By Seamus Graham
Cushendun Emmet’s veteran Seamus Graham pics his favourite fifteen dating back to the Intermediate Championship winning team of 1973 up to the team that reached the Senior Championship final of 2000
1 – Randall McDonnell.
Great shot stopper, good puck out, hated anyone scoring against him.
2 – Paul McSparran –
Big, strong and used his weight well, great clearance
3 – Dan McKeegan
Fearless, skillful and determined
4 – Conor McNeill –
Tough, hard, tight marker
5 – Brendan McSparran
Small in stature but big in heart, very dependable
6 – Dan Kinney
Chip off the old block, don’t need to say any more
7 – Conleth Magee
Still can’t figure out how he lifted the ball, very classy hurler
8 – Aiden Mort
Attacking midfielder, great going forward, could play in any forward line as well
9 – Eamon Graham
More defensive minded, also good in the half-back line
10 – Barry O’Hara
Knew where the posts were, good in the air
11 – Mick O’Neill
Great in the air, has the knuckles to prove it, outstanding mid-fielder or forward
12 – Emmett O’Hara
Tigerish tackler, started off in the backs and brought those skills with him to the forwards
13 – Robert Laverty
Loved to score goals and got plenty of them, great to watch in full flight
14 – Paul Graham
Goals, points, passes he made them all, great vision, also good in the half-forward line
15 – Conrad McDonnell
Great point taker, converted big percentage of frees, also knew how to score goals
Raymond McDonnell, Rory McQuillan, Gary McNeill, Gerry Scally, Liam O’Hara, Eamon McLister
All of these could have easily made the team as well, but unfortunately there were only 15 places.
Raymond in the half-forward line, a very whole hearted player,
Rory in the back line, a very safe player
Gary at left half back very strong, great tackler
Gerry could play anywhere on the field, backs, mid-field or forward
Liam O’Hara, Emmett & Barry’s uncle and an extremely skillful forward with real speed.
Eamon McLister a class forward with great vision and control