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James McCarthy leads the way in Sunday Game Team of the Year

Updated / Sunday, 30 Jul 2023 23:43
James McCarthy and Stephen Cluxton won their ninth All-Ireland medals
James McCarthy and Stephen Cluxton won their ninth All-Ireland medals

The Dubs are back on top and six of their players have been named on The Sunday Game Team of the Year.

Sunday's 1-15 to 1-13 win over Kerry clinched a first All-Ireland title since 2020 and put to bed the disappointment of the previous two years’ semi-final exits.

There are five players from Kerry included, along with three from Ulster champions Derry and one from Monaghan.

Dublin captain James McCarthy, one of three players to win a record ninth All-Ireland medal, was selected as The Sunday Game Footballer of the Year.

Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)

Cluxton returned to the Dublin net for the Leinster semi-final against Kildare and simply picked up where left off. His run of 13 clean sheets was ended in the All-Ireland final but that was the only negative in a near-flawless display by the 41-year-old, who became one of three players to win a record ninth All-Ireland medal.

Conor McCluskey (Derry)

A model of consistency. McCluskey was a defensive rock for Derry but also popped up with some big moments in attack, including a brilliant goal against Monaghan in the Ulster semi-finals.

Mick Fitzsimons (Dublin)

Fitzsimons enjoyed some fierce tussles with the likes of Conor McManus and David Clifford this summer. He stood up to the most difficult of man-marking jobs in the All-Ireland final, shading an enthralling battle with the Kerry captain. That ninth medal is well deserved.

Tom O’Sullivan (Kerry)

O’Sullivan was one of the leading scorers in this year’s championship, and he highlighted his defensive strengths in the All-Ireland final when curtailing Cormac Costello’s influence.

James McCarthy (Dublin)

The third of the nine-medal Dubs, McCarthy’s leadership shone as he led his side back up the steps of the Hogan Stand. If this does turn out to be his final season, he has certainly signed off in style, and his performances saw him selected as Footballer of the Year by the panel of Sunday Game analysts.

Tadhg Morley (Kerry)

Morley was a commanding presence at centre-back, providing communication and physically at the heart of Kerry’s defence. He led by example, keeping Con O’Callaghan quiet for long spells of the All-Ireland final.

Conor McCarthy (Monaghan)

Whether at wing-back or wing-forward, McCarthy was hugely influential in Monaghan’s progression to the last four of the All-Ireland. His 75th-minute winner against Kildare stands out among the many highlights.

Brian Fenton (Dublin)

Fenton rediscovered his best form this season and delivered another masterclass in high fielding and powerful running against Kerry, kicking excellent points in each half.

Brendan Rogers (Derry)

Rogers’ switch to midfield proved an inspired move as his performances helped Derry retain their Ulster title and come agonisingly close to a first All-Ireland appearance since 1993.

Paul Mannion (Dublin)

Back with a bang. Mannion’s return gave Dublin an added edge in attack. He stood up when it mattered most, top-scoring with five points against Kerry including a crucial score in injury-time.

Sean O’Shea (Kerry)

Huge work rate, place-kicking prowess and a knack of popping up with scores at key moments. O’Shea kept the scoreboard ticking over against Dublin while those around him struggled to find their range.

Paudie Clifford (Kerry)

The most mobile attacker in the Kingdom line-up, Clifford’s all-round game has seen become a key player. He made an impact when dropping deep against Dublin but also showed his eye for goal with three points in the space of ten second-half minutes.

David Clifford (Kerry)

It wasn’t his day in the All-Ireland final but Clifford remains the best player in the country. His pass for Paul Geaney’s goal was incredible, just one of a number of moments of breathtaking skill from the Kerry captain this summer.

Shane McGuigan (Derry)

The top-scorer in this year’s championship with 2-52, there is plenty more to come from the Slaughtneil dual star. The weight of expectation has not fazed McGuigan, who was excellent in the Ulster final win over Armagh, and there is plenty more to come from the 25-year-old.

Colm Basquel (Dublin)

Basquel had a point to prove against Kerry after a below-par outing in the semi-final against Monaghan and he certainly made amends. The corner-forward won the turnover that led to Dublin’s goal, kicked two points from play, and was involved in both injury-time points to cap off an excellent season.

ALL-IRELAND FINAL MAN OF THE MATCH

Paul Mannion (Dublin)

Top-scored with five points, four coming from play including the go-ahead score in injury-time. Mannion rewarded the work of his team-mates by finishing off two counter-attacks and kept his head during a tense finish.

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