The curtain will come down tonight on a memorable 2025 GAA season with 15 hurlers and 15 footballers set to be chosen as this year's PwC All-Stars.
Sometimes I think we either forget or don't fully appreciate the value of the GAA's All-Star award until it’s pointed out in conversation.
This week I was in the privileged position to compile a TV report on the great 'Nudie’ Hughes - the former Monaghan All-Star - during what was a sad week for the GAA community there.
Eugene 'Nudie' Hughes was a wonderful footballer, a unique talent and undoubtedly Monaghan's greatest footballer.
Looking at his sporting CV earlier this week, I learned once again that he had won three Ulster Championships and three All-Stars in different positions from corner back to corner forward, which is truly remarkable.
To put this into perspective, only six footballers have achieved that incredible distinction.
On the All-Stars teams in 1979, 1985 and 1988 that Nudie was selected on, the Castleblayney Faughs man was in the company of footballers of the quality of Kerry’s John O'Keeffe, Jack O'Shea, Mikey Sheehy, Ger Power, Pat Spillane, and Maurice Fitzgerald; Roscommon's Dermot Earley, Mayo's Willie Joe Padden, and Cork's Larry Tompkins.
He never got a chance to climb the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the Sam Maguire Cup for his beloved Monaghan, but he still won the hearts and minds of the people of Monaghan and Ireland for his sheer football class.
His national recognition came officially through his three All-Star's which he deeply treasured.
While an All-Ireland medal is the ultimate accolade, provincial medals, national leagues and All-Stars are valued not just by the player himself but by his family as well. It is that important.
Not everybody is born into a county that can win an All-Ireland title, so to win an All-Star is massive.
The awards began in 1971 when my predecessor as Gaelic Games Correspondent in RTÉ, the late Mick Dunne, initiated and encouraged his journalistic colleagues from other media outlets to have an official recognition of the best players in the land.
Damien Martin, the Offaly hurling goalkeeper in 1971 became the very first All-Star. Paul Galvin of Kerry became the 1000th All Star in 2004, while Tipperary’s Jake Morris on this year’s All-Star hurling team became the 1,600th All-Star in the history of the scheme.
The All-Star awards also has its critics.
The fact that much credence is given to the All-Ireland finalists, is top of the negative list. It’s true, but it’s also too simplistic.
I have no doubt that Kerry and Donegal will take a huge percentage of the All-Stars on this year’s football team, but they also deserve the recognition of getting to the ultimate stage of the championship - the All-Ireland Football Final in Croke Park before 82,300 people.
The journey to get there takes quality footballers.
Interestingly only two counties, Carlow and Longford, have never won All-Stars in the 54 years since 1971.
Usually if a county makes an impact during the season, like winning the league or more importantly a provincial title, there is some recognition for one or more of their outstanding players.
In 1971 Sligo's Mickey Kerins was recognised on the football team, as was Antrim's Andy McCallin at right corner forward.
Clare beating Kerry in the 1992 Munster Final saw Seamus Clancy getting the right corner back jersey on that year’s All-Star team. In 1994, Leitrim’s Seamus Quinn was the All-Star full back, while four years later Tipperary’s Declan Brown won an All-Star wearing 15 on his back. His fellow Premier County man Conor Sweeney became an All-Star in 2020.
Last year, Louth’s Craig Lennon was named at left half back and is nominated again this year, along with team-mates Sam Mulroy and Ryan Burns.
Louth won the Leinster Championship this year for the first time since 1957, so will the Wee County get another All-Star?
Meath are back in the big time too, so perhaps the Royals might be celebrating an All-Star award for their footballing exploits in 2025.
Time will tell.
I don’t know any player that will ever think about winning an individual award. It’s not in their mindset at all. It's about the team, it's always about the team.
The bond and the experience of trying together to achieve a dream has to be the greatest experience for the people involved, yet All-Star night is special.
For the players it’s a chance to hang out with some of their team-mates, but also to enjoy the company of their opponents.
For one night only it's not about the winning. It's not about the All-Ireland title or the provincial title or the league. It's just about being there.
That in itself is an achievement.
The All-Stars ceremony will take place tonight at the RDS in Dublin, where the Footballer of the Year and Hurler of the Year/hurling team will be named live on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
