The Sunday Game team of the year and player of the year awards are both GAA institutions, and are always the source of much debate on All-Ireland final day.
Those debates only become more heated when the top teams are as closely matched as Kerry and Dublin have been throughout 2023.
A gripping All-Ireland final brought the pair together on Sunday afternoon, with the mixed conditions adding to the drama at Croke Park.
Ultimately, Dublin would win out, after successfully nullifying the influence of arguably the most extraordinary talent currently in the GAA, David Clifford.
Clifford was off form, hitting several wides and struggling to find space thanks to the excellent defensive work of Dublin's full-back and half-back line.
Despite also being somewhat off colour in the final, Dublin captain James McCarthy was chosen as the Sunday Game player of the year.
Though Clifford was off form on Sunday, he was still undoubtedly the stand out attacking player of 2023 - and his fellow Kerryman Tomás Ó Sé was not convinced that the Sunday Game panel made the right call in looking elsewhere for their player of the year award.
READ HERE: Dean Rock Reveals Important Role For Dublin Teammates In Upcoming Wedding
Sunday Game: Tomás Ó Sé disagrees with RTÉ panel on POTY debate
30 July 2023; Dublin captain James McCarthy shakes hands with Kerry captain David Clifford after the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship final match between Dublin and Kerry at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile
When announcing the panel's final call on player of the year, Kerry GAA legend Tomás Ó Sé said that he believed David Clifford should have been given the nod over Dublin man James McCarthy:
It was a very difficult decision. I think we actually got the decision wrong! I got a text from Pat Gilroy, during the show, [telling me] to smile. He thought I was too serious altogether. I got a laugh out of that.
It came down to two players: James McCarthy and David Clifford. On a personal level, I think the best footballer throughout the whole season...I think today, he didn't have his best day at the office. He won't be too pushed about that.
My personal vote was Clifford but James McCarthy got the nod as Player of the Year.
Ballymun Kickhams man McCarthy was one of three Dublin players to seal a record-breaking ninth All-Ireland winners medal on Sunday, alongside Michael Fitzsimons and Stephen Cluxton.
READ HERE: Ex-Tyrone Footballer Says James McCarthy 'Crossed Line' Against Kerry
Despite arguing the case of David Clifford for player of the year, Ó Sé did concede that McCarthy should be hailed as the best Dublin player of all-time.
McCarthy's former Dublin teammate Paul Flynn praised not only the Dublin captain's ability on the pitch, but his leadership qualities which no doubt spurred on his teammates: "Not only did he perform at the highest level all season, you can guarantee he got 10 per cent more out of every player that played for him this year. That adds to it. It's not all about what they do on the pitch. He walks the walk every day and I'm chuffed for him."
Ó Sé then calls McCarthy best Dublin player ever
SEE ALSO: Dara Ó Briain Explains To BBC The Greatness Of The GAA's Tribute To Sinéad O'Connor
