There were two contenders for pass of the year at the weekend with Peter Harte and Ethan Rafferty showing their class.
The Errigal Ciaran connection between Peter Harte and Darragh Canavan was clear to see for Tyrone's first goal against Galway, with Harte setting up Canavan with a defence-splitting pass.
Making his first start for Tyrone in this year's league, the stalwart broke through the tackle of John Maher after nine minutes before cutting inside from the wing, composing himself with a solo.
He looked up to see Canavan making a move inside and cut one off the outside of the boot, floating it almost perfectly into his path.
2 March 2025; Peter Harte of Tyrone during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Galway and Tyrone at Tuam Stadium in Tuam, Galway. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
The ball bounces up for Canavan, who takes it in his stride before rounding Conor Flaherty and finishing to the net.
It was a sublime goal which gave Tyrone a 1-2 to 0-2 lead after ten minutes but ultimately Galway sealed a draw with a last gasp two pointer from Shane Walsh, which proved to be the last kick of the game.
It inevitably drew comparisons with Ruairi Canavan's pass to Darragh in the All-Ireland club semi-final, sending them on their way to victory against Dr Crokes.
Darragh is the common denominator of course with his constant movement giving players out the field an option.
Harte delivered a display for the ages in the All-Ireland club final against Cuala, and the 34-year-old continues to remind us that class is permanent.
Need a highlights package of great assists every week. This pass from Peter Harte should be everywhere after the weekend. What I wouldn't do to see this from behind either goal as well. Amazing pass. This and Aidan O'Shea catches on a loop please. pic.twitter.com/SWhJv7bq8D
— Cormac O'Malley (@cormacpro) March 3, 2025
Ethan Rafferty also demonstrated his skills at the weekend with another left-footed pearler, that also led to a goal.
Rafferty picked out his team-mate Barry McCambridge who beat Evan Comerford in the Dublin goals, with Armagh overcoming the Dubs by eight points in a relatively comfortable victory.
A superb assist from Ethan Rafferty set up Barry McCambridge to slot it home, helping Armagh beat the Dubs! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/KQVhG4hxzT
— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 3, 2025
