Okay, throw in the ball

Take five Irish Examiner staffers and four of the paper’s analysts, stir vigorously and watch it come quickly to the boil. No simmering here as we look ahead to Championship 2011

TONY LEEN, sports editor: The first thing to start with is always a Kerry moan. When did everyone suddenly decide that this is Colm Cooper’s s time, that he is the man of the generation and the saviour of gaelic football? Spillane was at it again on Sunday night. Why is 2011 different to another other year since 2002?

PADDY HEANEY, columnist: I think it is now universally accepted that Colm Cooper is the best footballer in Ireland, and has been for some time. He is the GAA’s Lionel Messi. But the Gooch has yet to receive the Footballer of the Year Award. This is an oversight that no longer makes any sense.