Lee Keegan won Footballer of the Year at the Opel GAA All Star Awards on Friday evening. Keegan beat fellow nominees Brian Fenton and Ciaran Kilkenny (both of Dublin) to win the award.
There were many who felt that Keegan did indeed deserve the award, but there was a substantial body of criticism - many of whom were Dublin fans, it must be said - who felt that Fenton should have taken home the award for his barnstorming performances from midfield for Dublin.
The esteemed sage Joe Brolly was among those in favour of Keegan winning the award as well as Shane 'Cake' Curran and former Armagh sharpshooter Stevie McDonnell.
Fully deserved MVP for Lee Keegan. A destroyer in defence, a breathtaking attacker and a brilliant leader.
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) November 4, 2016
Ahead of this weeks player of the year awards only 1 player can lay claim 2 been the best #leekeegan with #Bfenton only competition.
— Shane Curran (@shanetcurran) November 2, 2016
Delighted to see Lee Keegan getting the POTY award. When you think of the quality players he was tasked with marking then it's a no brainer.
— Steven McDonnell (@StevenMcD13) November 4, 2016
Am a huge Brian Fenton fan, but happy to endorse the sensational Lee Keegan's win.
— Tommy Martin (@TommyMartinVM) November 4, 2016
But (mostly) Dubs fans weren't having it.
A fucking disgrace, pure and simple. Dirty robbing Anti Dub bastards. Hard luck to Brian and Ciaran, the... https://t.co/PLqBIZqFrx
— AllGAA (@AllGaa_) November 4, 2016
If shoe was on d other foot & Mayo went unbeaten all year. won league, provincial & All Ireland title no way wud a Dub get POY#idontthinkso
— Johnny Magee (@JohnnyMagee06) November 4, 2016
Clarke over Cluxton, player of the year went to Lee Keegan!? Sympathy votes for celebrity runner ups!!? What about McMenamin? Not impressed!
— S Fannin👁💙👨👩👧👦 (@Siobabe) November 4, 2016
@jduggantodayfm most commentators would have given it to Fento but you have to respect the players' choice. Fenton/KK will get it in future
— Dave McGinley (@dcr22B) November 4, 2016
I would have given it to Brian Fenton.
— John Duggan (@JohnDugganSport) November 4, 2016
@GParaick The influence Fenton has had in a team winning league, provincial and All Ireland titles can't be matched by Keegan this year
— Stephen Doyle (@dubsoulrebel) November 4, 2016
Tipp hurling legend Lar Corbett made the interesting point that the voting system and the fact that two Dubs were nominated might have harmed Fenton's chances.
Win all Ireland,get 2 players nominated from winning team (in both codes) for player of year = no winners #voteshalved #changesystem
— Lar Corbett (@larcorbett) November 4, 2016
