Killyclogher were pushed all the way in this year’s Tyrone SFC before becoming the seventh different champions in seven years and Francis Mooney has named eight of the St Mary’s players in his Allstar selection...
1. JOHNNY CURRAN (COALISLAND)
The former Tyrone goalkeeper was as dependable as ever for his club this season, pulling off some vital saves. He also proved commanding and reliable under the high ball, and organised his defence with authority. Clever distribution is also an important aspect of his game as he acted as the launch-pad for telling counter-attacks from deep.
Curran conceded just one goal in six championship games in 2016, a statistic that tells its own story.
2. MARTIN SWIFT (KILLYCLOGHER)
The vastly-experienced defender has been one of his side’s most influential players this season. A team captain who believes in leadership by example, his players responded generously to his promptings.
The former Tyrone corner-back’s ability to read the game has played an important part in Killyclogher’s admirable defensive record. A dependable man-marker, he also picked up the role of sweeper at times, as well as pushing forward to get his name on the scoresheet.
3. DANNY GORMAN (KILLYCLOGHER)
A modern-day full-back whose attributes are athleticism and ball-playing ability rather than physical presence, Gorman has played his part to the full in the St Mary’s championship triumph.
He has come back from a couple of serious injuries to return to full fitness and reclaim his place as an integral part of the team.
Few attackers have got the better of him in this year’s championship, and he has never been shy about picking his moments to break forward from the back.
4. MICHAEL McKERNAN (COALISLAND)
One of the best of Coalisland’s exciting new wave of talent, McKernan has made the left corner-back berth his own this season.
He has justified the trust placed in him by manager John McKeever with a series of solid performances. In crucial spells of the two-game saga against Clonoe, he took on responsibility and displayed leadership and inspiration, breaking up attacks and pushing up to create and execute scores. A key man as the Fianna reached a first county final since 2010.
5. GARY WALLACE (KILLYCLOGHER)
Wallace was a rock of reliability in the Killyclogher rearguard throughout the season, and the 2016 campaign has arguably been his best of a long and distinguished career. He combined man-marking, covering and talking with total commitment to the cause, and developed an almost telepathic understanding with his fellow defenders. Comfortable on the ball and clever with his use of possession, he turned defence to attack equally comfortably with a simple hand-pass or a long, searching delivery off the boot, invariably making the correct decision.
6. NIALL KERR (COALISLAND)
A pivotal figure in Coalisland’s march to the championship final, both in terms of position and contribution to the team effort. Kerr has provided an assured presence at centre-back this season as the Fianna re-emerged as a major force in Tyrone. Deceptively quick, he was rarely bettered in the air or on the ground, and also showed he can pick off a score.
His appointment as captain proved an inspired call as he carried the leadership with authority, and attracted a terrific response from his team-mates.
7. TIERNAN McCANN (KILLYCLOGHER)
Tyrone supporters need no reminding of the electrifying pace of the explosive wing-back. His attacking thrusts from deep were once again a feature of his side’s strategy, and contributed to several scores.
At times, opportunities to get forward were restricted, but this gave him an opportunity to display his defensive qualities, and he did so with assurance.
Also impressive in spells at midfield, and overall a premium value contribution to Killyclogher’s 2016 championship success.
8. PADRAIG HAMPSEY (COALISLAND)
The Fianna star has been arguably the outstanding player of the 2016 championship, showing his versatility and maintaining extremely high standards in defence and midfield.
He reverted to full-back when his man-marking skills were required, before seamlessly reverting to a central role, running at defences and chipping in with vital scores along the way.
Excellence and consistency have gone hand in hand in a series of outstanding displays.
9. FEARGAL MEENAGH (KILLYCLOGHER)
A source of vital energy and impetus in the Killyclogher midfield, the 20-year-old has been one of the finds of the season. Meenagh has quickly matured into an accomplished performer who has held his own against, and even risen above, some of the county’s top players.
A strong work ethic is the bedrock of his approach to the game, with strong contributions to the defensive effort, in addition to an attacking instinct which has seen him contribute scores regularly, including goals against Trillick and Errigal Ciaran.
10. EMMET McFADDEN (KILLYCLOGHER)
One of the unsung heroes of Killyclogher’s O’Neill Cup triumph, McFadden has been relentless in his work-rate, fearless in the intensity he applies to his game. As a corner-forward, he has grabbed vital goals in his side’s march to a second successive county final, but his greatest value has been seen as a sweeper and around midfield, where his ball-winning and tackling have created countless turnovers and launched telling attacks for his side.
11. CONALL McCANN (KILLYCLOGHER)
McCann has matured into an all-round player this season. His move from midfield to centre-forward has given the St Mary’s greater power and presence going forward, while retaining the Tyrone panellist’s aerial prowess around the central area.
Deceptively nimble for a big man, he has been a real team player and contributed several classy scores from play and frees as the St Mary’s won the O’Neill Cup for only the second time.
12. PJ Lavery (CLONOE)
Lavery was the heartbeat of Clonoe’s spectacular championship run this season. His energy and drive never waned as the O’Rahilly’s thrilled with courageous comebacks and dramatic finishes.
In various briefs as an attacking half back or a play-making centre forward, he displayed his class, with his passion and enthusiasm rubbing off on his team-mates.
Combining pace and skill, he was not only a creative force, but also a clinical finisher, chipping in with some vital scores, including a two-goal salvo against Carrickmore.
13. MARK BRADLEY (KILLYCLOGHER)
The Tyrone star has led the line superbly for the St Mary’s this season, raising his game to phenomenal heights despite being double-teamed n virtually every game. Small in stature, his courage and commitment never waned as he combined the roles of playmaker and finisher. Clinical from both play and frees, his scores have been crucial in helping his side win the championship title
Bradley finished as top-scorer in the championship with a 0-30 tally, an average of six points per game. He hit eight in the big win over Coalisland in the replayed decider.
14. DANNY MCNULTY (CLONOE)
The big full-forward delivered a series of stunning lessons on how to deal with pressure, dragging his side into the O’Neill Cup semi-finals with dramatic scores. Late goals against Omagh and Carrickmore plucked victories from the jaws of defeat as he proved time and again to be the man for the big occasion. McNulty was also supremely accurate from frees, striking accurately from up to 50 metres as he enhanced his reputation as one of the county’s top attackers. He finished second highest scorer with 3-18.
15. RUAIRI SLUDDEN (DROMORE)
Sludden showcased his precocious talents with inventive and exciting forward play as the St Dympna’s mounted another strong title challenge. He bagged two goals in each of the opening two games against Strabane and Ardboe, and finished as third highest scorer with a 4-13 haul. Fast, elusive, confident and clinical in his finishing, he tormented many different markers as he inspired his side to a place in the semi-finals. Also accurate from frees, with a high conversion rate in all games.
