The Cork defence

By: MARTIN CRUMMY- written just before Corks defeat to Kerry in the All Ireland

 CORK football has hit new heights this summer. A Munster title, culminating in a pulsating win over defending Champions Tyrone in the All-Ireland semi-final, has led the Rebels to the brink of a first All-Ireland Football title since 1990.

However, when the dust settles after the September 20th final, attentions will turn to the All-Star awards.Traditionally fickle awards to forecast, the Rebel footballers should have a major say.

 When Cork last won the trophy they had six All-Stars and it is predicted that could go better this year – if they collect Sam. Of the current crop of stars there are a number of players – even before the All-Ireland final - that look good money to be All-Stars come the autumn.A lot depends on how Connor Counihan’s men fair in the final, but already many of the Rebels have shown to be the best footballers in the land in 2009.

 Starting in defence, Michael Shields at full back is sure to be there or thereabouts for an award. There are a precious few other outstanding number 3’s. Dublin’s Denis Bastick’s early form was dramatically eroded by Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter-final, while other contenders include the Kingdom’s Tom O’Sullivan and Tyrone’s Conor Gormley.

 Despite an injury earlier in the campaign, few defenders have performed better than Anthony Lynch.

It is the in half back line that Cork could clean up on the awards night.

Graham Canty is sure to cap a fine twelve months by lifting the Sam Maguire. He was Irish International Rules vice captain in Australia last October and his form and determination hasn’t stop since then. He is the defensive lychpin that allows the Cork defence to express itself in the wide spaces of Croke Park. It is what some pundits have called ‘Total Football’ from Counihan’s team and no-one epitomises this more than John Miskella. Now available for the All-Ireland final, an All-Star should just be around the corner. He has a had an outstanding season but if suspension had to had come his way for the final, he may have struggled to claim a place in the 2009 All-Star football team. His fellow half back Noel O’Leary is less assured of a place and needs another explosive game in that final to be assured of inclusion. A sometimes controversial figure, he has matured this year and may just have to ward off competition from the likes of Davy Harte and Karl Lacey (if he is not accommodated in the corner) for a place on the team.

 Cork are a side dominated by height and at 6′5″ Nicholas Murphy looks in good shape for an award. Darragh O’Shea may have something to say about that, but apart from the two Munster men, Dermot Early is one of the few other men in the middle to have really lit up Championship 2009.

 Upfront Cork have changed this year into a more clinical outfit. On ’40 Paul Kerrigan and Pearse O’Neill are contenders. O’Neill has had a quiet season by his standards. but he is a player of the big occasion and a good performance in the final could sway the voters. His main rival for the number 12 shirt, could be Meath’s Joe Sheridan.

 In the corner, Daniel Goulding is another Rebel who can expect some more silverware, win or loss, in the Sam Maguire race. He has been the consistent go-to forward in this years championship. Colm O’Neill’s impact can’t be dismissed either and a good final can decide a lot.

 The journalists and other personnel who decide on these awards just don’t go on the last two games of the season, but they are the most important games and can swing a vote. The real drama will be in Croke Park on final day, but win or lose Cork will have a significant say in 2009 All-Star football team.

Gaelic Star’s Cork All-Stars

Full Back – Michael Shields.

Corner Back – Anthony Lynch

Wing Back – John Miskella

Centre Back- Graham Canty

Midfield – Nicholas Murphy

Centre half forward – Pearse O’Neill

Full Forward – Daniel Goulding