Best leinster team from past 25 years announced

Spiritoftheseventies

Came across this today. No complaints about midfield, goalkeeper or half forward or wing back positions. Anyway a good selection.

http://leinster.gaa.ie/

btw could comeone do out graphic of team as it is laid out on page.

aDeener

no graham geraghty?
the man was skill and athleticism personified

yahoo_moe

There you go.

Yup, no Geraghty is weird - he was on my selection for this ages ago and I have a serious dislike for the chap... Kevin O'Brien was very good but I think there might have been an extra effort to get him on there to see Wicklow represented.

Pretty good selection overall though.

Spiritoftheseventies

Yes Geraghty would seem an obvious choice but he has put a few noses out of joint.

Hammer Archer

No Geraghty is a bit of a sin in my book.
Thought Dessie Dolan would have been there as well. If they made an effort to get a Wicklow and Longford player in (who, with all due respect, haven't exactly set the GAA world alight in the past 25 years), surely they would have squeezed a Westmeath player in.

Spiritoftheseventies

Yes looking at team again Im surprised to see Dessie Farrell and Sherlock missing from that selection.

Kenteach

Can't believe they are the best 15 players of the last 25 years. While its good to see an effort to get as many counties represented as possible, Barden, Keane or O'Brien just stand out on otherwise poor county sides, they shouldn't be in there.
I had a look at the original 120 player shortlist. Seems unfair that some players are pitted directly against each other. For example, at full forward, you had to pick between Geraghty, Stafford, Sherlock and O'Brien. Personally, I'd have picked Geraghty, then Sherlock, then Stafford, finally O'Brien! Yet O'Brien got the nod! 4 great players, going for one slot. Alternatively, you then have Barden, Dolan, Duff and Prendergast going for 12. Not exactly the cream of the crop. I could go on, but you get my drift!

Ian_K

Kenteach wrote: »

Can't believe they are the best 15 players of the last 25 years. While its good to see an effort to get as many counties represented as possible, Barden, Keane or O'Brien just stand out on otherwise poor county sides, they shouldn't be in there.
I had a look at the original 120 player shortlist. Seems unfair that some players are pitted directly against each other. For example, at full forward, you had to pick between Geraghty, Stafford, Sherlock and O'Brien. Personally, I'd have picked Geraghty, then Sherlock, then Stafford, finally O'Brien! Yet O'Brien got the nod! 4 great players, going for one slot. Alternatively, you then have Barden, Dolan, Duff and Prendergast going for 12. Not exactly the cream of the crop. I could go on, but you get my drift!

Kevin O'Brien is the single greatest footballer i have ever seen play... if he was playing today he would be an absolute star... was unfortunate to play for a very poor wicklow side but if things had been different maybe more of us would have had the honour of watching him play... this is coming from a cork man by the way!

cruiserweight

Ian_K wrote: »

Kevin O'Brien is the single greatest footballer i have ever seen play... if he was playing today he would be an absolute star... was unfortunate to play for a very poor wicklow side but if things had been different maybe more of us would have had the honour of watching him play... this is coming from a cork man by the way!

+1 for this, Kevin O'Brien was a fantastic footballer, definitely not a case of trying to fit players in from particular counties

premierstone

Agree that Geraghty omission is very odd indeed, also agree that O'Brien was an excellent player and was a pity we didnt get to see more of him.

One thing that never ceases to amaze me, and having lived there for 6 years I know its not exclusive to here, is how seriously over-rated Jayo is within Dublin, there is no way in hell he would be anywhere near a team of this calibre and the only thing sets him aside from a run of the mill player was the longevity of he's career.

Kenteach

Ian_K wrote: »

Kevin O'Brien is the single greatest footballer i have ever seen play... if he was playing today he would be an absolute star... was unfortunate to play for a very poor wicklow side but if things had been different maybe more of us would have had the honour of watching him play... this is coming from a cork man by the way!

Fair enough, just never saw it myself. And I did see him play a fair bit, including in opposition. I certainly wouldn't rate him above Geraghty (despite Geraghty being one of the most obnoxious people I've ever had the displeasure of playing). His ability was one thing, but he also had an amazing brain for the game (and for other sports too I'm led to believe). I'm not trying to say O'Brien was muck or anything, merely that I don't see him as the greatest full forward in Leinster over the last quarter of a century.

Spiritoftheseventies

Kenteach wrote: »

Can't believe they are the best 15 players of the last 25 years. While its good to see an effort to get as many counties represented as possible, Barden, Keane or O'Brien just stand out on otherwise poor county sides, they shouldn't be in there.
I had a look at the original 120 player shortlist. Seems unfair that some players are pitted directly against each other. For example, at full forward, you had to pick between Geraghty, Stafford, Sherlock and O'Brien. Personally, I'd have picked Geraghty, then Sherlock, then Stafford, finally O'Brien! Yet O'Brien got the nod! 4 great players, going for one slot. Alternatively, you then have Barden, Dolan, Duff and Prendergast going for 12. Not exactly the cream of the crop. I could go on, but you get my drift!

Yes Duff would be another worth inclusion. His goal against Kerry in the League final was one the best I have ever seen. A class act.

Conditioned

The arguement that Kevin O'Brien was a good player standing out in a poor team is a poor argument to me.

Kevin O'Brien and Dessie Barry of Longford to name just two players from weaker counties would have been outstanding players on any team.

Anyone that seen these players in their prime would testify that these players could have made the difference for alot of good teams in the late 80's early 90's. I have no doubt Dublin for instance would have won an all ireland in this period had they either player and I'm sure any lifelong Dublin supporter would also testify to this.

Is Kevin O'Brien a better player than Jason Sherlock? In my opinion he is. I believe Kevin O'Brien could have made a huge impact for Dublin but I'm not sure Jason Sherlock would make a similar impact for Wicklow that O'Brien did.

Spiritoftheseventies

On very shaky ground there re Sherlock.

yahoo_moe

Hammer Archer wrote: »

surely they would have squeezed a Westmeath player in.

They put John Keane corner back.

As for Sherlock, sorry but he shouldn't be anywhere near that team (and I'm a Dub). Very intelligent player over the last 4 seasons and obviously had an impact in '95 but there were a few less impressive years in between. Overall, I'd say he'd be the 4th choice of those 4 full-forward options.

megadodge

I also saw Kevin O'Brien play a number of times in his prime and to be honest, while he was a good player I never really understood what all the fuss was about.

I would rate Geraghty quite a bit ahead of him and Stafford was certainly an underrated player who I wouldn't rate below O'Brien either.

Hammer Archer

yahoo_moe wrote: »

They put John Keane corner back.

Hmmm. How'd I miss that?
Anyways, I still believe Dessie Dolan deserves to be on that team. Also agree with pitting several great players against each other for one position is a bit silly.
Ah well, sure in the grand scheme of things, it means next to nothing.

RocketRonnie

Geraghty won an All Ireland at no.12, surely deserves that spot instead of Bardon....!!! Ciaran McManus of Offaly also lined out there sometimes, who I would also have ahead of Bardon!!

sos33

not one laois player there,joe higgins being one of the best corner backs over the last 10 years,even going back more ,mick lalor or hughie emmerson

Spiritoftheseventies

sos33 wrote: »

not one laois player there,joe higgins being one of the best corner backs over the last 10 years,even going back more ,mick lalor or hughie emmerson

And Ross Munnelly another good candidate there for Laois.

Kenteach

Higgins would be there or thereabouts. Not sure about the other laois lads mentioned though.

LeoB

Would rate Seamus O'Hanlon of Louth ahead of Ciaran Whelan and McDermott. I always preferred Geraghty as a half back and think he was as good as any of the 3 selected. His style suited the half back line. Dessie Dolan I would also place ahead of Barden.

As for Kevin O'Brien, probably one of the best ball players I have seen.Colm O'Rourke is the only forward I would rate as better than him on this team. Sheer class. Its a pity Wicklow didnt have Micko about 15-20 years ago. They actually had a decent side but were poorly organised.

flahavaj

I presume the hurling equivalent would just be called "Kilkenny.":pac:

premierstone

flahavaj wrote: »

I presume the hurling equivalent would just be called "Kilkenny.":pac:

Very far off the mark tbh, just off the top of my head I would say Damien Fitz, Brian Whelehan, Johnny Pilkington, Martin Storey, Johnny Dooley and James Young. And Im sure our Offaly and Wexford posters will come up with a few more ...... oh Larry Dunne, John Troy .... Iv opened the floodgates now

cruiserweight

premierstone wrote: »

Very far off the mark tbh, just off the top of my head I would say Damien Fitz, Brian Whelehan, Johnny Pilkington, Martin Storey, Johnny Dooley and James Young. And Im sure our Offaly and Wexford posters will come up with a few more ...... oh Larry Dunne, John Troy .... Iv opened the floodgates now

The team listed on the website is:
Damien Fitzhenry
Michael Kavanagh
Noel Hickey
Martin Hanify
Brian Whelehan
Liam Dunne
JJ Delaney
George O'Connor
Joachim Kelly
Johnny Dooley
Henry Shefflin
Tommy Walsh
Eddie Brennan
DJ Carey
Joe Dooley

Johnny Pilkington and Martin Storey can consider themselves very unlucky to not be listed IMO

premierstone

cruiserweight wrote: »

The team listed on the website is:
Damien Fitzhenry
Michael Kavanagh
Noel Hickey
Martin Hanify
Brian Whelehan
Liam Dunne
JJ Delaney
George O'Connor
Joachim Kelly
Johnny Dooley
Henry Shefflin
Tommy Walsh
Eddie Brennan
DJ Carey
Joe Dooley

Johnny Pilkington and Martin Storey can consider themselves very unlucky to not be listed IMO

Aye I wasnt too far off apart from calling Liam Dunne, Larry

And I also think James Young would be a cert if from one of the big 3.

cruiserweight

premierstone wrote: »

Aye I wasnt too far off apart from calling Liam Dunne, Larry

And I also think James Young would be a cert if from one of the big 3.

You were probably combining Larry O'Gorman and Liam Dunne, now that would be some hurler

Spiritoftheseventies

premierstone wrote: »

Aye I wasnt too far off apart from calling Liam Dunne, Larry

And I also think James Young would be a cert if from one of the big 3.

Three counties represented in the hurling team. Is that an indictment I wonder of how the sport has been neglected in other parts in last twenty five. Think the make up will be slightly different for next twenty five.

premierstone

bayviewclose wrote: »

Three counties represented in the hurling team. Is that an indictment I wonder of how the sport has been neglected in other parts in last twenty five. Think the make up will be slightly different for next twenty five.

Hopefully Bayview certainly Dublin and Carlow, Westmeath to a lesser extent seem to be on the right track, the only problem is that Ofally and to a lesser extent Wexford seem to be going in the opposite direction

premierstone

cruiserweight wrote: »

You were probably combining Larry O'Gorman and Liam Dunne, now that would be some hurler

No I actually work with someone called Larry Dunne think that was it

DublinDes

Though I voted for John O'Leary, not surprised Colm O'Rourke is leading. The Dubs greatest nightmare for many a year.

Spiritoftheseventies

premierstone wrote: »

Hopefully Bayview certainly Dublin and Carlow, Westmeath to a lesser extent seem to be on the right track, the only problem is that Ofally and to a lesser extent Wexford seem to be going in the opposite direction

Yes I think if the structures are put in place Hurling will thrive. Look at how game in Dublin has been transformed in last few years. Admittedly population is bigger but with another proper coaching our national game can thrive elsewhere in Leinster

LeoB

Not so sure Wexford and Offaly are going back as much as people make out. They have always come and gone but I think the other Counties are doing great work at underage level. Kildare and Wicklow are also doing good work and a few clubs in Meath are doing a good job also.

To be fair to the people in Dublin who promote hurling in Dublin they have huge competition from other sports and I think it makes the progress they have made all the more credable. The school teachers and Cumann-Na mBunscoil have been fantastic. Then great credit to the smaller clubs who have taken to hurling also, this is not only good for the games but for their communities as a lot of people who dont have a G.A.A background enjoy hurling and are getting involved where they might not follow football

Hurling, It is a wonderful game.

DARK-KNIGHT

i think if dermot earley was not stricken with cancer etc and fully fit he would have taken whelans spot in midfield!!!

nice to see the team picked was not ruled by 1 or 2 counties!

and barney rock what a legendary footballer - this is coming from a kildare man!

wpould just like to point out that this thread is a good idea!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spiritoftheseventies

raycaulwell wrote: »

i think if dermot earley was not stricken with cancer etc and fully fit he would have taken whelans spot in midfield!!!

nice to see the team picked was not ruled by 1 or 2 counties!

and barney rock what a legendary footballer - this is coming from a kildare man!

wpould just like to point out that this thread is a good idea!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome back RC. Though you were hibernating

DARK-KNIGHT

bayviewclose wrote: »

Welcome back RC. Though you were hibernating

nah bayview new baby! back just in time for the league antics! like the thread by the way!!!!

no charlie redmond???? footballing genius - what a striker of a ball!

hope the gaa forum have all been keeping well:)

DARK-KNIGHT

no offense to mattie forde but is he really worthy of that spot?

i think he is a great footballer btw just before someone throws something at me!!! lol

delighthed to see kevin obrien in there magical footballer just unlucky to be playing for an unsuccesful team no offense wicklow - your looking quite good now so chin up

Spiritoftheseventies

raycaulwell wrote: »

no offense to mattie forde but is he really worthy of that spot?

i think he is a great footballer btw just before someone throws something at me!!! lol

delighthed to see kevin obrien in there magical footballer just unlucky to be playing for an unsuccesful team no offense wicklow - your looking quite good now so chin up

Yes trust you wont be poisoning your new kid with stories of those bold Dublin men.

DARK-KNIGHT

bayviewclose wrote: »

Yes trust you wont be poisoning your new kid with stories of those bold Dublin men.

now you know me i dont take inter county rivalries personally:o

saying that dying to get to the stage where my little boy can appreciate our great national game!

oh yeah before i forget, CILL DARA ABU;)

ALSO HAVE TO ADD ITS THE CURRENT DUBLIN TEAM THAT I THINK ARE OVER RATED NOT TEAMS FROM THE PAST OR PLAYERS FROM THE PAST!

cha redmond was always an inspiration to me

Spiritoftheseventies

Yes they have a good chance I reckon. But we will save for that the summer. The summer after next after next after next...

DARK-KNIGHT

bayviewclose wrote: »

Yes they have a good chance I reckon. But we will save for that the summer. The summer after next after next after next...

lol very good talk soon good sir im off to change a nappy!!!:o

Spiritoftheseventies

see you anon

spongeman

yahoo_moe wrote: »

There you go.

Yup, no Geraghty is weird - he was on my selection for this ages ago and I have a serious dislike for the chap... Kevin O'Brien was very good but I think there might have been an extra effort to get him on there to see Wicklow represented.

Pretty good selection overall though.

No I think you will find Kevin O'Brien is there as he was a fantastic player .

UP THE GARDEN COUNTY.

spongeman

megadodge wrote: »

I also saw Kevin O'Brien play a number of times in his prime and to be honest, while he was a good player I never really understood what all the fuss was about.

I would rate Geraghty quite a bit ahead of him and Stafford was certainly an underrated player who I wouldn't rate below O'Brien either.

They should have picked the whole Wicklow team.

WICKLOW FOR SAM 2010

LeoB

In fairness to O'Brien when he played for Ireland in the compromise rules he shone because they knew he had class and if had been born in Kerry he would have been a legend. Come to think of it had he been born up the road in Dublin we might well have won an extra All-Ireland.

He was class.

DARK-KNIGHT

spongeman wrote: »

They should have picked the whole Wicklow team.

WICKLOW FOR SAM 2010

lol ok then, let your title charge begin good luck sir

Spiritoftheseventies

raycaulwell wrote: »

lol ok then, let your title charge begin good luck sir

For me and I hate to say it but that Meath team of the late eighties and early nineties was collectively the best team since Dublin of the seventies. Hayes, Stafford, Beggy, O' Rourke. anyone who gets the chance should watch them on GAA gold.

Nalced_irl

Havent voted cos my heart goes one way and head is kinda jammed between them all. They are all amazing in their respective positions so bias has to take over so if i voted i would probably go with Barney. Too tough to choose one tho when trying to be neutral!