Awards: Best Junior Championship player
December 22, 2011
Ballivor's Noel Kirby heads for goal as O'Mahony's David Murtagh and Shane Crosby give chase during the Meath JFC final at Pairc Tailteann.
Junior football has always been very strong in the Royal County. Meath clubs have been to the fore in the Leinster club scene in recent years. 2011 has been no different, county champions Ballivor have added the Leinster crown and are real contenders to land the All-Ireland.
For the past four years Kilmainham have been knocking on the junior championship door. Surprisingly, Paul Clarke's charges went out at the quarter final stages to O'Mahonys. A Tailteann Cup, a belated Division 4 league title and an U21 'A' championship (with Drumbaragh) were won in a very successful year. Mickey Newman was to the fore in all these wins. The talented marksman was top scorer in every game he played, was a key man for the Meath U21's and is part of Banty's plans for 2012.
Like Kilmainham, Moylagh have been close to landing the Ginnity Cup in past few years. Their main man for the last few years has been Justin O'Reilly. The speedy attacker also made the Meath junior team this year.
Bective went through 2011 only losing one game and that was to Kilmainham in the Tailteann Cup decider at Pairc Tailteann. Marty Mulhall has been their stand out player for the past three years and 2011 was no different. His sixty yard free kick with the outside of the boot in the Division 4 League final against Ballivor when under pressure was one of the best scores seen this year.
Not surprising county champions Ballivor have three on the list.
Half forward Padraig Geoghegan has been the team's dynamo all year. When Geoghegan was on form, and he very seldom wasn't, Ballivor were unstoppable. 'Paudge' also won a SHC medal with Kildalkey
Adam Gannon has been a rising star this few years. Gannon, also plays senior hurling with Killyon, has kicked some very important scores for Ballivor through the year and is always a handful for any corner back.
By far the best midfielder, at any grade, in the county at the moment is Noel Kirby. The dual star has been in great form all year for Ballivor and Kildalkey. Kirby has been Kildalkey's top scorer as the marched to their three in a row of Meath senior hurling titles. Unstoppable in the county JFC final against O'Mahony's, Kirby's stand out performance came in the Leinster decider against St Fechin's of Louth. 'Crouchie' produced a masterclass that day and in light of all his great performances this year earns our award.
Tomorrow we pick our senior club player of the year.
Our previous award winners
Awards: Best Meath star in a club management role
Awards: Minor Footballer of the Year
Awards: Best comeback in a championship match
Awards: Best togged out team at adult level
Awards: Best display in a ladies football final
Awards: Most medals won Tweet
