Today we look at St. Galls, Antrim’s most successful club and include their ‘Best 15’ through the eyes of one of their stalwarts, Chris Kerr. Big Chris has been part of the St. Galls and Antrim setup for more than a decade and is still regarded as one of the county’s top goalkeepers. He has modestly excluded himself from his ‘Best 15’ and it certainly looks a side to be reckoned with.
- Ronan Gallagher
- Colin Brady
- Andy McClean
- Paul Veronica
- Terry O’Neill
- Conor Burke
- Sean Kelly
- Sean Burke
- Aodhan Gallagher
- Karl Stewart
- Kieran McGourty
- Kevin McGourty
- Cj McGourty
- Kevin Niblock
- Michael Pllock
Andy McClean, selected at full-back on Chris Kerr’s ‘Best 15’
Probably one of the hardest tasks I’ve ever been given. How do you pick a team from the most successful Antrim club team ever with such an incredible period of dominance In goals – obviously I couldn’t pick myself so I’ll give one of the other lads a run! I was very fortunate to grow up and work alongside with so many top goalkeepers Ciaran O’Connor, Paddy Murray & Ronan Gallagher all with brilliant attributes that I have taken on board and use myself in my own game – Paddy had a massive presence very imposing figure which forwards hated the sight off. Ciaran O’Connor fantastic shot stopper and really top class striker of the ball. Ronan was a top class kicker and hitting space utilising short kick outs 10 years ago, nominated all-star and great organiser – so I’ll give the nod just to Ronan Gallagher. Although I had the voodoo doll out for all 3 of them at a stage! Forwards win you games but defenders win you championships. We were and are so fortunate to have so many top defenders who could win battles 1v1. Colin Brady the best man marker I’ve seen up close & personal, so quick, strong, great tackler and hands , superb reading of the game and calming voice never panics nothing- always says the right thing at the right times. Andy McClean incredible athlete, so big, strong, aggressive on the ground and in the air, and can’t half play ball also. Had a great understanding with him at no3. Class act.
Aodhan Gallagher, an ouitstanding mid-fielder for St. Galls for more than a decade
Paul Veronica ferocious tackler, hard as nails, quick and aggressive would put his head where some wouldn’t put their feet massive fan. Terry O’Neill could play anywhere from 5 onwards. Quality player – to do it for so long and the standard of performance and his cv speaks volumes, one of the all -time greats – can tackle, score, work rate and break ball specialist and would run through a brick wall for St galls – Conor Burke such a big man, brilliant athlete and man marker can play anywhere out the pitch. Sean Kelly at 7. Nothing else needed. The best player I’ve ever played with in every aspect – talent, ability, attitude, temperament. Simon Kennedy, Gary McGirr & Anto Healy just miss out. Midfield – had to go with Sean Burke and Aodhan Gallagher. Complement each other so well. Both mobile, brilliant in the air, hard as nails and can hit like a mule and both can play ball. Mark McCrory was a classy footballer along with Ciaran Mc Crossan during my earlier years. Forwards – some of the forwards Karl Stewart all day – hard as nails – classy and skilful On the ball but can tackle, hit like a horse. Ginge is a quality player.
CJ McGourty makes St. Galls ‘Best 15’ at top of the left
Kieran McGourty again to play at that level for so long it a testament to him, never had pace but had a brain that was 3-4 steps ahead of everyone else. Two footed, brilliant link man, picks the right pass and a break ball expert, a man for the bjg day. Kevin McGourty (Hank). You talk about athletes you talk about Hank, who could do it all, kick, pass, dominate the ball In the air – had the confidence and belief he could take anyone on. Could do it all. Incredible player – stifled by injuries but one of the best I’ve ever seen play. Cj McGourty. Bjg game player, been fortunate enough to see this man at his work from 5 years of age, crazy ability, best left foot in the county for well over a decade and has the accolades and performances to back it up. If you get a goal chance you want it in his hands. Brilliant from play and dead balls. Kevin Niblock at full forward – Can play anywhere, has it all. Strong as an Ox, great feet and vision, unreal ball winner in the air and on the ground. Can score any type of score. Class act. Micky Pollock – lightening quick, strong, can take a score of either foot – a defenders worst nightmare. Getting better with age. Can play anywhere from 8 to 15. Attitude, application and work rate to match the talent and ability.
Seanie Burns is another who could walk into any team. Class act from play and dead ball. Hard as nails and could take a score.
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