Club Hurling Team of the Year
December 15, 2015
A bit of a break for these boys...
The 2015 senior and intermediate hurling championships were once again exciting fare and at the end of it all, we have picked our Team of the Year.
Kiltale defended their crown in some style and their dominance in the county reflects in our team of the year as they have no fewer than ten players named, and indeed, the other five were unlucky to be left out.
The champions were outstanding throughout the year and their young side could dominate for a few years unless some of the other clubs step up to the mark.
County finalists Kildalkey have three representatives on the starting XV. The final itself may have been disappointing, but they were excellent throughout the year, particularly in their semi-final win over Trim.
Trim and intermediate champions Clann na nGael are the other two sides represented on the team, which as usual will probably the source of many a debate.
1. Shane McGann (Kiltale): Once again proved his worth as the top goalkeeper in the county with some outstanding saves during the year as Kiltale retained their title. Honourable Mentions: Stephen Quinn (Killyon), Darren Heaney (Clann na nGael)
2. David Connelly (Kildalkey): Brilliant and effective in his role; a tigerish defender that has kept many forwards scoreless throughout the campaign. Honourable Mentions: Anthony Donnelly (Kiltale), Colm McGrath (Trim)
3. David Donoghue (Kiltale): Was asked to fill a problem position for the side and did it with great ease. Solid and assured under the high ball as well as having good pace. Honourable Mentions: Garry Mangan (Clann na nGael), Eoghan Harrington (Wolfe Tones)
4. Ciaran Ennis (Kiltale): Dependable whether at full back or in the corner. Formed part of a solid full back line for the county champions. Honourable Mentions: Kevin O'Rourke (Trim), Jack Doherty (Clann na nGael)
5. Stephen Donoghue (Kiltale): A real contender for hurler of the year. Nothing short of outstanding all year. Really commanded the half back position and got forward when the opportunity arose. Honourable Mentions: Maurice Keogh (Kildalkey), Peter Farrell (Kilmessan)
6. Ronan Ryan (Kiltale): Playing with experience beyond his years; already is one of the best hurlers in the county and stamped his authority on the centre back spot. Honourable Mentions: Gerry Sullivan (Clann na nGael), Ger Foley (Killyon)
7. Aaron Ennis (Clann na nGael): Played a real captain's role all year and his long distance frees were instrumental in the Athboy/Rathcairn outfit making a return to the senior ranks. Honourable Mentions: Eamonn Ryan (Kiltale), Niall McLoughlin (Boardsmill)
8. Anthony Forde (Kiltale): Possibly the finest midfielder in the county at the moment, worked tirelessly in defence and popped up for the odd crucial score also. Honourable Mentions: Mickey Burke (Longwood), Keith Keogan (Killyon)
9. Padraig Kelly (Kiltale): Has formed an excellent partnership with Forde and they compliment each other as well as having a great understanding. Honourable Mentions: Sean Heavey (Kildalkey), James Toher (Trim)
10. James Kelly (Kiltale): Back to his best this year and his work rate has excelled as he linked well between defence and the forwards; another contender for hurler of the year. Honourable Mentions: Niall Hackett (Dunboyne), Mark Lynch (Longwood)
11. Paddy Connelly (Kildalkey): Had a disappointing final but was excellent all year and was Kildalkey's main scoring threat throughout the campaign. Honourable Mentions: Cathal McCabe (Kiltale), Sean McGrath (Dunboyne)
12. Jack Regan (Kiltale): Yet another contender for hurler of the year, a scoring machine from both play and frees, probably the best known hurler in the county at this stage. Honourable Mentions: Barry Slevin (Na Fianna), Gavin McGowan (Ratoath)
13. Peter Durnin (Kiltale): Another player who returned to form at the right time; excellent display in the county final and showed why he's regarded as one of the top forwards in Meath. Honourable Mentions: Alan Douglas (Trim), Luke Martyn (Dunderry)
14. Neil Heffernan (Trim): Was really on form in front of goal and raised a number of green flags during the campaign. Honourable Mentions: Charlie Bird (Boardsmill), Kevin Keena (Kilmessan)
15. Derek Doran (Kildalkey): Duxie was back to his best this year after a torrid time with injuries, scoring some crucial goals for his side as they reached the county final. Honourable Mentions: Sean Quigley (Dunboyne), Alan Douglas (Trim)
