John Fogarty: Why the GAA's All-Stars night has lost its lustre

Time has never been more of a premium for the leading footballers and hurlers. All-Stars night should be a celebration, not a squeeze.

ALL-STARS: Kerry footballer David Clifford is joined by team-mates and fellow All-Star Award recipients, from left, Seán O'Shea, Paudie Clifford and Gavin White. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile.

Friday next will be a special evening for Mayo. Most, if not all their All-Ireland winning panel will be in attendance for the PwC All-Stars ceremony in Dublin’s RDS.

Usually, the only players invited are nominees but with the group heading out on their team holiday to The Caribbean the following day the Mayo machine has moved to make it one hell of a going away party.