Five players unlucky to miss out on football All Stars team
Donnchadh Walsh of Kerry, in action against Cork's Aidan Walsh in the Munster GAA Football Senior Championship Final. Picture credit: Diarmuid Greene / SPORTSFILE
The All Star football team for 2014 has been announced with few surprises but there are a number of footballers who can feel disappointed that they are not included. Here are five of those.
Shane Walsh (Galway)
The Galway man is certainly box office entertainment and recorded an impressive scoring haul of 1-29 in this year's championship.
One of the most natural players in the game, he is comfortable kicking off both feet and is deceptively quick.
His flick, turn and point against Tipperary was one of the moments of the championship.
Galway's Shane Walsh shurgs off a challenge from Paul Murphy of Kerry during the All-Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park. Photo: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
Ryan McHugh (Donegal)
Has taken over the role of sweeper supreme from his older brother Mark and has thrived this summer.
McHugh's performance in the win over Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final was amazing with his tactical awareness and tireless effort evident from start to finish.
Had a quiet game in the final but still the justifiable favourite to be crowned Young Footballer of the Year.
Donegal forward and IT Sligo student Ryan McHugh gives the thumbs up after scoring Donegal’s first goal against Dublin in the recent All-Ireland semi-final at Croke Park.
Donnchadh Walsh (Kerry)
As reliable as night turning to day, the wing-forward had arguably his best season in a Kerry jersey but has no All-Star to show for it.
His work as an extra defender in Kerry's new tactical system was pivotal to their success.
Donnchadh Walsh, Kerry, in action against Frank McGlynn, Donegal
Aidan O’Shea (Mayo)
His move to centre forward was inspired and became an expert at picking up breaking ball.
O'Shea's physicality makes him almost impossible to stop. Played well in both games against Kerry but his performance of the year came against the Rebels when he scored one of the goals of the championship.
Mayo star Aidan O'Shea says Mayo need to freshen up in order to claim an All-Ireland title.
Aidan O’Mahony (Kerry)
Toned down this year and his performances improved as a result.
His increased mobility and teak-tough attitude were central to the Kingdom's success.
The 34-year-old may not get many more opportunities to grab an All Star.
Aidan O'Mahony inspired Rathmore to a win over Dr Crokes
2014 GAA/GPA Football All-Stars sponsored by Opel
1. Paul Durcan (Donegal)
2. Paul Murphy (Kerry)
3. Neil McGee (Donegal)
4. Keith Higgins (Mayo)
5. James McCarthy (Dublin)
6. Peter Crowley (Kerry)
7. Colm Boyle (Mayo)
8. Neil Gallagher (Donegal)
9. David Moran (Kerry)
10. Paul Flynn (Dublin)
11. Michael Murphy (Donegal)
12. Diarmuid Connolly (Dublin)
13. Cillian O’ Connor (Mayo)
14. Kieran Donaghy (Kerry)
15. James O’ Donoghue (Kerry)
