Ahead of Sunday's intriguing Division 1 League final between Derry and Dublin at Croke Park, we figured it was the perfect time to see who would make a combined 15 out of both sides.
DISCLAIMER: this is based on League form so the likes of Stephen Cluxton, James McCarthy and Jack McCaffrey were not considered.
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Odhran Lynch (Derry)
Cat-like reflexes along with mazing runs up the pitch, the shot-stopper is top of the pack for attacking goalkeepers
2. Conor McCluskey (Derry)
Attacking and defending McCluskey has been arguably Derry’s most inform player.
3. Eoghan Murchan (Dublin)
The nippy cornerback is a pain for his marker from both an offensive and defensive perspective, with his tough tackling and rapid lung-bursting runs up the pitch. Arguably Dublin's best player in the League so far.
24 February 2024; Eoin Murchan of Dublin during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Dublin and Kerry at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
4. Diarmuid Baker (Derry)
The youngster has given Mickey Harte a good headache by becoming a strong contender for a starting jersey. Has played every minute so far this league campaign.
5. John Small (Dublin)
Since making his championship debut against Longford in 2015, the seven-time All-Ireland winner has been a constant member of the starting team. He's been that good.
6. Gareth McKinless (Derry)
Commanding, physical and like moving an unmovable object, the All-Star plays a huge role on this Derry team.
7. Lee Gannon (Dublin)
Every year he plays inter-county football, Gannon grows more and more into an integrral player with the Dubs
8. Brian Fenton (Dublin)
The greatest midfielder of all time walks onto any team, it's as simple as that. Fenton has been everpresent in Dublin's League campaign.
9. Conor Glass (Derry)
The Glen’s man has broken Derry through the glass ceiling (excuse the pun) as Derry have gone from Division 4 minnows to All-Ireland contenders since returning from AFL
10. Ethan Doherty (Derry)
With 5-11 assisted so far this season the Derry forward has been the ultimate team player
24 March 2024; Ethan Doherty of Derry during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Derry and Roscommon at Celtic Park in Derry. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
11. Con O’Callaghan (Dublin)
King Con is looking more like the man of old this league campaign as his hattrick against the Kingdom shows he still knows how to finish
12. Ciaran Kilkenny (Dublin)
Kilkenny looks revived this year after a more diminished role last season. Instead of passing sideways, he's returned to the powerhouse of the Dublin system
13. Colm Basquel (Dublin)
The 2023 All-Star has carried on last year's form into this year's campaign and is a constant treat for defenders.
14. Shane McGuigan (Derry)
17 March 2024; Shane McGuigan of Derry celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Mayo and Derry at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar, Mayo. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
In the conversation about the best forward in the game, McGuigan oozes class. If he were to get injured, Derry would be in trouble.
15. Cormac Costello (Dublin)
With 2-8 scored in this league campaign so far, Costello is the Dubs' second top scorer.
Manager - Mickey Harte (Derry)
The Tyrone native is a born winner, and with one more All-Ireland win as a manager, Dessie is slightly pipped to the role.
