Today we look at Clooney Gaels, Ahoghill ‘Favourite 15’ hurlers through the eyes of someone who wishes to remain anonymous. Our mysterious selector picks players from a period when he himself wore the famous Red @ Black of Ahoghill and leaves out those who are still playing.

Not everyone will agree with his selection. It’s just one man’s opinion. Just a bit of fun!

My ‘Favourite 15’ hurlers from Clooney Gaels, Ahoghill

I’ve picked hurlers who played during the same period as myself and have chosen to remain anonymous as some of them are still very handy with a hurl.

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1- Declan Scullion: Excellent keeper, brave or foolhardy, you decide. There were a few defenders eardrums who got a rest when he retired.

2- Barry Drain: Fast, strong and skilful, Barry was a great addition when he arrived from Antrim.

3- Ciaran Convery: Not bad for a Portglenone man. Ciaran was strong and versatile.

4- Seamus Magee: Seamus was what I call an excellent ground hurler because he left most of his opponents lying on the ground.

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5- Brendan Kelly: What can I say about Brendan that hasn’t already been said? An excellent hurler who went on to be an excellent coach.

6- Ciaran Agnew: Ciaran had it all before damaging his knee then he buggered off to Clare (The county that is)

7- Bernard ‘Budgie’ O’Neill: A strong defender who usually finished off opponents that Seamus had softened up.

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8- Dermot Graham: Could catch a ball with ease and deliver it long distances. A great hurler.

9- Joe Downey: When Joe retired it is rumoured that Antrim Area Hospital laid off half of the A @ E staff. A very competitive hurler who lived on the edge.

10- Paddy Graham: A good all round footballer and hurler who always gave his best.

11- Colm Graham: Alfie was a real flying machine and very skilful. We’ll not mention the accuracy. It’s rumoured the catch nets were put up specifically for him.

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12- John Kelly: Determined with a never say die attitude. On his day could be a smaller version of Joe Downey. Another superb coach.

13- Gerard McGarry: Played in defence on the football team which meant the hurlers kept more clean sheets than the footballers. Gerard was always good for a goal.

14- Danny O’Neill: ‘The Bomber’ What more needs to be said? Knee injuries slowed him down if that was possible.

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15- Neil O’Connell Snr: Another man with excellent stick skills. Scored an excellent championship goal in 89 as he often reminds us.

Worthy Mentions: Gerard Kelly: I put the Kelly brothers names in a hat and Gerard was unlucky to miss out but he could hurl a bit young Gerard.

Mark and John Friel, Martin and John Agnew, Ciaran Brady and Adrian Convery would all have merited a place in my side but I could only pick 15.

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