1. Alan Mulhall (Offaly) – The only man on his team to have a good day and the only man on his team who managed to keep the score down. Made two fine saves that denied the only thing Kildare left Portlaoise without — a goal. Renowned shot-stopper and we saw why.
2. Peter Kelly (Kildare) – Huge addition to the Kildare of 2011, a season he missed out on with injury. One of best man-markers in the game and, in the mould of Eoin Cadogan, you put him on the opposition’s best forward and that’ll take care of itself.
3. Neil McGee (Donegal) – Helped that the opposition chose to lump high and inaccurate ball in so often because that’s what he likes. Still the shadow of many a top forward that saw him pick up an All Star award last year.
4. Karl Lacey (Donegal) – Some were surprised it was he that directly picked up Paddy Bradley but by the finish it all made perfect sense as he held his marker to a measly point from play. Like McGee, helped by external factors but still a fine performance.
5. Frank McGlynn (Donegal) – Kicked a point but his role is so key in this new version of his side’s defensive game. Is expected to defend ferociously but break quicker than his man and be at the other end during counters, scoring or pulling defences out of position.
6. Shane McAnarney (Meath) – The glue in a half-back line that took over against Carlow after the opening quarter. The county could do with finding a steady and reliable six. We got the first part but better opposition will tell if we get the second part.
7. Ollie Lyons (Kildare) – Not dissimilar to the other wing-back on this team, although his breaks are down to his pace rather than endurance. Kicked three points when popping up from the back and is one of the quicker, more clever players in this position.
8. Rob Kelly (Kildare) – Given his injury record there was worry when he went down and was taken off after 54 minutes. It was nothing too serious though but he played well enough in his time on to make this team. Physically imposing, good ball winner, fine passer.
9. Neil Gallagher (Donegal) – Derry have a big midfield but he was crucial in showing up just how limited they were. Was more mobile than the two men facing him, had better hands and was simply a better player. As busy as he was good.
10. John Doyle (Kildare) – On a day where Kildare’s shot selection could be criticised, that criticism cannot be aimed at him. His four shots resulted in four points. Not being targeted as much now that he’s out of midfield and that’s good news for his side.
11. Joe Sheridan (Meath) – Getting better by the week and is making our team every time he plays. A good save and a post denied him two goals but his game right now isn’t about scoring, it’s about making sure everyone around him scores.
12. Graeme Reilly (Meath) – Kicked his first score within 10 seconds and is unique right now in being a player that can win his own ball in midfield, break 40 yards and slot over from distance while running at pace. Developing into a Michael Donnellan-style player.
13. Brian Farrell (Meath) – His 16 points in three games make him the third top-scorer in the championship and half of those came in a dominant display over the weekend. Playing his best football in quite a few years, although better defenders await.
14. Tomás O’Connor (Kildare) – Ciarán Whelan described him as being like Kieran Donaghy a few years back. We wouldn’t go that far yet as his feet aren’t as good but crucially knows his limitations, lays off ball and is as fast as he is strong and good in the air.
15. Colm McFadden (Donegal) – Was shown up in a bad way by his county’s system in 2011. It’s the opposite this year and he is often the man getting the ball from an overlap and while he’s one-footed, it doesn’t matter with time and space.
Do you agree?
