There’s a 45 player shortlist for the 2022 All-Stars and it’s hard to believe that Kieran Molloy isn’t on it.
Someone has to miss out, and the All-Star committee always face a stiff task but bar the last minute of stoppage time against Roscommon, the Corofin half back played every single second of Galway’s championship campaign.
And he was a key man throughout.
Stationed alongside his club-mate Dylan McHugh, who can also count himself unlucky, as part of a two-man sweeper system, Molloy was a crucial player in turning Galway’s defence around. From a leaky mixed bag to a well-oiled machine, the 26-year-old propped up their renewed defensive solidity.
But like the blue blood that we all know he is, and with the engine that seemingly never stops, he booted up the field to kick pivotal points in Galway’s quarter final win over Armagh, as well as the All-Ireland final against Kerry.
The last five defenders on that list below, from Lee Keegan to Cian Sheehan, can all count themselves lucky to get in ahead of him.
Elsewhere, the 45 man list is relatively self explanatory. Matthew Tierney may have some qualms about missing out though you could argue that, after lighting up the quarter final, he didn’t do enough in the final or semi-final. Con O’Callaghan did well to make it too, despite not featuring in Dublin’s quarter or semi-finals.
As for the Footballer of the year award, because they were head and shoulders above the rest the three nominees are spot on but in David Clifford, there’s only going to be one winner.
Lee Gannon vs Jack Glynn vs Ethan Doherty meanwhile, will be a close run thing for Young footballer.
Goalkeepers
Ethan Rafferty (Armagh), Shane Ryan (Kerry), Evan Comerford (Dublin)
Defenders
Jason Foley, Tadhg Morley, Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Graham O’Sullivan, Tom O’Sullivan, Gavin White (Kerry); Liam Silke, Seán Kelly, John Daly (Galway); Chrissy McKaigue, Conor McCluskey, Brendan Rogers (Derry); James McCarthy, Lee Gannon (Dublin); Lee Keegan (Mayo); Jarlath Óg Burns (Armagh); Seán Powter (Cork); Cian Sheehan (Limerick)
Midfielders
Paul Conroy, Cillian McDaid (Galway); Conor Glass, Gareth McKinless (Derry); Brian Fenton (Dublin); Jack Barry (Kerry)
Forwards
David Clifford, Seán O’Shea, Paudie Clifford, Stephen O’Brien (Kerry); Shane Walsh, Damien Comer, Robert Finnerty (Galway); Rian O’Neill, Stefan Campbell, Rory Grugan (Armagh); Ciarán Kilkenny, Con O’Callaghan (Dublin); Shane McGuigan, Ethan Doherty (Derry); Ben McCormack (Kildare); Eoin Cleary (Clare); Stephen Sherlock (Cork); Jack McCarron (Monaghan)
PwC GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year
David Clifford (Kerry); Cillian McDaid, Shane Walsh (both Galway)
PwC GAA/GPA Young Footballer of the Year
Lee Gannon (Dublin); Ethan Doherty (Derry); Jack Glynn (Galway)
