Speculation on the make-up of the football All Stars has begun in earnest while the AFL remembers one of its greatest imports in Jim Stynes.
All Stars Speculation
The conclusion of the All-Ireland championship results in three things; celebration for the winning county, post-mortems into why the leading contenders fell short and then speculation into the All Star’s selection.
Last night the RTE panel picked just three players that did not feature in yesterday’s final with Cork duo Aidan Walsh and Colm O’Neill as well as Dublin wing-forward Paul Flynn making the cut. The panel chose not to pick the team based on the numbers on their backs, but more where they featured most on the pitch.
For example the half-back line was an all-Donegal affair with centre back Karl Lacey flanked by corner back Frank McGlynn and the roaming forward Mark McHugh.
Donegal had a total of eight representatives, while finalists Mayo had four with Keith Higgins and Ger Cafferky named in the full-back line and Kevin McLoughlin and Alan Dillon taking their places on the half-way line.
The Irish Daily Star goes with a slightly different team, with Donegal awarded seven positions, with Paul Durcan losing out to David Clarke in goals. The Mayo representation is at five, with Keith Higgins, Lee Keegan, Barry Moran and Alan Dillon also named in the team.
Last years champions Dublin are present with Paul Flynn and Kevin Nolan named at wing-forward and wing-back respectively, while Rebel sharp-shooter Colm O’Neill takes the final berth.
There is a great deal of debate annually about the selection and there will be strong views when certain players are not named when the team is announced. Whatever side is chosen, expect at least 11 players from Mayo or Donegal to feature.
AFL remembers Jim Stynes
While Donegal bridged a 20-year gap to their last senior All-Ireland success, the Dublin minors collected their first win at that grade since 1984. That team contained Brian Stynes but the Dubliner was watching from Australia as he was part of the AFL Brownlow Medal ceremony tonight.
Fittingly the AFL has recognised the contribution that younger brother Jim had on both the game and Australia as a whole and on Monday night Richmond’s Daniel Jackson won the inaugural Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.
The award was conceived to recognise a player “who demonstrates the values of Jim Stynes in his commitment to the community and understanding the value of helping others”.
Australian News reported an emotional Brian was privileged to be part of the ceremony and thanked everyone for their support.
“We are all very grateful (for) and amazed by the kindness, respect and generosity of spirit that everybody has given to us, and especially (from) the football community,” Brian said.
Jackson was humbled to be awarded the accolade and is involved with on the Australian board of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organisation, which mentors young people. He is also an ambassador for Headspace, a national mental youth foundation, and is a guest speaker for Step Back Think, which campaigns against violence.
A man fitting of such an accolade.
Daniel Jackson in action for Richmond
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