By PJ O’Mullan
PJ O’Mullan, the man who managed the Shamrocks to their second All Ireland title in 2012, selects his favourite fifteen players from 1990 up to the present day.
This team is picked from 1990 onwards and some players not in the team were finishing their career at this stage. If a team prior to 1990 was picked they would be starting. There are many other great players who have played for Loughgiel and would be worthy of making this team but I can only pick 15. No offence intended on selections.
1 – Damian Quinn – This was an easy pick. DD as he is known is the best keeper I have seen in my time. His leadership was second to none and he was able to organize those in front of him with ease. Fantastic in the air and could pick a pass from his puck puts that started many attacks. Superb shot stopper and his commitment and dedication in training and throughout the playing season was relentless. Could have played in goal for any team in Ireland
2 – Paul Gillan – Ding as he known to everyone is the epiphany of a club hurler. Completely dedicated on and off the pitch and liked things to be done the proper way. Great in the air and very tight marking. Could play anywhere in the defence and has even been known to score against his own team. Tough and uncompromising when needed.
3 – Neilly McGarry – Playing fullback is never easy. Players are often asked to mark the opposition’s marquee players. This is where Neilly excelled. A complete no nonsense player who was able to stop/spoil and frustrate many a good player from playing. Relished all the challenges thrown at him over the years and came out on top of many a battle against various opponents. Good to see him back playing again.
4 – Eoin McCloskey – Teak and tough would describe Roadstone with all the skill on top of that. Great vision and went about his business with little fuss. Did the simple things well. Had some serious injuries over his career but came back stronger. Excellent defender
5 – Johnny Campbell – One of our clubs great leaders and players. Completely focused and had a savage desire to win. Would not have won county final in 2010 without him. Inspired his team mates and put in a fantastic display. Had the honour of captaining Loughgiel for their 4 in a row and all Ireland victory and then in his first year as manager won a county title. Would not have asked his team mates to do anything he would not have done.
6 – Dominic McKinley – A fantastic player and warrior. Woody was at the heart of Loughgiel and Antrims defence through late 80’s and early 90’s. Complete worker and grafter doing a lot of dirty work. Could mix it up when needed and was great at organizing them around him. Won an all Ireland club medal as a forward but played mostly in defence after that
7 – Martin Scullion – Not only an excellent defender but a great man to have about the team. Excellent under the high ball – who will ever forget the two late catches against Cushendall in 2011 final and his performance in all Ireland club final was sensational. Great positional sense and was able to dictate play. Had good vision and set up many attacks.
8 – Barney McAuley – Probably could have selected Barney in several positions but wouldn’t want him over analysing it. Played full of confidence in every game. Ghosted into positions no one else would dream of always available for the pass. Never afraid to shoot and always popped up for scores at vital times in games. Excellent trainer and leader and always tried his best.
9 – Sean Paul McKillop – Again could have picked SP in several positions. Fantastic under the high ball, very strong in the tackle and had skill in abundance. Very versatile and played in every position in the field. Had ability to take many scores.
10 – Aidan McCarry – A real class player. Had loads of skill and was accurate from play and placed balls. Unlucky not to get an all star between 1989 and 1991. Scored many important goals and won an all Ireland club in 1983. Looked after his team mates and was able to mix it when needed. Would make most teams in his time.
11 – Declan Laverty – Could not have picked a team without this man. The link man during my time as manager, Got a bad hit in 2010 county final but recovered enough to come on as second half sub to inspire his team to victory. Was the link man in so many victories. His ability to win dirty ball and lay it off for others to score was unmatched. Unselfish, dogged, skilful and the ultimate team player. Deserves all he gets from the game.
12 – Eddie McCloskey – Played the game with complete freedom and abandonment. His vision and ability to see things on the pitch before they developed enabled him to play like a quarterback – spraying passes everywhere. His pace along with his vision enabled him to open up defences effortlessly – two passes in particular both to Liam Watson – one v Na Pairsaigh where he soloed out of defence and sprayed a 60 yard pass and the other in all Ireland club final that took out Coolderry’s whole defence that led to a goal. As well as all the above regularly chipped in with 5/6 scores in most games. Totally perfectionist – hence can be moody if things didn’t go as he visioned them.
13 – Benny McCarry – Again another player who played with great freedom and flair. Had wonderful vision and skill and a fantastic first touch. Was aware of players running of the ball and was able to pluck the ball from places he shouldn’t have been. Knew where the goalposts were and had often tried things not in the coaching manual. Great team player
14 – Liam Watson – In my opinion the best of them all. Liam had everything. If you needed a goal just get the ball to him. Even on days when the ball was not running his way he still had the confidence and ability to stand up when needed – two in particular times 2011 Antrim final v Cdall penalty and V St Thomas with last puck of ball beating 12 players. Wonderful free taker and his performances in all Ireland campaign of 2011/2012 were simply stunning. Would have made any team in Ireland. Excellent trainer…when there and just simply a fantastic hurler/player.
15 – Brendan McGarry – Chopper was unlucky not to be around in a different era. Played through a barren spell in terms of winning championships but carried our forward line through this period. Top scored in many championships in that period and was equally accurate from play and placed balls. Was not scared to shoot and could score from anywhere.
My subs can count themselves very unlucky and would make most teams
Nial Patterson
Declan McKillop
Joey Quinn
Joey Scullion
Shay Casey
Brendan Laverty
Dominic McMullan