10 Clubs Represented In Senior Football Team Of The Year (Also Known as Aoife’s All Stars) 

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10 Clubs Represented In Senior Football Team Of The Year (also known as Aoife’s All Stars)

1. Goalkeeper – Matthew Byron (Courtwood)

v St Joseph’s

Matthew Byron delivered a commanding performance in Courtwood’s county semi-final, producing two outstanding saves under pressure.

His first came when Robbie Murphy sent a long, high ball towards Niall Brennan, whose flick looked destined for the net. Byron reacted brilliantly, diving at full stretch towards his low left-hand corner to keep the ball out, despite very little time on hand to react so quickly to this flick that came at Byron from an awkward and tight angle.

Despite hurting himself, Byron immediately bounced back to his feet, making himself as big as possible to help force Mick Keogh’s rebound attempt wide. His quick recovery and determination ensured the initial save was not undone.

His second save showcased his concentration and anticipation. Byron closely watched Dylan Doyle’s movements and had his dive prepared before Doyle struck the ball, allowing him to react immediately and make the stop.

Both saves highlighted Byron’s reflexes, agility, anticipation and resilience, giving Courtwood a valuable and motivating lift, that proved crucial as they went on to win in extra time.

Byron has also scored five two-point frees so far, with two against Ballyroan and three against St Joseph’s.

Matthew scored a 2 pointer free and made 3 outstanding saves again in the SFC Final (2 v Curtis Lyons and 1 v Alex Mohan).

2. Right Corner Back – Warith Oyeniyi (Graiguecullen)

Versus Killeshin

Graiguecullen’s Warith Oyeniyi (2) produced what was, for me, the defensive performance of the weekend and the best individual defensive display of Round 3.

Evan Lowry for Killeshin was a major attacking threat as he is placed 15 on this list but Lowry’s dangerous deliveries were repeatedly dealt with extremely well by Oyeniyi. On two occasions, he made vital interceptions and then reacted quickly to scoop up the loose ball as it landed before helping to clear the danger. Later, when Killeshin Eoin Cawley sent a hugely high, dropping ball into the attack, Oyeniyi again defended superbly, blocking space and man-marking his opponent to force the ball wide.

His excellent first-half display was immediately carried into the second half. On Killeshin’s first attack after the restart, Oyeniyi got his body and arms in the way of Jack Milton’s (11) shot for a point, forcing it short into the hands of the Graiguecullen goalkeeper.

He then showed another side to his defending when he held onto a short kickout under immense pressure from Milton and won a free out.

Graiguecullen were only two points down at half-time, and Oyeniyi’s defensive display was a major reason why. It could have been far worse for a Graiguecullen side that had struggled to find their rhythm going forward in the first half, but their right corner-back consistently prevented Killeshin from taking greater advantage.

3. Full Back – Johnny Kelly (O’Dempseys)

Versus Arles Killeen

Johnny Kelly (3) produced a brilliant all-round performance, showcasing his pace, exceptional ball-carrying ability and defensive awareness. He made an outstanding run of approximately 52 metres, travelling a huge distance with the ball without being tackled or stopped, as his speed and ability to evade challenges left the opposition struggling to contain him. Kelly then showed excellent composure to deliver a perfectly weighted pass into Joe Lennon’s path, allowing Lennon to punch over the bar.

Kelly was equally impressive defensively, keeping full forward Colin Dunne under tight marking and preventing him from getting into a dangerous goal-scoring position. His positioning and pressure forced Dunne out to an extremely tight angle, leaving him with little option but to fist the ball over the bar and prevent an other wise goal chance. It was a superb display in versatility at both ends of the field.

4. Left Corner Back – Alan Whelan (The Heath)

Versus Stradbally

The standout defensive display came from Alan Whelan (4), who produced an outstanding performance through his ability to read the game and snuff out opposition attacks. He repeatedly anticipated danger, stepping out to intercept threatening balls and turn promising opposition moves into turnovers, showcasing excellent awareness and defensive positioning.

His best moment arrived in the second half when he produced a phenomenal, courageous tackle to deny Cillian Maher a clear opportunity to go one-on-one with The Heath goalkeeper. Whelan timed his challenge superbly, intervening at a crucial moment to prevent a potentially dangerous scoring chance. He continued to frustrate Maher later in the game, dispossessing him once again before producing another important interception to regain possession and win a free out.

Whelan’s contribution was not limited to his defensive work, either, as he also got on the scoresheet with 0-1, capping an impressive all-round performance.

5. Right Half Back – Danny Hickey (St.Joseph’s)

Versus Ballyroan

Danny Hickey produced an impressive all-round performance, proving a constant threat with his pace and direct running while also making crucial contributions defensively. Alongside Eoin Johnson and Oisin Hooney, Hickey repeatedly took on defenders and helped St Joseph’s break through Ballyroan-Abbey’s defensive lines. He also showed excellent awareness in possession, combining effectively with his teammates to create attacking opportunities.

One particularly promising move saw Hickey drive forward before linking up beautifully with Hooney, whose quick pass found Eoghan O’Flaherty. Although the resulting effort was blocked, the move demonstrated the attacking quality and understanding within the St Joseph’s forward line.

Hickey was equally impressive defensively. Just a minute into the second half, he reacted quickly to a loose ball following a blocked Ballyroan-Abbey effort, helping to prevent further danger. He then won another Ballyroan-Abbey kick-out on breaking ball before producing a vital tackle late in the game to deny Shaun Fitzpatrick a potential goal.

The intervention proved hugely significant, as Ballyroan-Abbey had to settle for a Diarmuid Whelan point to level the contest rather than potentially moving two points ahead. Hickey’s defensive work, particularly that crucial tackle, underlined his value at both ends of the field.

6. Centre Back – Sean O’Flynn (Courtwood)

Sean O’Flynn was the driving engine behind Courtwood’s successful 2026 season, consistently providing the decisive moments that push his side into major finals (Division 1 League Final 2026 and SFC Final 2026). As Courtwood’s team captain and centre half-back, O’Flynn combines visionary playmaking with dynamic attacking drives to tilt critical matches in his team’s favor.

His influence on the pitch is evident across key championship fixtures:

Playmaking Vision: In the championship opener against O’Dempsey’s, O’Flynn provided the pivotal turning point in the 46th minute by receiving a pass from Rob Tyrrell and delivering a perfectly weighted ball to set up Cian Doyle’s goal, turning momentum back to Courtwood.

Explosive Attacking Runs: During the quarter-final victory over Ballyroan-Abbey, O’Flynn executed a powerful, driving run through the opposition defense to create the space needed to feed Ryan Little for Courtwood’s third goal.

Clutch Big-Game Performance: In the semi-final against St Joseph’s, O’Flynn put on a captain’s performance. He scored 1-2 (including a two-pointer), netted a critical goal off a pass from Ryan Little, and then made another direct charge through the defense in extra-time to assist Dylan Keane’s game-winning goal.

O’Flynn’s blend of defensive solidity, vision, and match-winning attacking instinct makes him an invaluable leader for Courtwood.

• . Left Half Back – Joe Lennon (O’Dempsey’s)

Versus Courtwood

Joe Lennon (0-1) was ubdoubetly O’Dempsey’s standout performer despite the defeat, producing an exceptional defensive display from start to finish.

His man-marking, both on and off the ball, was outstanding, giving Courtwood’s dangerous forwards very little space to exploit throughout the contest. He constantly stayed touch-tight to his opponent, reading the game superbly and making life extremely difficult whenever Courtwood looked to build attacks.

His highlight was a magnificent block to deny Ryan Little what appeared to be a certain goal, but that was just one of a series of excellent defensive contributions. Lennon also made a number of crucial tackles and timely interceptions, repeatedly breaking up attacks before they became dangerous.

His positioning, anticipation and relentless defensive work ensured he was consistently one of O’Dempsey’s most influential players over the hour.

Joe Lennon’s position (no. 7) meant after his great defensive moments he contributed strongly to midfield and attacking play too when he went forward and involved in attacking opportunities, scores and alongside scoring a point from play himself.

8. Midfield – Jack Deegan (Stradbally)

Versus The Heath

Jack Deegan (8) produced two important defensive interceptions. He brilliantly dispossessed The Heath’s John McNamara in his own half, with the resulting turnover directly leading to Benny Lawlor’s two-point score from play. He also intercepted another dangerous ball in the second half and won a kickout that led to a score from Tom Shiel.

Versus Courtwood

Jack Deegan was also highly effective defensively, making a superb tackle and turnover on O’Flynn before another interception from a Courtwood kickout helped set up a Joe Larkin point, with a goal chance also developing from the move. Deegan then turned over Alan Kinsella in another dangerous Courtwood attack, with the resulting possession leading to Tom Shiel’s two-pointer.

9. Midfield – Simon Fingleton (Park Ratheniska)

Versus Arles Killeen

Simon Fingleton (0-2) in the 2^nd half in particular made a huge impact after the break with his energy from midfield. He linked superbly with Cian Nolan through intelligent passing and supporting runs, with the pair combining brilliantly in a move that was unfortunate not to end in a goal. Earlier, he also saw a two-point effort brilliantly blocked by the Arles Killeen defence, before eventually scoring 2 brilliant points from play from long range.

Versus Ballyroan

Simon Fingleton (9) was Park-Ratheniska’s standout attacking performer against Ballyroan-Abbey, producing three excellent scores that showcased his accuracy and range. His two massive two-pointers from play provided a major attacking boost, with one struck from near the sideline to highlight his exceptional scoring ability. He also converted a free from an outrageously tight angle.

Fingleton’s contribution was particularly important after Ballyroan-Abbey scored an early penalty and Park-Ratheniska were reduced to 14 men following James Newell’s black card. His long-range scores helped Park-Ratheniska respond brilliantly, playing a key role in their two-point half-time lead. He also converted Park-Ratheniska’s first score of the second half, a free in the 46th minute, underlining his importance to their attack.

10. Right Half Forward – Eoin Johnson (St Joseph’s):

Eoin Johnson was the driving force behind St Joseph’s impressive attacking display against Ballyroan-Abbey in the SFC quarter-final, using his pace, direct running and willingness to take on defenders to help transform their forward play.

Alongside Oisin Hooney and Danny Hickey, Johnson repeatedly put the Ballyroan-Abbey defence under pressure, with the trio’s ability to carry the ball at speed and break through defensive lines creating space and opportunities for their teammates. Rather than simply retaining possession through sideways and backwards handpasses going anywhere but forward, which is usually their trademark play usually, especially until this game. Johnson finally brought the excitement to St.Josephs attack that they severely lacked. Johnson looked to make things happen whenever the opportunity presented itself, bringing a real sense of purpose to St Joseph’s attacking play. He constantly took men on one to one and beat them, proving fortune favors the brave. Hopefully St.Josephs continue to play in 2027 the exact way they played versus Ballyroan and Courtwood which was fabulous football to watch, courtesy of Eoin Johnson starting the attacking moves.

His influence was evident from the opening stages as St Joseph’s raced into a 1-5 to 0-4 lead after just 13 minutes. Johnson got himself on the scoresheet in the first half, providing a tangible return for his involvement in an attack that was far more direct and adventurous than the approach witnessed in their previous championship outing against Graiguecullen.

What was particularly encouraging about Johnson’s performance was the way he complemented Hooney and Hickey. Their pace and ability to combine with one another made St Joseph’s a much more difficult side to contain, as they repeatedly looked to exploit gaps in the opposition defence.

Johnson’s contribution formed an important part of a collective attacking performance that showcased St Joseph’s ability to run at teams, break defensive lines and play with genuine attacking intent.

11. Centre Half Forward – Diarmuid Whelan (Ballyroan Abbey)

Versus Rosenallis

Diarmuid Whelan was simply outstanding, producing a remarkable attacking display built around his exceptional long-range kicking. He finished with an incredible 0-10, including four two-pointers, underlining just how dangerous he was from distance. His accuracy from beyond the arc was a major feature of his performance, as he repeatedly punished Rosenallis whenever the opportunities presented themselves.

Whelan’s ability to convert from long range gave his side a significant scoring outlet, with his four two-pointers particularly impressive in a display that showcased both his technique and confidence. He was consistently capable of making the most of his opportunities, and his overall tally of ten points made him the standout attacking performer on the field. It was a superb individual contribution, with his precision and scoring threat proving a constant problem for the Rosenallis defence.

12. Left Half Forward – Hugh Connolly (Portarlington)

Round 1 v The Heath: Even when scoreless, he makes a great impact.

Hugh Connolly carried the ball superbly throughout vs The Heath, driving Portarlington forward and linking attacks with great composure. Defensively, he produced an outstanding turnover when he brilliantly snatched a loose ball from a Heath forward’s grasp before surging into attack, a move which directly created a Colm Murphy point thanks to the alertness of Connolly.

Connolly continued to impress with another perfectly timed tackle to dispossess a Heath attacker, and that turnover immediately led to a two-point free for Portarlington by Sean Michael Corcoran. Hugh Connolly may not have scored himself but he contibuted massively in every other aspect of his play, he set up 0-3 and proved defensive talents, showcasing his versatility to contribute to his sides win, most importantly and was by far the most impressive player in the game.

Round 2A vs Stradbally: Scoring power

Hugh Connolly was heavily involved in Portarlington’s attacking play v Stradbally, finishing with five points from play in a performance that saw him repeatedly contribute at important stages of the game.

Connolly opened Portarlington’s first-half scoring, finding the target with their first point of the game. He then showed his consistency again at the other end of the half, scoring Portarlington’s final point before the interval as they went into half-time leading 1-11 to 0-10.

Connolly continued where he left off after the restart, scoring the first point of the second half to register two scores in a row across the half-time break.

His influence remained evident as Portarlington began to pull away. Of their next seven points in succession, Connolly contributed two, adding to his opening three scores and bringing his personal tally to five points from play.

His five points were spread across key periods of the game, with Connolly providing a consistent scoring threat from the wing as he utilised his pace and ball carrying movement to cut inside and get by his marker fending off physical defensive challenges and breaking through defensive lines with possession, playing a significant role in Portarlington’s sustained spell of attacking pressure.

Hugh Connolly also scored 0-1 from play v Killeshin in the semi final.

13. Right Corner Forward – Jordan Fitzpatrick (Portarlington)

Portarlington’s rising force

• Stepping Up to the Plate: While Fitzpatrick was already named in the starting corner-forward line for the quarter-final against O’Dempsey’s, he capitalized on the opportunity to take on a massive leadership role in the attack. With Colm Murphy sidelined from the 15^th minute, Fitzpatrick delivered a man-of-the-match display, scoring 1-5 to carry Portarlington through their toughest match of the campaign.
• Range and Variety: He provides a multi-dimensional threat in the forward line, capable of scoring from open play, palming home crucial goals (like his second-half strike against O’Dempsey’s), and nailing long-range frees and two-pointers from outside the arc.

Whether he is impacting games from the bench like his substitute appearance and points against The Heath and Stradbally or leading the line from the start, Fitzpatrick consistently punishes opposition defenses, proving indispensable to their three-in-a-row championship bid.

• In Round 1 vs. The Heath: Jordan Fitzpatrick came off the bench (for Sean Moran) and registered two points.
• In Round 2 vs. Stradbally: When Colm Murphy went off injured in the 18th minute, Fitzpatrick was the substitute brought directly onto the field to replace him.

This contributed to Jordan deservedly earning his starting place in the quarter final vs O’Dempseys and honestly without Jordan that day, Portarlington could have lost.

County final day edit:

Jordan proved his importance to Portarlington’s title 2026 win with his 0-3 and one 2 pointer again v Courtwood.

14. Full Forward – Colm Murphy (Portarlington)

Versus The Heath

Colm Murphy made the most of the opportunities created around him. He reacted quickest to Rioghan Murphy’s clever handpass to palm home a well-worked goal and later added a point after Hugh Connolly’s excellent defensive turnover and driving run turned defence into attack.

Overall

• Consistent Scoring Power: Colm Murphy is a central pillar of Portarlington’s attack, consistently racking up crucial scores from both open play and dead balls (such as his 1-4 haul in Round 1).
• Big-Match Execution: He possesses the composure required for high-stakes moments, (as we already know from his title winning penalty in 2025 replay) but its highlighted in 2026 again by his 1-5 in the county final vs Courtwood today and by his ability to confidently dispatch penalties such as his low, hard strike to the net in the semi-final against Killeshin.
• Resilience and Work Rate: Despite suffering injuries that forced him off early against both The Heath and Stradbally, his presence on the pitch immediately elevates Portarlington’s attacking rhythm, combining creative link-up play with clinical finishing. Proving even when struggling with injury, he is still one of the finest forwards in the county even with injuries. We all know how outstanding he is at full fitness too but his excellent performances even when not fully fit is incredibly impressive and hard for players to pull off: but nobody else possesses the quality of Colm Murphy. With injuries and not fully fit he is one of the best but at full fitness he is THE best.

County Final day v Courtwood

**EDITED AFTER THE COUNTY FINAL: I had written Aoife’s All Stars prior to County Final Day to edit in after any county final notes and I was delighted to see above that I called Colm the best forward in the county before the final. As he most certainly proved in the final today v Courtwood.

15. Left Corner Forward: Evan Lowry – Killeshin

Versus Graiguecullen

Evan Lowry (15) delivered an impressive all-round attacking performance for Killeshin, finishing with 0-5, including a two-pointer from play and a point from a free. He showed excellent determination and work rate throughout, underlining his contribution was about far more than just his scoring. After opening his account with a point from play, Lowry immediately demonstrated his appetite for the battle, working tirelessly to win possession back in his own half following a Graiguecullen kickout. His persistence paid off as he regained the ball and won a free for Killeshin, showcasing his willingness to track back, press opponents and contribute defensively as well as going forward.

Lowry was equally impressive with his kicking from distance, displaying the accuracy and confidence to punish Graiguecullen from outside the scoring zone. His two-pointer from play was a particular highlight, as he curled the ball beautifully over the bar to register a valuable score. He also caused persistent problems for the Graiguecullen defence with his dangerous high, dropping deliveries, putting defenders under pressure and making it difficult for them to deal comfortably with the ball. With his ability to score from distance, create uncertainty in the opposition defence and work relentlessly to regain possession, Lowry produced a well-rounded display that made him a significant contributor to Killeshin’s attacking efforts.