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CIAN MURPHY’S DUBLIN DREAM TEAM

13 Feb 2012

There’s no quicker way to lose friends than pick teams like these. In the few days since we suggested picking the ‘Best of’ from the 1995 and 2011 teams, there’s been much discussion across Facebook, Twitter, et al and the variations in teams suggested shows that agreement is not going to be easily reached.  But, without fear or favour, I have arrived at my selection of the best from these two All-Ireland title winning sides.

It's amazing how much the game has changed in those 16 years. The amount of science involved now isn't exactly alien to the Dubs of '95 who had Dr Pat O'Neill at the helm and a serious physical trainer in Fran Ryder but there's no doubt that modern elite GAA teams have a more sophisticated level preparation.  I'll always remember making my way in to Croker on the morning of the '95 final and seeing Paul Bealin casually washing his car in warm sunshine in the garage at the end of Fortfield Road in Terenure. It’s hard to imagine the same thing happening today.

But intensity of preparation aside, there’s not a whole lot that will separate All-Ireland winning sides apart, whether their divided by six or 16 years.  And so it would appear based on this selection of my ‘Best of’ from 1995 and 2011.

1. Stephen Cluxton: John O’Leary was my boyhood idol, but Cluxton isn’t just a class shot stopper, his kick outs and ability to score make him  complete package.

2. Paddy Moran: If the corner forward is going to score, make sure he earns it the hard way and the Ram made sure of that.

3. Rory O’Carroll: A class footballer who is only going to get better. Attacks the ball in an all or nothing fashion but usually reads it right.

4. Cian O’Sullivan: Probably seems wasted back there, but then Seamus Moynihan won footballer of the year from full back in 2000 and O'Sullivan could do the same.

5. Paul Curran: The only player in the same class as a number five is Tomas O Se. If Kevin Moran gave us the attacking half back then surely Currie perfected it.

6. Keith Barr: Struck fear into the hearts of opponents and got vital scores, rival teams despised him but secretly wished he was on their side.

7. Kevin Nolan: Has incredible natural talent and what about his point in the final? If he was good enough to play soccer, AFL and county football he has to be good enough for my team.

8. Brian Stynes: Brilliant high fielder and athlete, he would have made a seamless transition to the helter skelter world of modern football.

9. Michael Darragh Macauley: His all action style is impossible to ignore and a torrid handful for opponents to negotiate.

10. Paul Flynn: A vital component in Gilroy’s strategy, his engine and ability to marry work rate with important scores is crucial.

11. Dessie Farrell: Creative genius and inspirational presence make him automatic.

12. Paul Clarke: Phenomenal athlete who, like Stynes, would have no problem operating in today's game.

13. Charlie Redmond: Kicked pressure frees and was a wily fox in open play.

14. Bernard Brogan: No reason necessary. Back in 1995 Roy Curtis in The Star wrote a piece about 10 reasons the Dubs will win Sam and all 10 points were Jason Sherlock! You could do the same about Berno today.

15. Alan Brogan: Older and wiser and still effective. He was untouchable last summer and once he is used sparingly he can continue to pull the strings majestically.

It’s over to you now so let the debate begin!