Brian Fenton was typically magnificent this season but in the the four horse race to become Gaelic Footballer of the Year, Ciaran Kilkenny is out on his own.
Playing in a role that utilised his lethal attacking abilities, the Castleknock man went to town. From their Championship-opener against Westmeath to the final against Mayo, Kilkenny burned it up at will. Scores came easy and big plays were the norm with his pace, power and attacking instincts on a different level to the rest.
- 0-5 v Westmeath
- 1-4 v Laois
- 0-4 v Meath
- 0-4 v Cavan
- 0-3 v Mayo
1-20 from play in just five games. Those stats don’t lie.
Behind him, Brian Fenton (of course) and Cillian O’Connor had exceptional campaigns while Thomas Galligan’s contribution to this championship shouldn’t be underestimated. For Cavan to make a breakthrough, they needed heroes and the Lacken club man just wouldn’t lie down. The catch against Monaghan, the scores against Down and the blatant refusal to lose to Donegal illuminated this championship. Those sights will live long.
All-in-all, winter would have been a long, dull stretch without the players and the games so to them we are grateful.
Here’s to 15 of the best, with Niall Scully most unlucky to miss out.
