The accomplished writer on all things Louth GAA Caoimhin Reilly recently posted a startling observation online – the last time there was an All Star selection without Dublin or Kerry representation thereon, the Wee County’s thoroughly deserving honouree Craig Lennon wasn’t even born.
The statistic shouldn’t exist though. Having won the Leinster SFC for whatever number of years in a row it is now, either Brian Fenton or Ciaran Kilkenny merited recognition. It is not Dublin’s fault or problem that – with the commendable exception of the progress Louth have made in the last few years – the level of ‘domestic’ competition placed in their way would do well to reach the level of ‘Pathetic’.
Besides that, though, teams that win their division in the National League are deserving of reward for that achievement. After all, the leagues are better structured and fairer competitions. Better ones, and winning them is noteworthy and the players who make it happen are deserving of acknowledgement.
It’s an indictment of what the All Stars have become to observe that in 1995 – when Meath didn’t make the knockout stages of the NFL and were thrashed by Dublin in the Leinster Final, Tommy Dowd was rewarded for some outstanding individual displays. Ditto Trevor Giles and Brendan Reilly in 1997.
To say it’s unlikely such a thing would happen now is most definitely an understatement. The unescapable feeling now is a team has to go very deep into the blasted split season to have any hope of beimg accredited.
To be fair to him, Craig Lennon has been one of Louth’s standout performers since the upturn in their fortunes began under Mickey Harte. Yes, his brace of brilliant goals against Meath catapulted the St Mochtas clubman to national noteriety, but he had already proven himself a man for the big occasion when his goal completed quite a comeback against the same opposition.
So, as merited as his selection unquestionably is, one would have to feel for his teammates Tommy Durnin and Sam Mulroy, both of whom would have absolutely deserved commendation.
For the record, the 2024 All Star football team is:
Niall Morgan (Tyrone)
Johnny McGrath (Galway)
Barry McCambridge (Armagh)
Peadar Mogan (Donegal)
Dylan McHugh (Galway)
Aidan Forker (Armagh)
Craig Lennon (Louth)
Paul Conroy (Galway)
Ben Crealey (Armagh)
Rian O’Neill (Armagh)
John Maher (Galway)
Oisin Conaty (Armagh)
Rob Finnerty (Galway)
Oisin Gallen (Donegal)
Conor Turbett (Armagh)
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