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Kingdom to the fore in All-Stars football selection

Chrissy McKaigue, Cillian McDaid, Ciarán Kilkenny and David Clifford have all been included in the team of the year selection
Chrissy McKaigue, Cillian McDaid, Ciarán Kilkenny and David Clifford have all been included in the team of the year selection

The 2022 PwC GAA/GPA All-Star football team features 11 first-time winners, with All-Ireland champions Kerry claiming seven places on the team.

The Clifford brothers, David and Paudie, are joined by team-mates Sean O'Shea, goalkeeper Shane Ryan, and defenders Jason Foley, Tadhg Morley and Gavin White.

Finalists Galway have claimed five berths. Damien Comer and Shane Walsh occupy two of the full-forward slots, with Liam Silke, John Daly and Cillian McDaid also included.

Semi-finalists Derry are represented by corner-back Chrissy McKaigue and midfielder Conor Glass, with Dublin's Ciarán Kilkenny, winning his fourth award, making up the team.

1. Shane Ryan (Kerry)

Only conceded one goal en route to All-Ireland glory. More assured with restarts and a commanding presence in the air.

2. Chrissy McKaigue (Derry)

A 13th year in the Derry jersey sees the tigerish defender claim a first award.

3. Jason Foley (Kerry)

An important cog in maintaining Kerry's defensive nous. Not always the flashiest, but always aware of the danger around him.

4. Liam Silke (Galway)

Resolute against Armagh, prominent against Derry and an All-Ireland final that saw the Corofin man marshal Kerry's Sean O'Shea to great effect.

5. Tadhg Morley (Kerry)

The Templenoe man started every league and championship game this year. Sits at the heart of the defence where the mantra is "thou shalt not pass".

6. John Daly (Galway)

One of the finest foot-passers in the game, he is often the launchpad for Galway's attacking plays.

7. Gavin White (Kerry)

Passed a fitness test to make the All-Ireland final and chipped in with the insurance point, the Dr Crokes man is an energetic presence up and down the pitch.

8. Conor Glass (Derry)

The second Derry man to feature on the team, he enjoyed an outstanding campaign both as an attacking threat and a primary ball winner.

9. Cillian McDaid (Galway)

Kept Galway in the championship with a point to take the quarter-final to extra-time and aside from the David Clifford/Shane Walsh kicking show, was arguably the next best on display with four exquisite points.

10. Paudie Clifford (Kerry)

The first player on the team who has won an award previously, this being his second. The elder Clifford had a solid year and was one of those who stepped up as Kerry firmly fastened their grip on Sam Maguire.

11. Sean O'Shea (Kerry)

'That' point against Dublin will arguably be remembered as the moment of the championship. A quieter display in the final, but the work-rate around the pitch was key to his side's success.

12. Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin)

The sole Dublin representative. They waltzed through Leinster, but gave a virtuoso display against Kerry in the semi-final defeat. A sixth award for the Castleknock man.

13. David Clifford (Kerry)

The Fossa man collects his fourth All-Star in his fifth year of senior football. Sensational displays against Dublin and Galway demonstrate yet again he's the man for the big occasion.

14. Damien Comer (Galway)

The Annaghdown man almost single-handedly took down Derry in the semi-final. Found the going tougher against Kerry, but remains one of the most potent target men in the game.

15. Shane Walsh (Galway)

An All-Ireland display for the ages, with 0-09 to his name and some collector's items to boot. The 29-year-old is a first-time winner.

Watch the PwC 2022 All-Stars ceremony on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Friday from 7pm

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