Gaelic Life All-Stars Club Footballer of the Year (Ryan Dougan – Glen)

OUR Footballer of the Year couldn’t make the All-Stars last Friday night – but he had a perfectly valid excuse.

Teak-tough Glen defender Ryan Dougan is currently spending a bit of time in Bali, Indonesia, but he joined us on video call for a quick chat about the 2022 season.

There were plenty of good days out, that’s for sure – between retaining their Derry title, winning Ulster for the first time ever and a successful All-Ireland semi-final outing. Dougan was at the heart of their success but isn’t shouting from the rooftops is his status as Footballer of the Year.

“It’s a nice feeling but I’d probably have given it to a good few Glen players ahead of myself to be honest,” he said.

Dougan highlighted their brilliant Ulster final win over Kilcoo as a particular highlight.

They produced a super performance at the Athletic Grounds to claim their first ever provincial final at this level – only a year after winning outright in Derry for the first time.

“Getting over the line in Ulster was definitely a highlight, it was a great day and the scenes afterwards in Maghera were fantastic. Winning the All-Ireland semi-final was great as well, just getting a run out in Croke Park with the boys I grew up with was memorable in itself.”

Time will tell whether Glen will make amends for their narrow defeat to Kilmacud Crokes in the All-Ireland final but the season is that the Watty Graham’s are a team with an awful lot left in the tank.

“The season could’ve ended on a better note but I’m not going to complain about it either.

“Obviously we came very close to the All-Ireland title but it’s something to work on and we’re looking forward to getting back at it.

“At the minute I’m going to enjoy a bit of time off and the other lads will be the same. After that we’ll be champing at the bit to go again.”