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 next part of the series, we are asking: who will make up the half-back line?
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Wing Backs
Nominee: Mark Coleman
County: Cork
Credentials: At only 20 years of age, Mark Coleman is turning into one of Cork’s key players and must be one of the first names on John Meyler’s teamsheet. He displays wonderous skill on the ball while his eye for scoring has led to some incredible long-distance points.
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Nominee: Aidan Harte
County: Galway
Credentials: Aidan Harte has slowly been moving back the field for Galway through the years and he was at his most effective at wing-back this year. The 30-year-old still has the attacking mentality of a forward which has added another dimension to Galway’s back six.
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Nominee: Padraic Mannion
County: Galway
Credentials: Padraic Mannion was unanimously named the Sunday Game Hurler of the Year and for good reason. He is such a rounded player. Reliable in defence, attacking-minded and extremely clever with the ball. He has set the standard for all other wing-backs to try and replicate.
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Nominee: Diarmuid Byrnes
County: Limerick
Credentials: Diarmuid Byrnes was one of the key components to an eye-catching Limerick half-back line. Linked up well with Hannon and Morrissey, used the ball very intelligently and his distribution was inch-perfect. His performances only improved with every game.
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Nominee: Dan Morrissey
County: Limerick
Credentials: Another one of Limerick’s outstanding performers this summer with his best game coming against Kilkenny. He is relentless in his pursuit of possession with a wonderful work rate. Often in the past, Limerick’s half-back line has been a cause of concern but not anymore.
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Nominee: Paudie Foley
County: Wexford
Credentials: Paudie Foley enjoyed a breakout season at wing-back for Wexford. The 23-year-old scored some incredible points while he also memorably assisted a number of others. One of the most underrated hurlers in the country at the moment and a now irreplaceable player for Davy Fitz.
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Centre Back
Nominee: Chris Crummey
County: Dublin
Credentials: Dublin came on leaps and bounds in the Leinster championship this summer and the performances of Chris Crummey must be one of the highlights for their fans. He drifted between wing-back and full-back but was an inspirational captain throughout.
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Nominee: Cillian Buckley
County: Kilkenny
Credentials: With the number of young players coming through, Brian Cody looked to his more experienced heads for leadership and Cillian Buckley didn’t disappoint. He was consistent and reliable all season while enjoying a man-of-the-match performance in the Leinster final.
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Nominee: Declan Hannon
County: Limerick
Credentials: The Limerick captain was outstanding in the final. In one move that will live long in the memories of Limerick fans, he saw a pass heading in the direction of Joe Canning, ran in front of him and intercepted it before hitting the ball between the posts. The epitome of a true leader.
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Who will take the first wing-back slot?
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Who will be the All-Star centre-back?
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Who will take the second wing-back slot? (Must not be the same as previous selection)
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To vote for your goalkeeper of the year, click here.
To select your All-Star full-back line, click here.
