Oughties who shone
games on his own with brilliant vision, speed of thought and deadly accuracy with both feet.
Mattie Forde, Wexford
And no, he wasn’t a hurler. I had the joy of watching Mattie in many games. What a footballer! One of the best I’ve ever seen. For a big man, he had great balance. A polished and skilful player who headed the scoring charts for years
Ciarán McDonald, Mayo
One of the most exciting players of all time, a flamboyant, stylish footballer, and a deadly playmaker. Such a shame he wasn’t allowed the freedom to roam at will. Ciarán could turn on a shoe-string, and kick amazing points.
Graham Geraghty, Meath Graham was an accomplished footballer, who excelled at other sports as well. The two-time All-Ireland winner, was such a naturally talented player, with strength and ability to spray passes accurately, or score himself.
Paddy Bradley, Derry
What a shame Paddy wasn’t around in the early nineties, when Derry reached the Holy Grail. He was the one player who encapsulated Derry’s relentless pursuit of success in the noughties. A magician who could create and make scores all on his own.
Michael Meehan, Galway
A once-in-a-generation player, and one of the most prolific forwards in the game. Michael was a fluid, skilful footballer, whose career was interrupted on so many occasions by on-going injury problems.
Peter Canavan, Tyrone
During his playing days Peter Canavan became known as Peter the Great, and I can see why. Tyrone’s greatest player of all time. For a small man, he had it all, courage, skill and bravery. Not only did he sparkle in general play, but his scoring feats were phenomenal.
Alan Brogan, Dublin
A player with wonderful pace, whose relenting runs penetrated the tightest defences. He delighted supporters with some nifty footwork, and turn of speed that made Dublin such a potent force up front.
So, there you have it, the players of the noughties, but before I sign off…
Thanks to all the readers who contacted me with their choices of footballers of the decades. Gerald in Bundoran believes I’m a little bit too parochial, and should have included Willie Bryan of Offaly and Kevin Moran of Dublin in my selection of the seventies. It is my intention to include as many of your teams, covering the fifties to the present day, in my final article of this series.
Bye for now! Henry. henry.wymbs@bbc.co.uk