Meath football is awash with former intercounty stars still playing as well as ever with their clubs. We take a look at our top six.

The contenders are Donal Curtis, Daithi Regan, Charles McCarthy, Tommy O'Connor, Ollie Murphy and Darren Fay.

When Meath last won the All Ireland way back in 1999 Donal Curtis scored a point as a corner forward in their 1-11 to 1-8 win over Cork. The versatile Curtis was a half back two years later as Galway accounted for Meath in the 2001 final. Rathkenny won the Meath IFC in 2006 and have held their own in senior ranks since then, reaching the semi finals in 2010. Curtis has been central to all of Rathkenny's success. Normally playing full forward for his club, Donal is still a handful for any club full back.

Daithi Regan broke onto the intercounty scene in 2003. The talented corner forward kicked ten points over the two games against Westmeath in the quarter final. When Meath beat Wicklow the following year in the opening round Regan was Meath's top scorer with 1-5. Regan continues to rack up the scores for his club St Michaels and still is a forward that no defender likes to see coming his way.

Tommy O'Connor made his Meath senior debut under Sean Boylan and wore the Number 6 jersey against Wicklow and Laois in the 2004 Leinster championship. O'Connor is still one of the top club defenders and was one of the main reason that his club St Peter's Dunboyne topped their group in last year's SFC

Charles McCarthy partnered Trevor Giles in the middle of the park for the 2003 Leinster SFC quarter final against Westmeath. The Walterstown man played an important role for the Royals for the next two seasons. While his club may have struggled in recent years at senior level McCarthy was outstanding for the "Blacks" as they reached the 2011 quarter-finals.

Darren Fay surprised many when transferring from Trim to neighbours Dunderry at the beginning of 2011. Fay has been one of the best full backs the game has seen, winning every award that gaelic football has to offer. He won Leinster titles, All Ireland's, Railway Cups and played for Ireland during a glittering career. Fay was immense for Dunderry as they reached an IFC semi-final only to lose to eventual winners Moynalvey.

Ollie Murphy hit the big stage back in 1999. Meath defeated Cork to win the All-Ireland and Murphy was unstoppable that season. Ollie scored 1-3 against Offaly in the semi final, 1-5 against Dublin in the Leinster final and got the all important goal against Cork in the All-Ireland decider. He was one of the favourites to land the Player of the Year that season. Ollie is still very much to the fore with his club Carnaross.

Other notable mentions: Stephen Dillon (Syddan), Ray McGee (Kilmainhamwood), Damien Sheridan (Seneschalstown), Cormac Sullivan (St Pats), Cormac Murphy (St Pats), John Cullinane (Longwood), Richie Kealy (Dunshaughlin), Niall Kelly (Dunshaughlin) and Adrian Kenny (Summerhill).

Our award goes to Darren Fay

Tomorrow we pick our Unluckiest Team of 2011.

Our previous award winners

Awards: Best Ladies Footballer

Awards: Best U21 Footballer

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

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