All-Ireland winning siblings

By Shaun Casey

McEntees (Armagh)

THE McEntees, John and Tony, became the first twins to win All-Ireland medals as they helped Armagh lift the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time in their history in 2002. John started the game at centre half-forward while Tony came into the action during the second half, replacing Paddy McKeever. The pair also enjoyed a hugely successful club career with Crossmaglen and are currently involved in management now as well.

Cavanaghs (Tyrone)

SEAN Cavanagh retired with three All-Irelands in his back pocket while his younger brother Colm played most of his career in the years following the successful years of the noughties. But he was involved in their 2008 All-Ireland victory, their third in total, and came on to kick a point in the final against Kerry late in the game. Sean was named as the player of the year in 2008 and finished his career with five All-Star awards while Colm has two.

McGees (Donegal)

THE two McGee brothers protected the last line of Donegal’s defence in the barren years before Jim McGuinness landed and when he helped turn their fortunes. Eamon and Neil, were two of his most loyal lieutenants. The pair were crucial man-markers for the Tir Chonaill men as they climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand in 2012 and were still key when Donegal reached another All-Ireland final two years later but lost to Kerry.

Ó Sés (Kerry)

PERHAPS the most famous siblings in GAA history, Darragh, Tomas and Marc O’Se are widely recognised as three of the best players of their generation if not of all time. Darragh’s fetching ability in midfield was unmatched during his playing days while Tomás and Marc brought the art of attacking defenders to a new level and quite often got up in attack to help out the forward line.

Brogans (Dublin)

THE Brogan brothers, Alan and Bernard, finished their careers with a bagful of medals, trophies and individual awards, but they suffered the lean years as well. Alan, the older of the two, particularly suffered having been involved with Dublin since 2002, but eventually got his reward with three All-Ireland medals before he finished up. The pair were also named footballer of the year in consecutive seasons, Bernard in 2010 and Alan in 2011.

McMahons (Tyrone)

JOE and Justin McMahon were key to Tyrone landing their third ever All-Ireland title in 2008 as the brothers played a stormer in the full-back line. They sussed out the twin tower threat of Kieran Donaghy and Tommy Walsh on the edge of Kerry’s attacking square and the McMahons held the two inside giants to just 0-1 between them.

Joyces (Galway)

THE Joyce brothers won two All-Ireland medals during their time with Galway, although Tommy didn’t feature in the 1998 final against Kildare which they won by four points. He did start three years later however as the Tribesmen picked up another All-Ireland crown, this time defeating Meath. Padraic starred in both finals, hitting 1-2 in 1998 and tatting up a personal tally of 0-10 in 2001, when he was also named as footballer of the year.

Cliffords (Kerry)

PAUDIE and David Clifford are still only young, but it feels like they have been about a lifetime. The pair helped Kerry end their long wait for the Sam Maguire last season as they downed Galway in the final and were a major reason why the Kingdom reached the decider again this year. Their club achievements are also unbelievable as they guided Fossa to an All-Ireland Junior Championship title last season as well and they’re sure to have more success in the future.

McNultys (Armagh)

ENDA and Justin McNulty were mainstays in the Armagh defence during a golden period for the Orchard County. Both stood shoulder to shoulder as Joe Kernan’s side famously got over the line in 2002 and brought Sam Maguire to Armagh for the first time ever. They were two of four Mullaghbawn club men that featured in the defence that day, just in front of goalkeeper Benny Tierney and behind captain Kieran McGeeney.

McGuigans (Tyrone)

BRIAN and Tommy McGuigan followed in the footsteps of their father Frank in lining out in the red and white jersey, but the siblings went one step further and picked up All-Ireland medals. The pair shared the field in the 2008 All-Ireland final as Tyrone once again overcame Kerry in the decider. The younger of the two, Tommy, claimed the games only goal as they ran out 1-15 to 0-14 winners.

Smalls (Dublin)

JOHN Small is a mainstay in the Dublin defence at this stage, but Paddy perhaps didn’t really break into the start team properly until this season. The Small brothers lined out together this year as Dublin reclaimed the Sam Maguire, defeating the reining champions Kerry in the final. Paddy claimed the all-important goal for Dessie Farrell’s side as the Dubs ran out two-point winners in the end.