Top award for netminders has been a rarity

WHAT started out as a Texaco Awards scheme in 1958 was mirrored in the mid-1990s with the GAA’s own Player of the Year Awards and even when the history of both schemes are included, goalkeepers are thin on the ground.

Billy Morgan established his trailblazing skills with Cork in 1973 and legendary Offaly player Martin Furlong remains the only other goalkeeper honoured in Gaelic football.

That’s what makes the nomination of both Stephen Cluxton and David Clarke so extraordinary.

In hurling, it’s over 30 years now since a goalkeeper earned the award, Ger Cunningham following in the footsteps of two Kilkenny greats, Noel Skehan (pictured) and Ollie Walsh.

Footballer of the Year: winning goalkeepers –

Billy Morgan (1973) Martin Furlong (1982)

Hurler of the Year: winning goalkeepers –

Ollie Walsh (1967) Noel Skehan (1982) Ger Cunningham (1986)