SEVEN Derry stars nominated for 2022 All Star - Find out which Oak Leaf players are in the running

Rory Gallagher's squad blazed a trail through the provincial competition, accounting for Tyrone, Monaghan and Donegal on their way to a first title since 1998 and that success has been rewarded with nominations for Christopher McKaigue, Conor McCluskey and Brendan Rogers in defence; Conor Glass and Gareth McKinless at midfield and Shane McGuigan and Ethan Doherty among the forwards. Glen star Doherty is also among a three man shortlist for PwC GAA/GPA Young Footballer of the Year along side Dublin's Lee Gannon and Galway's Jack Glynn.

As expected Kerry’s success in recapturing 'Sam Maguire' means they top the nomination list with 12 places, the Kingdom’s success across All-Ireland and Munster championships as well as league honours this season seeing them take the lion’s share of the high calibre list of 45 names that is spread across 11 different counties. All-Ireland winning goalkeeper Shane Ryan faces competition from Dublin’s Evan Comerford and Armagh’s Ethan Rafferty and Ryan is joined by all six of his Kerry defenders in the list of 18 nominated which also includes

three from Galway, Dublin debutante Lee Gannon and exciting Limerick defender Cian Sheehan in the shortlist as well as the Oak Leaf trio.

At midfield, Oak Leaf pair pair Glass and McKinless are joined by Galway duo Paul Conroy and Cillian McDaid as well as Dublin’s Brian Fenton and Kerry’s Jack Barry in the centre

field selection.

Up front Kerry’s razor-sharp attack is represented by Clifford brothers, David and Paudie, with Seán O’Shea and Stephen O’Brien joining them in an impressive list of forwards that

also features three each from Galway and Armagh, two from Dublin and Derry and Ben McCormack (Kildare), Eoin Cleary (Clare), Stephen Sherlock (Cork) and Jack

McCarron (Monaghan) all recognised for their individual brilliance this summer. The full breakdown is Kerry 12, Galway (8), Derry (7), Dublin (6), Armagh (5), Cork (2)

and one each for Clare, Kildare, Limerick, Mayo and Monaghan.

The other big talking point is the confirmation of this year’s overall PwC GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year and Young Player of the Year accolades, two awards that are voted on

exclusively by the inter-county players themselves. Kerry powerhouse David Clifford will be up against Galway sharpshooter Shane Walsh and

the Tribes' midfield star, Cillian McDaid for the overall award.

was an excellent football championship. It was fantastic to see crowds being able to flock back to our games this year. At a time of change in our football structure and season calendar what remains constant is the ability of our players to light up the campaign and the pick of the crop are here in these nominations.

“To make this shortlist is a significant achievement and I want to acknowledge the work that has gone into it and know that being shortlisted is also a huge moment for the families and

the clubs of the players involved, and especially for David, Shane and Cillian and their nomination for PwC GAA/GPA Footballer and to Lee, Ethan and Jack for the PwC GAA/GPA Young Footballer of the Year nomination.

Tom Parsons, CEO of the GPA added: “Our games are primarily about what we achieve as part of a team. However, there is always a place to celebrate individual excellence and the

PwC All-Stars are the pinnacle when it comes to individual recognition in football and hurling. I want to wholeheartedly congratulate all of the nominees announced today. In a season of change, there were many stand out moments and memories that will stand the test of time.

“These 45 players were adjudged to have been the best of the best in 2022 and are deservedly nominated to be considered for the final 15. I also want to congratulate David, Shane and Cillian for their PwC Player of the Year nominations and to Ethan, Jack and Lee for being nominated in the Young Player category.”

Feargal O’Rourke, Managing Partner, PwC, said: “Heartfelt congratulations to each of the 45 footballers who have been nominated for a PwC All-Star and also to those shortlisted for

the PwC GAA/GPA Footballer and Young Footballer of the Year from everyone at PwC. Each of you excelled as both individuals and as part of a team during the thrilling championship season and rightly deserve to be recognised for your hard work and dedication.”

Dating back to 1971, the All-Stars are selected by a team of GAA journalists from across print, radio, digital, tv and broadcast media. A separate Tailteann Cup team of the year will

also be honoured this year. The PwC All-Stars will be presented at a black-tie banquet in Dublin’s Convention Centre on Friday, October 28. The hurling team will be announced live on the night with the football team being released publicly 24 hours earlier.

PwC All-Stars Football Nominations 2022

Goalkeepers: Ethan Rafferty (Armagh), Shane Ryan (Kerry) and Evan Comerford (Dublin)

Defenders: Jason Foley (Kerry), Tadhg Morley (Kerry), Brian Ó Beaglaoich (Kerry), Graham O’Sullivan (Kerry), Tom O’Sullivan (Kerry), Gavin White (Kerry), Liam Silke (Galway), Seán Kelly (Galway), John Daly (Galway), Chrissy McKaigue (Derry), Conor McCluskey (Derry), Brendan Rogers (Derry), James McCarthy (Dublin), Lee Gannon (Dublin), Lee Keegan (Mayo), Jarlath Óg Burns (Armagh), Seán Powter (Cork), Cian Sheehan (Limerick).

Midfielders: Paul Conroy (Galway), Cillian McDaid (Galway), Conor Glass (Derry), Gareth McKinless (Derry), Brian Fenton (Dublin), Jack Barry (Kerry).

Forwards: David Clifford (Kerry), Seán O’Shea (Kerry), Paudie Clifford (Kerry), Stephen O’Brien (Kerry), Shane Walsh (Galway), Damian Comer (Galway), Robert Finnerty (Galway)

Rian O’Neill (Armagh), Stefan Campbell (Armagh), Rory Grugan (Armagh), Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin), Con O’Callaghan (Dublin), Shane McGuigan (Derry), Ethan Doherty (Derry), Ben McCormack (Kildare), Eoin Cleary (Clare), Stephen Sherlock (Cork), Jack McCarron (Monaghan).

PwC GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year nominees: David Clifford (Kerry), Cillian McDaid (Galway), Shane Walsh (Galway).

PwC GAA/GPA Young Footballer of the Year nominees: Lee Gannon (Dublin), Ethan Doherty (Derry), Jack Glynn (Galway).