Thirteen counties are represented in the list of 45 nominees for the Vodafone GAA All Star Football awards for 2006 which are announced today.
The final selection will be announced on November 22nd and the awards will be presented at the annual gala banquet in Dublin on November 24th.
All-Ireland champions Kerry top the list with nine nominations which include the O'Se brothers Marc and Darragh.
Dublin, the Leinster champions, receive eight nominations while six players from the All-Ireland finalists Mayo are included in the list.
Today's announcement will be greeted with delight in Longford with two members of their forward line, Paul Barden and Brian Kavanagh, receiving nominations for the first time.
Just three of last year's Vodafone All Stars – Paul McGrane (Armagh), Colm Cooper (Kerry) and Steven McDonnell (Armagh) – are in contention for awards this year.
2006 Football All-Star Nominations
Goalkeepers: Stephen Cluxton (Dublin), Gary Connuaghton (Westmeath), Alan Quirke (Cork)
Full Backs: Marc O'Se (Kerry), Tom O'Sullivan (Kerry), Paul Griffin (Dublin), Karl Lacey (Donegal), Barry Owens (Fermanagh), Francie Bellew (Armagh), Joe Higgins (Laois), Graham Canty (Cork), Keith Higgins (Mayo)
Half Backs: Seamus Moynihan (Kerry), Aidan O’Mahony (Kerry), Bryan Cullen (Dublin), Ger Spillane (Cork), Peadar Gardiner (Mayo), Aaron Kernan (Armagh), Karol Slattery (Offaly), Barry Dunnion (Donegal), Diarmuid Blake (Galway)
Midfield: Nicholas Murphy (Cork), Darragh O'Se (Kerry), Ronan McGarrity (Mayo) Ciaran Whelan (Dublin), Shane Ryan (Dublin), Paul McGrane (Armagh)
Half Forwards: Alan Dillon (Mayo), Ciaran McDonald (Mayo), Paul Galvin (Kerry) Sean O'Sullivan (Kerry), Alan Brogan (Dublin), Jason Sherlock (Dublin), Conal Keaney (Dublin), Paul Barden (Longford), Ross Munnelly (Laois)
Full Forwards: Kieran Donaghy (Kerry), Colm Cooper (Kerry), Ronan Clarke (Armagh), Steven McDonnell (Armagh), Conor Mortimer (Mayo), James Masters (Cork), Niall McNamee (Offaly), Paddy Bradley (Derry), Brian Kavanagh (Longford)
