WHO are the greatest midfielders since the turn of the millennium? Niall Gartland has a look…

1. Brian Fenton (Dublin)

THE standard-bearer. Fenton has been the most respected midfield player in the country since his stunning debut season for Dublin in 2015. His grace in possession, aerial ability, and his knack of ghosting upfield and kicking points on the regular makes him one of the best all-round midfield players in the history of our games. His record in championship games is unparalleled as well – last year’s semi-final defeat to Mayo was a first for him. He isn’t perfect – he’s struggled a few times now against Kerry midfielder Jack Barry – but he isn’t far off it, winning five All-Stars and two Footballer of the Year awards in an impeccable career.

2. Darragh Ó Sé (Kerry)

Ó Sé dominated the skies for Kerry during a decade which yielded five All-Irelands for the Kingdom between 2001 and 2009. His physicality, determination and ability to win primary possession combined to make him a bonafide Kerry legend. He was also able to get the better on repeated occasions of taller men, like Cork’s Nicholas Murphy, and he was generally one of Kerry’s best players on some days to forget against their northern nemesis Tyrone. Bowed out in style by winning a sixth Celtic Cross in his last ever intercounty game against Cork in the 2009 final.

3. Sean Cavanagh (Tyrone)

CAVANAGH wasn’t really a traditional midfield player, but was normally deployed in the middle sector and terrorised opposition defences during a long and successful career (he has more championship caps than any other Tyrone player in the history of the game). Finished his career with five All-Star awards and more medals than we care to mention. Performed on the big occasion as well, kicking five points from play in an awesome display at full-forward against Kerry in the 2008 All-Ireland final.

ICON…Paul McGrane, left, is an Armagh legend

4. Paul McGrane (Armagh)

THE Ballyhegan clubman was an integral part of Armagh’s greatest ever side. Made his intercounty debut earlier than you might think, all the way back in 1993, but it was during the noughties that he hit the spotlight, receiving an All-Star award for his performances in Armagh’s All-Ireland winning season in 2002. A hugely competitive player who never gave an inch, his former Armagh teammate Cathal O’Rourke has gone on the record as saying that McGrane was the real linchpin of their 2002 success.

5. James McCarthy (Dublin)

The beating heart of the Dublin team that claimed six All-Ireland titles in-a-row, McCarthy’s warrior spirit has made him a cult hero among Dublin supporters.
Probably isn’t as naturally gifted as midfield partner Brian Fenton, but has just been as integral to their stunning success over the last 11 years.
Has eight All-Ireland medals in his back-pocket and has stepped up to the plate when Dublin have needed him most, delivering a particularly dynamic performance in their titanic battle with Mayo in the 2017 showdown.

6. Neil Gallagher (Donegal)

It’s hard to believe now but Gallagher was a peripheral figure in Jim McGuinness’ first year in charge back in 2011. He was already 28 years old and perceived to be past his best, but he defied expectations by becoming their key midfield player in the all-conquering 2012 season. Was just as good two years later when they reached the All-Ireland final, with his performance against Cork in the semi-final one of the best of his career. Retired in early 2017 due to injury, but with his reputation firmly intact.

7. David Moran (Kerry)

KERRY failed to live up to their favourites’ tag in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Tyrone, but it certainly wasn’t David Moran’s fault that they lost. He gave an epic performance against a strong Tyrone midfield, and while he’s now in the twilight of his career, he’s been some servant for Kerry. The son of famed former Kerry player Ogie Moran, David had a lot to live up to but he’s done extremely well and has two All-Ireland medals to his name. His fielding ability has made him a great man to watch over the years.

8. John Galvin (Limerick)

ANYONE who holds his own against Darragh Ó Sé is deserving of praise, and John Galvin did exactly that during a stellar intercounty career with Limerick. Never really caught the public imagination like some of the players on this list, but Kerry fans certainly knew all about him. A monster of a man, the 6’4” midfielder played for his county for 15 years and won three All-Star nominations. Regarded by some as Limerick’s finest ever footballer.

9. Fergal Doherty (Derry)

DESCRIBED by his former manager Brian McIver as “one of the greatest players to ever play the game”, Doherty was a huge asset during his 15-year senior intercounty career with Derry. Brave as a lion, his no-nonsense approach in the middle endeared him to spectators and he won four All-Star nominations which is a great achievement given Derry lived in the shadow of Armagh and Tyrone for most of his career.

10. Gary Brennan (Clare)

ONE of the finest midfielders of his generation, readers of Gaelic Life may remember his performances with the International Rules team as much as his performances with Clare. A noted dual player, Brennan made his Clare debut as a teenager under the late Páidí Ó Sé back in 2007, and went on to become one of the most admired performers from the so-called lesser lights of county
football.

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