Awards: Best U21 Footballer
January 06, 2012
Navan O'Mahony's Alan Forde
Meath U 21 footballers had a mixed bag in their 2011 campaign. A brilliant extra time win over reigning All-Ireland champions Dublin at Pairc Tailteann was cancelled out by a disappointing loss to Longford in the next round. We take a look at some of the most exciting talent in the county at this level.
Donaghmore Ashbourne's Bryan Menton had a great year in 2011. One of the stars for Liam Harnan's county U21 charges, he broke into the Meath senior set-up and looks to have a good future in the green and gold jersey. Indeed, he would have been a permanent fixture in the side only for injury to intervene. Menton was outstanding for Donaghmore when they won the county U21 FC in 2010 but the holders went out at the semi final stage of the 2011 competition, losing narrowly to eventual winners O'Mahony's.
Although he missed much of the campaign, Niall McDonnell was very influential for Carnaross as they defeated Longwood 2-7 to 1-5 to claim the Meath U21 C title. McDonnell was involved in everything that day at Lomans Park Trim and scored an impressive 1-3.
Everyone in Meath and further afield knows how good a footballer Kilmainham's Mickey Newman is. The ace marksman scored seven points against Dublin in the Leinster opener but was injured for the next game against Longford and was sorely missed. Kilmainham joined with Drumbaragh to defeat Walterstown in the U21 A FC Final at Simonstown. Newman ran the show for the winners and chipped in with three points from midfield.
Damien Carroll had another successful year with Ballinabrackey. The talented forward was to the fore when his club won county and Leinster JFC titles in 2010/2011. The Bracks held their own at intermediate level last year and rounded of the season in great style by winning the U21 B FC. Dunderry were beaten in the final 3-7 to 0-11 and Carroll scored 1-3 of that total.
Cormac Madden was one of the best players for Walterstown as they made their way to the county U21 A final. The lively corner forward scored 1-4 for the "Blacks" that day against Kilmainham Drumbaragh at Simonstown.
Darragh Smith's switch from Bective to O'Mahony's is beginning to pay off for the Brews Hill club. The pacey Smith was outstanding for the county U21's and O'Mahony's seniors in 2011. His best performance of the year came in the county U21 final when O'Mahony's easily defeated Gaeil Colmcille 2-19 to 0-7. Smyth scored an impressive 1-3 from the half forward berth.
Alan Forde capped an impressive performance in that decider scoring four points from play. Playing in the number 11 jersey Forde's ability to read the game that evening and win ball in Pairc Tailteann was out of the top drawer. A regular with the O'Mahony's seniors Alan capped a fine year when helping the club win the Division 1 League title at Ashbourne.
Our award goes to Alan Forde
On Monday we pick our Best Ladies Footballer.
Our previous award winners
Awards: Best combination of referee and player
Awards: Best Minor Hurler
Awards: Best Intermediate Club Footballer
Awards: Best Club Grounds
Awards: Best Dual Player at Club Level
Awards: Club of the Year (on the playing field)
Awards: Best referee in a pressure situation
Awards: Best Intermediate Club Hurler
Awards: Senior Club Footballer of the Year
Awards: Best Junior Championship Player
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
