Tipperary's Tony Reddin, the goalkeeper on the team of the Millennium, died today aged 95. Though born in Galway, he won three All-Irelands in a row with Tipp from 1949-51.
He beat out the likes of Ollie Walsh, Noel Skehan and Ger Cunningham to take the number one jersey. While Reddin's pick was subject to little controversy, there was nonetheless considerable debate about the team when it was selected back in 1999.
For one thing, the selection committee appeared to be loaded by grizzled old nostalgics who took it as red that players were better in the black and white era/British Pathe era. To be fair, we're probably biased towards the HD generation.
The 1980s and 90s fared very badly in the original team of the Millennium. Only full forward Ray Cummins, whose peak years were in the 70s and whose career drawing to a close by the early 80s, and Brian Whelahan made the grade from those two neglected decades.
But fifteen years on, who from the 21st century would break onto that team... and who would be dropped?
Note: It's rather Kilkenny heavy.
First off, here is the Team of the Millennium from the year 1999.
Goalkeeper: Tony Reddin
Full back line: John Doyle Nick O'Donnell Bobby Rackard
Half back line: Paddy Phelan John Keane Brian Whelahan
Midfield: Jack Lynch Lory Meaghar
Half forward line: Christy Ring Mick Mackey Jim Langton
Full forward line: Eddie Keher Ray Cummins Jimmy Doyle
Henry Shefflin
One presumes no one is going to question Shefflin's position on this team. The only questions here are where he's selected and who is going to be dropped to the Millennium bench (sure we can always claim the modern Millennium team is a twenty man game).
DJ Carey
The decision that caused all the controversy the last time around.
One of the key arguments against DJ when the team of the millenium was picked was that he had never performed to his potential in an All-Ireland final. He righted that in 2000 and 2002.
We suspect either Henry or DJ could occupy the full forward or left half forward positions, while we suggest very tentatively, having not seen either of them, that Jim Langton and Ray Cummins would have to make way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V51HWSwh2hE
Tommy Walsh
One of the most exciting hurlers of his generation, there was just something intoxicating about combative yet stylish play. He was particularly beloved among Kilkenny supporters.
He's competing with Paddy Phelan and Brian Whelahan for one of the wing back positions.
JJ Delaney
Feted by his manager as the greatest defender he had ever seen, Delaney is surely a strong contender for the corner back position. Nine All-Irelands in 13 years, Delaney jammed an insane amount off success into his career.
Competition at wing back is ferocious so he would have the incredible task of having to dislodge Nick O'Donnell at full-back or find a spot elsewhere in the back-line.
Here is our tentative updated Team of this and the previous Millennium...
See also: Why We All Owe Steve Staunton An Apology
