Five counties are represented on the PwC GAA/GPA All-Star football team, with All-Ireland champions Dublin leading the way.
A traditional Dublin-Kerry final is reflected in five places for the champions and four for the Kingdom, with a quartet of Derry players also recognised, along with one player from Monaghan and one from Roscommon.
Aaron Gillane and David Clifford were voted by their peers as the PwC GAA/GPA Hurler and Footballer of the Year at the PwC All-Stars at Dublin's RDS in Ballsbridge.
Gillane brings yet more glory to the Patrickswell club who have a proud tradition of All-Star success and have also impressively supplied recent hurlers of the year in Cian Lynch and Diarmaid Byrnes.
Clifford makes it back-to-back player of the year awards and joins fellow nominee Brian Fenton and Meath legend Trevor Giles as a modern-day two-time winner.
Stephen Cluxton, Mick Fitzsimons, James McCarthy, Brian Fenton and Colm Basquel are the five Dubs honoured. Cluxton is now a seven-time All-Star with only Kerry's Pat Spillane (nine) and Colm Cooper (eight) ahead of him.
Tom O'Sullivan, Sean O'Shea and Clifford brothers, Paudie and David, are the Kerry quartet, with Derry's four awards going to Conor McCluskey, Gareth McKinless, Brendan Rogers and Shane McGuigan.
Enda Smith is Roscommon's first All-Star since 2001, while Conor McCarthy of Monaghan is also honoured.
The PwC Young Hurler of the Year award went to Clare's All-Star nominee Mark Rodgers while Derry’s Ethan Doherty was voted Young Footballer of the Year by their peers after both caught the eye in campaigns that brought them to All-Ireland semi-finals.
2023 Football XV
1. Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)
A seventh All-Star for the returning Dub. After a sabbatical more than a retirement he returned 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.
2. Conor McCluskey (Derry)
A first-time winner who is rightly rewarded for a superbly consistent season. 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.
3. Michael Fitzsimons (Dublin)
A fourth All-Star for a nine-time All-Ireland winner, and like some of his history-making team-mates, he seems to be getting better with age. The Cuala defender 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.
4. Tom O'Sullivan (Kerry)
After awards in 2019 and 2021, this makes three for the classy Kerry defender. Teak-tough in defence, O'Sullivan is as renowned for his attacking prowess and he notched nine points in this year's championship. He highlighted his defensive strengths in the All-Ireland final when curtailing Cormac Costello’s influence.
5. James McCarthy (Dublin)
The third of the nine-medal Dubs, McCarthy was named the Sunday Game footballer of the year back in July. The Ballymun man's leadership shone as he led his side back up the steps of the Hogan Stand. Beloved by his team-mates for his courage and determination, this is his fifth All-Star.
6. Gareth McKinless (Derry)
The tireless centre-back epitomises everything good about this Derry team. Hard-working, tactically astute, phenomenally fit, brave as a lion and never happier than when he is charging up the field. Scored a goal in the semi-final defeat to Kerry before being carried off injured. A first-time winner.
7. 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 (above) stands out among the many highlights. First All-Star.
8. Brian Fenton (Dublin)
There has been talk of Fenton rediscovering the form that saw him claim five All-Stars between 2015 and 2020. A minor dip in form, which corresponded with a couple of Samless years for Dublin, ended emphatically this year. Fenton was back to his imperious best this summer and delivered another masterclass in high fielding and powerful running against Kerry, kicking excellent points in each half.
9. Brendan Rogers (Derry)
The 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. Another tireless and courageous Oakleaf star upon which the team's all-action game plan relies. A first time All-Star who is unlikely to return to full-back anytime soon.
10. Paudie Clifford (Kerry)
For the third year in a row, Paudie Clifford keeps it a family affair for the All-Stars by joining his brother in the team. The most mobile attacker in the Kingdom line-up, Clifford's all-round game has seen him become a key player. He made an impact when dropping deep against Dublin in the final but also showed his eye for goal with three points in the space of ten second-half minutes. His bravery and commitment in playing in the Munster final the day after his mother's death was admirable.
11. Seán O’Shea (Kerry)
Adds a third award to those won in 2019 and 2022. The classy centre-forward does not trade solely on his passing ability and dead ball prowess. He displays huge work-rate 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.
12. Enda Smith (Roscommon)
A first All-Star for Roscommon in 22 years and well-deserved following a great year for the Connacht side. He scored 2-12 but shone also as a creative force in a Rossies side that achieved some eye-catching results in 2023.
13. David Clifford (Kerry)
A fifth All-Star for the man widely accepted as the finest footballer of his generation. 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. Powerful, good in the air and lethal off either foot, but it is the potential for the unexpected that draws the crowds. Showed his steel in early summer when he lined out against Clare the day after his mother Ellen died.
14. Shane McGuigan (Derry)
A first All-Star the latest accolade for 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. A marquee forward who would grace any team in Ireland.
15. Colm Basquel (Dublin)
Following a real breakthrough year for the Ballyboden forward, Basquel had a point to prove in the All-Ireland final 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. A first All-Star for the latest in a long line of potent Dublin corner-forwards.
