HS football team of the week
May 27, 2019
A view of the crowd in the stand during the Leinster SFC quarter-final clash between Dublin and Louth at O'Moore Park, Portlaoise. ©INPHO/Oisin Keniry.
The ‘Drive for Five’ kicked into gear this weekend while Roscommon brought Mayo’s Connacht ambitions to an end in a dramatic derby at Castlebar…
1. Darren O’Malley (Roscommon)
The Roscommon number one struggled with his kick-out strategy at times but, on the plus side, he kept a clean sheet and converted three placed balls.
2. Gareth Dillon (Laois)
Dillon and the O’Moore County gained sweet revenge over Westmeath and are now looking forward to a semi-final date with Meath.
3. David Hyland (Kildare)
The Lilywhites will renew acquaintances with Longford next Sunday and the county’s supporters will be hoping for more of the same from Hyland who chipped in with four points yesterday.
4. Patrick McBride (Antrim)
The Saffrons found the going tough against Tyrone but half-back McBride – who raised two white flags - refused to throw in the towel.
5. Niall Daly (Roscommon)
Daly epitomised the “great resilience” that his manager Anthony Cunningham spoke about after the final whistle.
6. Donal Keogan (Meath)
Keogan’s finger prints were all over the Royal County’s first-half goals which sent them on the road to a convincing victory over Carlow.
7. Ultan Kelm (Fermanagh)
Teenager Kelm and his Fermanagh team-mates made life very difficult for holders Donegal in Brewster Park.
8. Matthew Ruane (Mayo)
No finger of blame for Saturday night’s defeat can be pointed in the direction of midfielder Ruane.
9. Brian Fenton (Dublin)
The Dubs made light work of Louth in O’Moore Park on Saturday and there was much to admire about the ruthlessness in which Fenton & Co went about their business.
10. Evan O’Carroll (Laois)
O’Carroll caused plenty of problems for the Lake County defence and finished with eight points (three from play) to his name.
11. James McGivney (Longford)
Longford came close to claiming Kildare’s scalp and McGivney – who sent over four points – was a constant thorn in the opposition’s side.
12. Richie Donnelly (Tyrone)
Donnelly caught the eye with a return of three points as the Red Hands advanced to a last four showdown with Donegal with the minimum of fuss.
13. Jamie Brennan (Donegal)
The elusive corner-forward found pockets of space inside Fermanagh’s blanket defence to kick four crucial scores for Declan Bonner’s charges.
14. Conor Cox (Roscommon)
The Kerry native has greatly enhanced Roscommon’s attacking threat and he delivered five points in MacHale Park on Saturday evening.
15. Cormac Costello (Dublin)
Handed the free-taking duties in Dean Rock’s absence, Costello registered 1-12 (1-2 from play) against the Wee County.
