Kerry look set to lead All Star count

IN a way, this is an exercise in futility.

The selection of the best 15 footballers in the country from the 2011 season is done with a major caveat. With the biggest game of the season taking place in 48 hours, this side is guaranteed not to be the one feted in Dublin’s Convention Centre on Friday October 21.

A stellar individual display in Croke Park on Sunday will catapult members of the Kerry and Dublin teams into the reckoning and some of the players below will be squeezed out in the process. But right now, we think these are the players in pole position.

Kerry’s Brendan Kealy has looked more assured between the posts this season, making vital early saves against Cork in the Munster final and against Limerick in the All-Ireland quarter-final. He is still suspect under high balls but has done enough to stave off the claims of Stephen Cluxton and Shane Connolly.

In the full-back line, Neil McGee and Marc Ó Sé had blips in form in their respective All-Ireland semi-finals but provided enough persuasive evidence before that and while Kildare exited at the quarter-final stage, Michael Foley was consistently excellent all season.

Karl Lacey’s claims for the centre-back spot are indisputable, the scale of Kevin Nolan’s improvement sees him nail down a half-back spot while Kevin Cassidy sparkled for Donegal and provided one of the moments of the summer with that outrageous match-winner against Kildare in extra-time.

At midfield, Bryan Sheehan has assuaged any concerns Kingdom followers had about their prowess in that sector, and while Alan O’Connor may have been subdued against Mayo, he was magnificent in Cork’s two games prior to that.

In attack, Alan Brogan was the clear star in Dublin’s march to Leinster honours, Bernard Brogan has added a great work ethic to his offensive brilliance while Paul Flynn has become a vital cog in Pat Gilroy’s team with his half-forward endeavour.

Declan O’Sullivan has produced his customary stellar displays for Kerry, Darran O’Sullivan has elevated his performances and stature to another level, while Andy Moran’s tour de force against Kerry capped a fine campaign for the Ballaghaderreen man.

There were a few nearly men. The O’Connors, Donncha and Cillian, pressed hard in attack, while Robert Hennelly, Hugh McGrillen and Michael Murphy all impressed at various stages.

Who will bolt from the pack this Sunday?

Another diligent defensive display by Rory O’Carroll or Cian O’Sullivan could vault them into contention, with Killian Young and Tomás Ó Sé facing a similar scenario. Michael Dara MacAuley looks best placed to challenge for a midfield spot. While up front a replica of his five-star show against Mayo, will surely see Colm Cooper in the hunt for his seventh All Star award.