James Horan: Enda Smith selection important; Howard, Mannion and Foley the unlucky ones

Has football's changed landscape made it more difficult to individualise selections? The nature of the game now makes stand-out performances harder to evaluate.

CONSISTENT PERFORMER: Roscommon’s Enda Smith celebrates scoring a second-half goal from a penalty against Armagh in the league game in February at Hyde Park. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

All-Stars are the highest individual accolade a GAA player can receive. They are a source of great satisfaction for players and huge pride for family and friends. For people close to the player they represent a significant achievement for someone they grew up with, someone ‘they know’. It’s personal, local and immensely satisfying.

With the new inter-county season just beyond the 2023 threshold, it’s gratifying for players to enjoy an evening of pomp and ceremony. Yes, there are flaws in the selection process, as there are with all individual sports awards. Take the Ballon d’Or this year for example.