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Peter canavan
GAA expert and columnist
Dublin led the way with nine representatives on the team. May has three players on the side, two Cavan players are included, with one of the Munster Tipperary champions making up the XV. Peter Canavan also chooses his Footballer of the Year for 2020.
Last Updated: 12/22/20 11:51 am
Brian Fenton and Con O’Callaghan are two of the first names on the team sheet
Sky Sports expert Peter Canavan chooses his team of the year, after Dublin retained its Irish title.
1. Raymond Galligan (Cavan)
Here you could choose between three goalkeepers. David Clarke came into play. Barring his kicks in the second half of the semi-final victory over Tipperary, he had a stellar year; making some flashy saves against the Premier and delivering from restarts in the decider, meeting his goals 18/22 times.
Stephen Cluxton struggled with his kicks in the first half against Mayo, but that didn’t make him nervous. He stood his ground and had an excellent second half. The Parnells man did not concede a single goal all year.
But I give my thumbs up to Galligan. His kicks and saves helped Cavan to the Ulster title, and his leadership was key.
Galligan got a late, late free to knock out Monaghan in the Ulster first round
2. Oisin Mullin (May), 3. David Byrne (Dublin), 4. Michael Fitzsimons (Dublin)
Byrne and Fitzsimons are two of the unsung heroes of this Dublin team. Cuala’s man has been the men’s marker for the past decade, winning eight Irish titles. His punches, tackles and tenacity were evident Saturday night.
Byrne may not get all the credit he deserves. Against Mayo, he was the one who was breaking tackles, coming off defense with a scorching pace. He also knows his limitations: after a run, he will pass the ball to one of the shooters. For me, it just beats Lee Keegan, who had a decent season.
Mullin has been a breath of fresh air. A winger ready to bombard forward at every opportunity. He was excellent in the National League and took that form to the championship. Such is his position in the Mayo team that James Horan had the confidence to put him in Dublin’s best striker in Con O’Callaghan.
Cuala’s man has been one of the most consistent Dublin players in recent years
5. Paddy Durcan (May), 6. John Small (Dublin), 7. Robbie McDaid (Dublin)
Paddy Durcan is a modern defender. He can get a forward out of a game, but he’s also a strong running back. Contribute a lot in the future. Before the final, he was the only Mayo defender to score from the game, and his defeat was felt in the second half against Dublin.
Many felt there would be a weakness in Dublin’s mid-back line, given the absence of Jack McCaffrey. But Robbie McDaid filled the void. He was excellent, although he did not play as well as he would have liked in the final.
John Small’s final performance brings him to this team. Eoghan McLaughlin was brilliant, but he didn’t make as big of an impact on Saturday. The Ballymun man was consistent all season, with looks and aggression.
1:57 McDaid was excited to win the All-Ireland after a great year
8. Thomas Galligan (Cavan), 9. Brian Fenton (Dublin)
James McCarthy is unlucky to miss out on this opportunity. But Cavan would not have won the Ulster title if it weren’t for Thomas Galligan. He played a huge role in Breffni’s remarkable campaign.
Brian Fenton was extraordinary and is on the shortlist to be named Footballer of the Year.
Fenton continues to raise the bar
10. Niall Scully (Dublin), 11. Ciaran Kilkenny (Dublin), 12. With O’Callaghan (Dublin)
A bit like David Byrne, Scully goes unnoticed. He is not one of the high profile Dublin players. But check out all the games, and his possession and assists stats are on par. He covered every inch of grass at Croke Park on Saturday and played a significant role in both goals.
The other two players are shoo-ins. In the final, Kilkenny kicked three key points, while O’Callaghan burst into the game with his goal. Two players who have excelled in performances in Dublin this year.
Niall Scully has been excellent all season
13. Cillian O’Connor (May) 14. Conor Sweeney (Tipperary), 15. Dean Rock (Dublin)
Tommy Conroy was in the mix before the final. But this trio showed unerring precision throughout the year, and that sets them apart. Between them, they scored 8-93.
Sweeney helped Tipp to a historic Munster final
Footballer of the year
For me, the jackpot is between three players this year: Brian Fenton, Ciarán Kilkenny and Con O’Callaghan.
I would give it to Brian Fenton, based on his consistency and high levels of performance throughout the season. When Dublin was in trouble kicking with Mayo dominating, Plan B was simple: kick Fenton. He delivered.
He has taken his game to another level this year. He’s the man to go to in Dublin and he’s my Footballer of the Year.
Tune in to Inside The Game Wednesday night on Sky Sports Mix, as our experts review the finale, as well as the season as a whole.
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