also registered three points from play in the chess match against Armagh. The Scotstown clubman combined his attacking forays with solid defensive performances in an outstanding season.
Gareth McKinless (Derry)
HIS superb performance in the All-Ireland semi-final will be remembered in the Oak Leaf county for many years. The tragedy for him was he was stretchered off near the end and Derry didn't win the game. Couldn't have given more on a day that summed up his season. He took the fight to Kerry at every opportunity and scored one goal and so nearly got another one. A box office player who can transition from defence to attack so brilliantly.
Karl O'Connell (Monaghan)
A LINE-breaker and a finisher, his performances this season epitomised the spirit and quality in the Monaghan ranks. 35-year-old veteran O'Connell had an Indian Summer at county level as he combined his vast experience, superb fitness levels and quality on the ball. A leader in the dressingroom too, Monaghan will hope he goes on and on.
Brendan Rogers (Derry)
PROVED unshakeable and unflappable during a difficult season for Derry. There are shades of Paul McGrane in the decisive way he goes about his business. He does the simple things brilliantly and his performance level never seems to drop. A ball winner and an able carrier and passer, he came up with some vital scores and, as you'd expect from a former full-back, he does his defensive job so well to too. A class act all round.
Conor Glass (Derry)
INFLUENTIAL as a leader and a midfielder, Glass was a commanding presence again in the Derry midfield alongside Rogers. Covers acres and never seems to get injured despite his workrate and the number of games he has played with club and county. Does his defensive job, wins vital ball in the middle and can get forward too.
Jason Duffy (Armagh)
COVERED every blade of grass from the Cathedral City to Croke Park in the Orchard cause. The Cullyhanna clubman has a superb engine and was running as hard at the final whistle as he was at the throw-in. He got through a mountain of work for his county. Worked so hard in a supporting/defensive role but there were glimpses of his attacking talent.
Darragh Canavan (Tyrone)
OFTEN worth the admission money alone, Canavan's moments of artistry can light up the most mundane of games. Tyrone never really got going in 2023 but the heads-up displays of the Errigal Ciaran forward were packed with magical moments. Came into his own after the Ulster Championship and scored 10 points in the win against Westmeath. There were five more against Donegal and a brace in the loss to Kerry. His best is yet to come.
Paul Cassidy (Derry)
TALL and athletic, Cassidy is a strong, direct ball-carrier and one of the most consistent operators in the game. Always seems to pop up with a couple of points, indeed he finished with 0-2 in five games in Derry’s run to the All-Ireland semi-finals. Also top-scored with four points against Donegal. Hard to plan for and even harder to stop.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Shane McGuigan (Derry)
THE top scorer in the Championship this year any you can’t ask for more than that. Armagh had a hand and a couple of fingers on the Anglo-Celt Cup but McGuigan refused to let them get hold of it. He dragged his county back into the game with a series of superb points. That was the story of a summer in which he led the Derry charge with score after score after score, 2-52 in all.
Andrew Murnin (Armagh)
INJURY issues have disrupted his career but this season he stayed ahead of them and produced his most consistent form for his county. Safe hands, quick feet and a keen footballing brain, the Lurgan native looked a potential match-winner for Armagh in every game. Shunted out to help around midfield in a safety-first policy at times and he won a lot of ball in that role. But his best work was around the opposition posts. Trademark scores came when he showed for the ball and spun on a sixpence to split the posts. Finished with 1-12 over a fine campaign.
Conor McManus (Monaghan)
AGE shall not weary the evergreen Clontibret maestro who matured like a fine wine this season. He claims the top-of-the-left spot by virtue of a string of excellent performances which improved as the Championship came to the boil. Well managed by Vinny Corey, he was sprung off the bench to turn the tide against Armagh at Croke Park and landed the nerve-jangling free that forced penalties. Typically, he stepped up to take the first in the shootout and his confident finish gave the Farneymen the edge.
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