Monaghan goalkeeper Rory Beggan won his first All Star award last week after a fantastic year with the Farney County.
Beggan ousted both Dublin goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton and Laois shotstopper Graham Brody to win the award.
Cluxton captained Dublin to their fourth consecutive All-Ireland title in September but he has not won an All-Star award since the 2013 season where he guided the Jacks to a win over Mayo for what was his second Celtic Cross.
Former Dublin midfielder Ciaran Whelan believes that his omissions stem from his frosty relationship with the media while five-time All-Ireland winner Tomás ó Sé believes Cluxton is a victim of his own success.
However, Irish News journalist Cahair O’Kane broke down some of the key statistics between Cluxton and Beggan and the numbers show that the Monaghan goalkeeper won more kick-outs, won a lot more contested kick-outs and made fewer errors leading to goals.
Check @CahairOKane1 article today's @irishnewssport a masterpiece pic.twitter.com/4dGM8WRaiC
— Dougie Corbett (@DougieCorb62) November 6, 2018
Despite another year on the outer, Beggan still holds the Parnells shotstopper in the highest regard possible.
“Stephen has been the benchmark for goalkeepers young and old,” said Beggan at the PWC All Star awards.
“Still is and still will be. He’s been a huge idol and a huge learning curve for myself.”
