IT’S like DAT and DAT’s the way it is. Welcome to the ‘Donegal and Tyrone’ show. The dominant Ulster counties of this decade have been on top once again this year.
With the Red Hands already into the All-Ireland semi-finals and Donegal as Ulster champs aiming to join them there – and possibly meet them again – players from those two counties undoubtedly will be to the forefront for our annual provincial honours.
There were plenty of good performances from players from other counties, but few have been able to match DAT level of consistency.
There’s a ‘chicken and egg’ aspect to that, of course, with players from those two counties getting more matches and therefore chances to show how good they are – but they only get more chances because of how good they are.
The other side of that is that their squad strength (and team rotation) counts against certain players, including Donegal’s half-back options and Tyrone’s array of corner backs.
This year’s usual contingent of ‘certs’ includes Donegal captain Michael Murphy, his equally versatile team-mate Ryan McHugh, and his club-mate Paddy McBrearty, plus Tyrone’s full-forward Cathal McShane, full-back Ronan McNamee, and their skipper Mattie Donnelly.
The greatest debate might come at the very start of selections, between Donegal goalkeeper Shaun Patton and his Tyrone counterpart Niall Morgan.
Of course, it’s not all about those two counties, far from it. Some players are good enough to have shown they would merit a place in those top teams.
It’s indicative about the more attacking approaches adopted this season that there are more forwards putting themselves, er, forward for selection.
For years now there’s been debate about whether or not we should alter our positional descriptions in order to more accurately reflect the changed and changing roles of players.
‘Sweeper’ is an obvious example of that, although getting around that problem is easier on the page than on the pitch – pick a defensive midfielder with responsibility for ‘mopping up’. Alternatively, one of the six backs can be your sweeper, if you wish.
Besides, for even longer many sides have deployed a ‘third midfielder’, who’s just as likely to be wearing the number 15 jersey as a corner-forward would be.
If, as is likely, you don’t agree with my selection, or even our list of nominees, the ‘other’ options are there to select the 15 players who impressed you most (or whom you know and love best).
In any case, much may change between now and the closing date for voting, on Monday August 19, with the final rounds of the ‘Super Eights’ and the All-Ireland semi-finals still to come. Donegal and Tyrone may have even more men in some teams – or a few may have played themselves out of contention.
GOALKEEPER:
Shaun Patton (Donegal)
Excellent accuracy of kick-outs, short or long, and has made some important saves – that description could equally apply to Tyrone’s Niall Morgan. This really is a ‘toss of a coin’ choice but the nod goes to Patton to prove I’m not biased and also because he was key to the Ulster semi-final victory with a stunning display.
Club: St Eunan’s, Letterkenny
FULL-BACK LINE:
Stephen McMenamin (Donegal)
Like his Tyrone namesake Ryan (aka ‘Ricey’), the Killygordon clubman is versatile, tenacious, and impressive both defensively and going forward. Often deployed as a main man-marker, he curtailed Tyrone’s Mattie Donnelly and Cavan’s Martin Reilly and did well against Kerry prodigy David Clifford. Tough enough to bounce back from rough treatment by Tiernan McCann, he’s a top-notch defender.
Club: Red Hugh’s, Killygordon
Ronan McNamee (Tyrone)
The Aghyaran man is on course for his third Ul-Star, having previously won in 2016 and 2017 – indeed his form has him strongly in the running for a PwC GAA/GPA Allstar. Has been dominant and decisive, even in matches where Colm Cavanagh wasn’t sweeping, with only Paddy McBrearty causing him any bother.
Club: Aghyaran
Darren O’Hagan (Down)
There’s a strong case for Cavan’s Padraig Faulkner to make this selection, who did well against Monaghan’s Conor McManus and Andy Murnin of Armagh, and OK against Paddy McBrearty. However, O’Hagan was even better in a weaker team, leading by example against Armagh and keeping Tipperary star Michael Quinlivan while scoring himself. Great in defence and very good going forward.
Club: Clonduff
HALF-BACK LINE:
Michael Cassidy (Tyrone)
Mickey Harte doesn’t seem completely convinced about him – or perhaps he’s judiciously managing his game-time - but the Galbally man has highly impressed this observer. Tough in the tackle, forcing turnovers, he’s also strong going forward, offering regular width in the attack but also able to score himself – including a goal against Kildare.
Club: Ardboe
Hugh McFadden (Donegal)
Playing my first ‘other’ card here, utilising the huge Donegal man as a ‘sweeper’. He’s performed that role to good effect, notably against Tyrone’s Cathal McShane in the Ulster semi-final, and was excellent against Cavan too. His aerial ability also allows Michael Murphy to stay forward, which boosts the Tir Chonaill men.
Club: Killybegs
Ryan McHugh (Donegal)
The Kilcar man seemed to be an endangered species last year, regularly targeted for head-high hits from opponents, whose dubious curtailment methods often led to concussion. So far, thankfully, he has escaped such ‘attentions’ and his performances have got better and better, with superb counter-attacking forays against both Meath and Kerry in the ‘Super Eights’.
Club: Kilcar
MIDFIELD:
Jarlath Og Burns (Armagh)
The son of the former Orchard County captain really made a name for himself this season and there may be much more to come from him if he can steer clear of injury. Provides serious goal-scoring potential with his powerful running, which also opens up defences for colleagues. Being targeted by opponents is a tribute to the threat he poses.
Club: Silverbridge
Gearoid McKiernan (Cavan)
Like Burns, he’s a midfielder with the ability to influence further forward, indeed the ability to feature well in that central channel. Cavan’s best performer in the a testing Ulster Final and he was a regular scorer from both play and from frees, often winning possession to launch attacks.
Club: Swanlinbar
HALF-FORWARD LINE:
Michael Murphy (Donegal)
The Donegal captain won the first of six Ulster accolades a decade ago and failure to receive a seventh would constitute serious voter fraud. Murphy has scored 1-22 across five games, including a vital penalty and the last-gasp equalising free in Croke Park against Kerry, but it’s his leadership in close contests which has really stood out. Really could play anywhere – but has to be picked.
Club: Glenswilly
Mattie Donnelly (Tyrone)
Tyrone’s skipper has five IN Allstars to his name, over the past six seasons, at half-forward, midfield, and centre half-back, and has again demonstrated that versatility to great effect this season. Deployed on some occasions in a defensive role, he was magnificent in the full-forward line in a storming second half against Cork.
Club: Trillick
Peter Harte (Tyrone)
Despite having three matches ended early by black cards, notably the Ulster semi-final, he has again underlined his importance to the Red Hands, as both a scorer and a creator. His performances have got better and better outside Ulster, including crucial scores in the comeback against Cork in Croke Park.
Club: Errigal Ciaran
FULL-FORWARD LINE:
Rian O’Neill (Armagh)
A star of the provincial campaign, Brennan might well make many selections but he’s edged out by another Armagh prodigy. Rian O’Neill notched 3-21 in just five Championship matches, including two goals against Monaghan. Superb against Down and excellent against Cavan in the drawn game, he sometimes dropped deeper to good effect. Mayo had to put Lee Keegan on him, then Stephen Coen, after Brendan Harrison couldn’t cope.
Club: Crossmaglen
Cathal McShane (Tyrone)
The leading scorer in the Championship this year, McShane has been fabulous all season for the Red Hands in the full-forward role. His aerial ability as a target man stretches defences, leading to scores for himself – off either foot – and also creates chances for colleagues. Quick, strong, and accurate, only double-teaming from Donegal has curtailed him.
Club: Owen Roe’s, Leckpatrick
Paddy McBrearty (Donegal)
A season-ending knee injury undoubtedly cost him an award last year but the Kilcar clubman has bounced back to his brilliant best, scoring 1-24 including a superb goal against Meath in his 100th senior appearance, and five points versus Kerry. His form is such that he scored three points off Tyrone full-back Ronan McNamee, who has been flying himself.
Club: Kilcar
SUBSTITUTES:
Niall Morgan (Tyrone)
Padraig Faulkner (Cavan)
Rory Brennan (Tyrone)
Caolan Mooney (Down)
Aidan Forker (Armagh)
Paddy McBride (Antrim)
Ultan Kelm (Fermanagh)
Richie Donnelly (Tyrone)
Jamie Brennan (Donegal)
Dara McVeety (Cavan)
Jamie Clarke (Armagh)
