Then there were three.
It’s all over bar the shouting, the shouting over who is the fairest in the land. The All Stars and the Footballer of the Year will be announced Friday night but one thing is certain – the top individual award is headed for Dublin.
We’ve devised a system of determining which boy in blue will come out on top.
Bernard Brogan
How much does this man worry the opposition?
The corner-forward is usually the player detail their best man marker to from the throw in, which in itself is a massive sign of respect.
Not only a wonderful attacker but also a powerful tackler as shown with the dispossession of Colm Cooper in the final that led to a Dublin score.
How important was he to team’s success?
The right time and the right place to pick up on the deflected shot that set Dublin on the way to victory over Mayo, Brogan showed all season his eye for goal is as sharp as ever.
Another crucial game-breaker against Westmeath proved Brogan was on top of his game all season long and his haul of 6-20 from play proves his phenomenal form.
What was his standout moment?
The opening goal of replay against Mayo. His movement as he started a run, stopped, and then went again before Brian Fenton’s deflected shot would make Thomas Muller proud.
Would Dublin have won the All-Ireland without him?
Absolutely not. His scoring totals tell you how vital he was in the Dublin full-forward line.
A previous footballer of the year winner in 2011, he almost reached the same heights in 2015.
Would have Bernard Brogan as Footballer of the Year. Few contenders on Dublin team but they wouldn't have won All-Ireland without him.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) September 21, 2015
Will he be named FOTY?
No. Having won it before will probably count against him, as will having two of his teammates for opposition in the voting.
Jack McCaffrey
How much does this man worry the opposition?
Once it was just a team’s forwards who attacked, but McCaffrey is just one of Dublin’s very threatening back division.
He has everything to become one of the best players in Ireland with managers concerned about how to stop him rather than creating chances for their own attack.
How important was he to team’s success?
His pace is key but McCaffrey gives Jim Gavin’s side more than just a speedster.
His ability with ball in hand, as well as his positional sense, means he gives Dublin an assured outlet on the wing, while he can also come up and grab a score.
The best wing back in the country right now, and at 22 he can only get better.
Jack mccaffrey inching closer to that POY award. Having a blinder along the cusack stand. His fitness is sick #AllIrelandFinal
— Rory's Stories (@RorysStories) September 20, 2015
What was his standout moment?
One of the best moments of the entire season came in Croke Park back in February when McCaffrey tore through the Donegal defence to slam the ball into the net.
It was Kevin Moran-esque but just this time with a better finish
Would Dublin have won the All-Ireland without him?
Seems unlikely. Despite being too sick to train ahead of the final he was central to keeping a rein on Kerry half-forward line.
Ended the championship with 1-1 to his name but set up many more via his passing or runs from deep. He is one of Dublin’s key players if they are to defend Sam in 2016
Will he be named FOTY?
Yes. the most consistent player for Dublin over the last 12 months, through league and championship. For once agree we agree with a Sunday Game panel decision.
The Sunday Game Footballer of the Year for 2015 is Dublin's Jack McCaffrey. #SundayGame #FootballeroftheYear pic.twitter.com/PAbedXG7EQ
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) September 20, 2015
Philly McMahon
How much does this man worry the opposition?
Every corner forward in the country will have nightmares about coming up against the most talented, publicly disliked, corner-back since Ryan McMenamin in 2016.
‘Ricey’ ended up with three All-Ireland medals and McMahon, on three now, will surely have the opportunity to add to his tally after an incredible season.
How important was he to team’s success?
If teams want to get physical with Dublin then McMahon isn’t afraid of it, and if they want to play ball, well he’ll play ball too.
A certainty to win an All-Star, he would be the outstanding candidate if his misdemeanors with Aidan O’Shea and Kieran Donaghy had not cast a shadow over his performances.
https://twitter.com/SuibhneGeilt1/status/645725085937090561
What was his standout moment?
Easy. McMahon brushing off Colm Cooper to land an All-Ireland final point that will live long in the memory. Scored 1-2 in the semi final win over Mayo too but we’ve gone for this eye-opening score.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ee7B9GFRaw
Would Dublin have won the All-Ireland without him?
Hard to see. The Ballymun man proved too slick and wily for Aidan O’Shea in the semi-finals, while he had the legs and natural ability to upstage one of be best forwards of all time in an All-Ireland final.
Fully deserving of an All-Star, the corner back will probably suffer for his public indiscretions but there’s no doubting his massive ability.
Will he be named FOTY?
No, which is a shame as defenders often don’t get enough credit for their roles in winning All-Ireland’s. Set to be beaten by his squeaky clean colleague in the half-back line
