Pundit Arena Because Sport Is Everything
Ahead of the All-Star awards on November 2nd, Pundit Arena are asking you to vote for who you think will make the lineup of both the hurling and football teams. In the second part of the series, we are asking: who will make up the full-back line?
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Corner Backs
Nominee: Adrian Tuohy
County: Galway
Credentials: Fast, physical and clever on the ball, Adrian Tuohy has all the attributes of a great corner-back. Although he often plays on the edge of the rules, Tuohy is a major asset to Micheal Donoghue’s side and is growing in the role with every season. One player they cannot afford to lose.
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Nominee: Sean Finn
County: Limerick
Credentials: The Bruff man has been quietly going about his business all summer but has been incredibly influential for John Kiely’s side. His performance in the final proved that. On the rare occasion Mike Casey didn’t get to the ball, Finn was there to tidy up and get Limerick out of trouble.
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Nominee: Richie English
County: Limerick
Credentials: The Limerick full-back line deserves huge credit for the manner in which they nullified the Galway threat in the All Ireland final. Their work rate was savage and their decision making clinical. Characteristics that have been present in every performance by Richie English this summer.
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Nominee: Colm Spillane
County: Cork
Credentials: In a defence that has been sketchy at times, he has been the constant rock. He remains calm and collected and can read the play brilliantly, allowing him to get in front of his marker and recycle the ball. A tough finish to the year for Cork but he can be proud of his season.
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Full Back
Nominee: Padraig Walsh
County: Kilkenny
Credentials: No one thought it would be possible to replace JJ Delaney but moving Padraig Walsh from wing back to full-back proved to be a stroke of genius by Brian Cody. Though smaller than many full-backs, he is exceptional in the air, tough in the tackle and isn’t afraid to get forward.
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Nominee: David McInerney
County: Clare
Credentials: A dogged full-back in every sense of the term. McInerney is such a versatile player and can also easily fit at centre-back but Clare have found a gem for the number three jersey. He uses his size to great effect, is solid under the high ball and is also a leader among the back contingent.
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Nominee: Daithi Burke
County: Galway
Credentials: It’s hard to believe Daithi Burke is only 25 years of age given the impact he has made over the last number of years. He has had an outstanding season at full-back with very little getting past him. Even when supposedly injured, he gave 100 percent to the cause.
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Nominee: Mike Casey
County: Limerick
Credentials: Not many gave Mike Casey a chance against Johnny Glynn given their size difference but Casey played to his strengths and it paid off. Glynn wasn’t allowed a spare second on the ball with Casey shadowing him constantly. As previously stated, linked up well with the rest of the line.
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Nominee: Liam Ryan
County: Wexford
Credentials: One of the most consistent players for Davy Fitzgerald’s team this summer. Another full-back who doesn’t let his man out of his sight. What is also massively impressive, is his ability to win his own free and also, to score. A massive leader for the Model County.
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Who will take the first corner-back slot?
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Who will be crowned the full-back of the year?
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Who will take the second corner-back slot? (Must not be the same as previous selection)
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To vote for your goalkeeper of the year, click here.
