Ah the whole thing is just a conversation starter really. Its an impossible task to select something like this, you’d have sleepless nights over it. Its not really to be taken too seriously, but what it does do is rekindle memories of players like Linden which is no bad thing.
You can be sure Ringy will be No. 1 though:thumbsup:
I don’t think so, i’d say it will be Sheflin now at this stage. Impossible to actually call. My uncle who would have seen a reasonable amount of Ring, albeit at the end of his career, says they are completely different players in completely different eras that are totally incompareable.
You didn’t need your uncle to tell you that though in fairness.
No, but i never ever saw him play, so i had asked the question, who’s better. Didn’t get an answer really.
If the great Eddie Keher isnt in the top 3 im going to firebomb the indo offices if i can find them up there in Dublin,thought Pat Fox should have been rated much higher aswell,if English is in the top 10,Fox should be in the top 20,he wasnt that far away in terms of class.
English will make the top 10 alright, if for no other reason than lobbing one into Olivia Treacy back in her heyday.
Just read there online that Breheny and Colm Keys picked it.
Breheny :rolleyes:
[quote=“Pikeman”]
Breheny :rolleyes:[/quote]
He’s some ape isn’t he? He reminds me of that cunt Templeton in the wire, would massively exaggerate any issue to get publicity for himself. Seems to be seriously ignorant of the game as well, very rarely has any clue of the details in any county and instead likes to deal in cliches and generalisations. He’s the Gaa writer for people who know fuck all about the Gaa, but still like to talk about it.
75 Packie McGarty (Leitrim) A popular choice on the team of the century for players who never won an All-Ireland medal. Played in four consecutive Connacht finals from 1957 to '60 and lost each one to Galway. A highly respected forward throughout a long career.
74 Tom O’Reilly (Cavan) ‘Big’ Tom was John Joe’s older brother and, like many great players of his era , he was versatile, switching from midfield to centre-back and full-forward to corner-back in a 15-year career during the 1930s and '40s.
73 Greg Blaney (Down) Very much the on-field architect of Down’s 1991 and '94 All-Ireland successes, Blaney was one of the most intelligent centre-forwards of the modern game.
72 Paddy ‘Bawn’ Brosnan (Kerry) A storied figure, ‘the Bawn’ cultivated an image of teak toughness. The Dingle fisherman and publican won All-Ireland medals in 1940, '41 and '46, playing in attack first and then defence where his reputation was enshrined.
71 Frank McGuigan (Tyrone) Was there ever a better display from a forward than McGuigan’s 11-point haul against Armagh in the 1984 Ulster final? Injury and a spell in the US prevented him from even greater things.
70 Noel Tierney (Galway) The role of full-back remains one of the most important in Gaelic football and Tierney, part of Galway’s three-in-a-row team, was among the best of them.
69 Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry) Missed the 1982 All-Ireland final because of injury ensuring Kerry people still ask ‘what if’? Won five All-Ireland titles and didn’t always get the credit he might have merited.
68 Robbie Kelleher (Dublin) Kelleher was a key cog as Kevin Heffernan revolutionised Dublin football in the 1970s, his brand of intelligence and aggression at corner-back earning him All Stars in 1974, '75, '77 and '78.
67 Declan O’Sullivan (Kerry) O’Sullivan’s influence on the current Kerry team continues to grow. Possesses wonderful ball control and vision from either centre-forward or full-forward. Has won three successive All Stars (2007-09).
66 Martin McHugh (Donegal) The ‘Wee Man’ was the inspirational figure on the Donegal team that landed the county’s one and only All-Ireland title in 1992 when he was footballer of the year. Revelled in taking on defences.
65 Paddy Prendergast (Mayo) Prendergast’s athleticism as a full-back allowed him to combat the growing trend of roving full-forwards in the 1950s. A wonderful fielder in the traditional sense, he was part of Mayo’s greatest ever team.
64 Johnny Geraghty (Galway) In Galway’s six All-Ireland semi-finals and finals from 1964 to 1966, Johnny Geraghty conceded just one goal. No wonder Manchester United were on his trail.
63 Frank Stockwell (Galway) The other half of Galway’s ‘terrible twins’ established an All-Ireland final scoring record over 60 minutes in 1956 when he scored 2-5 from play.
62 Tommy Drumm (Dublin) Another half-back who provided the anchor for Dublin’s 1983 All-Ireland success when he was footballer of the year. Picked up four All Stars from 1977 to '83.
61 Padraig Carney (Mayo) Known as the ‘Flying Doctor’, Carney’s clashes with Sean Purcell are the stuff of legend. One of the great midfielders who was also comfortable at centre-forward. Won back-to-back All-Ireland titles with Mayo in 1950 and '51.
60 Kieran McGeeney (Armagh) Armagh’s inspirational leader for their 2002 All-Ireland triumph, a year when he was crowned best player, McGeeney was involved in six Ulster championship triumphs in a highly competitive era. Combined strength with an accurate delivery.
58 Brian Dooher (Tyrone) Tyrone’s modern-day human dynamo has twice captained them to All-Ireland titles in this decade. A supreme leader, when he plays well, Tyrone are on song. Who’ll forget his point in the 2008 All-Ireland final?
57 Bill Casey (Kerry) An uncle of Dublin’s Brian Mullins, Casey was one of football’s most powerful centre-backs and he won four All-Ireland medals. Casey also played in the famous Polo Grounds All-Ireland final of 1947.
56 Aidan Doyle (Wexford) One of the signature names of the great Wexford teams that won four successive All-Ireland titles, Doyle has the distinction of playing in seven successive All-Ireland finals (including the 1914 replay) between 1913 and 1918.
55 John Joe Sheehy (Kerry) Sheehy never allowed politics to get in the way of his Kerry football career. An active IRA man, he put aside his differences to continue representing Kerry in troubled times, winning four All-Irelands in 1924, '26, '29 and '30.
59 Trevor Giles (Meath) In the latter half of the 1990s, Giles vied with Seamus Moynihan as football’s most complete operator. Possessed wonderful vision and accuracy, Pat Spillane once figured he would surpass his own All Star record. Giles finished with three and was footballer of the year in 1999.
54 Padraic Joyce (Galway) His second-half tour de force against Meath in the 2001 All-Ireland final remains one
of the stand-out achievements on Gaelic football’s biggest day. For a three-year spell around the millenium he was the game’s best forward.
53 robbie O’Malley (Meath) Probably the finest right corner-back of the modern era, O’Malley won three All Stars between 1987 and 1990. Brought intelligence and calmness to any situation and was badly missed (through injury) for the '91 final against Down.
52 Denis ‘Ogie’ Moran (Kerry) Very much the unsung hero of Mick O’Dwyer’s great Kerry team, for the two All-Ireland finals that Kerry lost from 1975 to '86 ('76 and '82) Moran didn’t start at centre-forward. For the other eight that he did start there, they won.
51 Jimmy Murray (Roscommon) Murray’s influence on Roscommon was such that when he started playing for them, the county didn’t even have senior status. A leader in every sense of the word and one of the great centre-forwards. Captained the Rossies in 1943 and '44 to All-Ireland titles.
75 Pa ‘Fowler’ McInerney (Clare & Dublin) His inter-county career lasted from 1913 to 1933 during which he won All-Ireland medals with Clare (1914) and Dublin (1927). He was back with Clare in 1932 when they again reached the All-Ireland final only to lose to Kilkenny.
74 Martin Hanamy (Offaly) Do you judge your corner-backs purely by how little their opponents scored against them? If so, then Hanamy is your type. Remarkably consistent in a long career which yielded two All-Ireland medals and three All Star awards.
73 Eugene ‘Eudie’ Coughlan (Cork) Born in 1900, he was a revered figure in Cork with whom he won four All-Ireland medals between 1926 and 1931. He was also a Munster regular for many years.
72 Theo English (Tipperary) A multi-talented midfielder, he won five All-Ireland medals in 1958-61-62-64-65 as part of a great Tipperary side that still regards itself as unlucky not to have completed the five-in-a-row in 1961-65.
71 Paddy Barry (Cork) Captained Cork to All-Ireland success from left full-forward in 1952 in what was the start of a three-in-a-row run. Selected at No 15 in a competitive field for the Munster team of the millennium.
70 Michael Cleary (Tipperary) His strike rate from frees and open play were crucial for Tipperary over several years. His consistency was reflected in All Star selections, having been chosen for four successive years (1990-93).
69 Leonard Enright (Limerick) First Pat Hartigan, then Leonard Enright – what a golden era for Limerick full-backs in the '70s and '80s. Unlike Hartigan, Enright didn’t win an All-Ireland title but his consistent excellence earned him three All Star awards.
68 Eoin Kelly (Tipperary) A county minor at the age of 15, it was clear from early on that the Mullinahone youngster would develop into something special. That proved very much the case and since he’s still only 27, there’s a lot more to come.
67 Liam Fennelly (Kilkenny) Three All-Ireland senior medals and four All Star awards, won over a 10-year period (1982-92) underlined a high level of consistency by a man whose instinct for goal-scoring was a major asset for Kilkenny.
66 Mick ‘Rattler’ Byrne (Tipperary) A tenacious corner-back on the great Tipp team that won the All-Ireland treble in 1949-50-51, he won a fourth medal in 1958. He was also selected on the Tipperary team of the millennium in 2000.
65 Damien Fitzhenry (Wexford) Still going strong in the Wexford goal after 16 years. A wonderful shot-stopper, he has often been left more exposed than his peers from other counties but thrives in the toughest circumstances.
64 Jamesie O’Connor (Clare) A powerful influence in the Clare attack during the county’s golden age when they won two All-Ireland and three Munster titles in 1995-98. Hurler of the Year in 1997, he also won four All Star awards.
63 Michael ‘Babs’ Keating (Tipperary) A dual player of real substance, Tipperary’s strength in hurling provided with the better outlet for his talents. Won three All-Ireland senior medals and was hurler of the year in 1971, a year in which he won an All Star award in the scheme’s inaugural season.
62 Ollie Walsh (Kilkenny) Played in eight All-Ireland finals in three different decades between 1957 and 1971. He played in the days when life was a lot tougher for goalkeepers who could be ‘tackled’ on the goal line but was unflinchingly consistent. Hurler of the Year in 1967.
61 Paddy Kenny (Tipperary) Chosen at right corner-forward on Tipp’s team of the millennium, he was a high-scoring forward on the teams which won the All-Ireland treble in 1949-50-51. He also won four Railway Cup medals with Munster.
60 Joe Hennessy (Kilkenny) He won five All Star awards, three at right half-back and one each at midfield and right full-back, which underlines just how versatile the James Stephens man was in a lengthy career with club and county in the '70s and '80s.
59 Seamus Power (Waterford) His senior inter-county career lasted 16 years, the highlight of which was an All-Ireland win in 1959 when he lined out at midfield. Hugely versatile, he won five Railway Cup medals with Munster.
58 Brian Corcoran (Cork) Hurler of the Year at the age of 19 in 1992 (despite being on the losing side in the All-Ireland final), he had to wait until 1999 for the big breakthrough. All Star awards at corner-back, centre-back and full-forward showcased his great versatility.
57 Eamonn Grimes (Limerick) Played inter-county minor at the age of 16 and was promoted to the senior side three years later. A midfielder/half-forward, he captained Limerick to their last All-Ireland title in 1973, a year in which he was chosen as hurler of the year.
56 Tony O’Sullivan (Cork) Any player who wins five All Star awards, a hurler of the year award and three All-Ireland senior medals needs no further claims to be regarded as a true great. O’Sullivan excelled on three fronts, largely thanks to high scoring rate.
55 Ken McGrath (Waterford) His father, Pat, an outstanding player over many years, never won an All-Ireland senior medal. Will the same fate befall his son? McGrath has been a regular on the Waterford team since 1996 where his versatility has won him All Stars as an attacker, midfielder and defender.
54 Liam ‘Chunky’ O’Brien (Kilkenny) Hurler of the Year in 1975, he slotted easily into the great Kilkenny team of the 1970s – alternating between midfield and half-forward, winning four All-Ireland medals and four All Star awards.
53 Mick Roche (Tipperary) Won the first of his three All-Ireland hurling medals as a midfielder in 1964 but when he moved to centre-back, he established a reputation as one of the great, powerful defenders of his era.
52 Noel Hickey (Kilkenny) No frills, no fuss – just brilliant full-back play. Would Kilkenny have won the 2005 All-Ireland title (and now have the five-in-a-row) if he hadn’t been hit by a virus in mid-July which kept him out of the semi-final? Quite probably.
51 Ned Wheeler (Wexford) Hurled with Wexford seniors for 16 years between 1949 and 1965, during which they won three All-Ireland titles (1955-56-60) in what was their best era. Wheeler was a major contributor from centre-back and midfield.
Packie McGarty.
Its a shocking list altogether, all over the place.
50 martin Furlong (Offaly) Along with Billy Morgan, he is the only goalkeeper to win the coveted Texaco ‘Footballer of the Year’ award, which underlines his greatness in the position. Played from 1965 to '83, covering Offaly’s headline successes.
49 Graham Geraghty (Meath) One of a small group of players to win All Stars in defence and attack, Geraghty has been one of the most natural footballers of the modern era. Sometimes made the game look so easy.
48 Eugene McKenna (Tyrone) An unsung hero in leaner times for Tyrone football, McKenna is considered one of the best footballers never to win an All-Ireland medal. Won All Stars on three different lines of the field in 1984, '86 and '89.
47 Stephen White (Louth) The iconic figure of Louth’s 1957 All-Ireland winning effort, White was considered good enough to make the Team of the century in 1984. Won four Railway Cup medals between 1952 and '55.
46 Paddy Kennedy (Kerry) Before Mick O’Connell, Kennedy was considered the supreme Kerry midfielder, winning four All-Ireland medals, including three in succession from 1939 to '41.
45 Ger Power (Kerry) One of the quintet to win eight All-Ireland medals, Power was a wonderful athlete, highly versatile in that he won All Stars as a half-back, half-forward and corner- forward.
44 Tim Kennelly (Kerry) ‘Horse’ won Man of the match awards in successive All-Ireland finals (1980 and '81) on his way to five All-Ireland medals. As his nickname suggests, strength was a virtue.
43 Sean Cavanagh (Tyrone) In full flight Sean Cavanagh is currently one of the game’s most imposing figures and certainly one of the great ball carriers of modern times. Footballer of the Year in 2008, he has four All Stars to add to his three All-Ireland medals.
42 Jim McKeever (Derry) Carried the distinction of being one of the few players to win a Footballer of the year award (1958) without winning an All-Ireland in the same year. The anchor on one of Derry’s best ever teams.
41 James McCartan snr (Down) A physically strong footballer renowned for his powerful bursts from centre-forward on the great Down team of the 1960s. Won back-to-back Footballer of the year accolades in 1960 and '61.
40 Sean Walsh (Kerry) Versatility was the key to Walsh, who picked up seven All-Ireland medals, four as Jack O’Shea’s midfield partner between 1978 and '81 and another three at full-back (1984-86). Anther hugely physically imposing player.
39 Tomas O Se (Kerry) The second of the O Se brothers is still going strong and this year added a Texaco Sportstar award to his five All Stars, won between 2004 and 2009. One of the game’s most accurate passers.
38 Tommy Murphy (Laois) ‘The Boy Wonder’ made his debut for Laois aged 16 when the county won the first of three successive Leinster championships. A stylish midfielder he was chosen on the Team of the millennium.
37 Jimmy Keaveney (Dublin) To think that Keaveney was all but retired as a Dublin footballer prior to 1974. He went to win two Footballer of the Year awards in 1976 and '77, scoring 2-6 in the '77 All-Ireland final against Armagh.
36 Mick Higgins (Cavan) Winner of seven Ulster championships and three All-Ireland medals with Cavan, New York-born Higgins was considered one of the great centre-forwards. Captained Cavan to their last All-Ireland title in 1952.
35 Joe Keohane (Kerry) Joe Keohane was still a minor when he won the first of his five All-Ireland medals in 1937. In the ‘catch-and-kick’ era, he was one of the great full- backs, and played in eight All-Ireland finals. Named at full-back on the Team of the millennium.
34 Martin O’Connell (Meath) Holder of three All-Ireland medals, O’Connell was a high-class performer with wonderful fielding ability and anticipation. He was named Footballer of the Year in 1996, eight years after he claimed Man of the match in the All-Ireland final replay against Cork.
33 Maurice Fitzgerald (Kerry) A more graceful presence on a football field there may not have been, Fitzgerald’s tour de force was the 1997 All-Ireland final against Mayo when he kicked 10 points. Deceptively strong, his timing coincided with a dip in Kerry football in the early 1990s.
32 Sean Murphy (Kerry) The Team of the Century and Team of the millennium half-back enjoyed the high point of his career in 1959 when fine performances against Dublin and Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final and final saw him named Footballer of the Year.
31 Billy Morgan (Cork) Revolutionised goalkeeping in the 1960s with his use of possession and direction of kick-outs. A man ahead of his time, he was one of only two goalkeepers to win a coveted Footballer of the Year award in 1973 after his only All-Ireland success.
30 Paddy Doherty (Down) Figured on arguably the best half-forward line in gaelic football history (along with Sean O’Neill and James McCartan) Doherty was a supreme scorer, racking up 15-159 in championship games between 1954 and '71. His 1-5 against Kerry in the 1960 All-Ireland final stands out.
29 John O’Leary (Dublin) For consistency and longevity in the position, O’Leary stands the test of time, playing 70 successive championship games between 1980 and 1997. He won his second All-Ireland medal in 1995, conceding just three goals in five championship games that season.
28 John Egan (Kerry) On a team of so much talent, Egan always seemed to shine, his eye for goal setting him apart as one of the game’s great predators. Finished with six All-Ireland medals.
27 Mattie McDonagh (Galway) The only Connacht player to win four All-Ireland football medals, he won his first in 1956 as a 19-year-old midfielder. Had a bustling powerful presence that made him one of the Galway three-in-a-row team’s most fearsome competitors.
26 Paidi O Se (Kerry) Enjoyed a stellar career at wing-back and later at corner-back on his way to an unsurpassed eight All-Ireland medals. Renowned for his toughness and absolute devotion to Kerry football.
50 Donie Nealon (Tipperary) Five All-Ireland senior medals; six NHL; four Railway Cups with Munster and Hurler of the Year in 1962. That’s quite a compliment to his all-round attacking expertise which was decorated with a high-scoring rate.
49 Seanie McMahon (Clare) Did McMahon’s courage in playing on despite carrying a serious injury against Cork in the 1995 Munster semi-final change the course of Clare history? It was typical of his defiant nature which he showcased at centre-back in a career which yielded two All-Irelands, three All Stars and a Hurler of the Year in 1995.
48 Tony Doran (Wexford) Won an All-Ireland club medal with Buffers Alley at the age of 42. It was a highpoint finish to his great career, during which he brought a very direct style to full-forward play. Hurler of the Year in 1976, despite being on the losing side in the All-Ireland final.
47 Tom Cheasty (Waterford) Started his career as a 20-year-old who went along to watch a League game only to be drafted onto the team. A Waterford legend who won an All-Ireland medal in 1959, which was the highpoint of a lengthy career.
46 Gerald McCarthy (Cork) Does anybody pull on the ball overhead anymore? It was a McCarthy special in a
a 15-year senior career during which he won five All-Ireland medals at wing-forward, centre-forward and midfield between 1976 and 1978.
45 Phil ‘Fan’ Larkin (Kilkenny) The middle link in a family dynasty where three generations won All-Ireland senior hurling titles. A corner or full-back, he won five All-Ireland medals between 1963 and 1979.
44 Phil Grimes (Waterford) His senior inter-county career lasted 19 seasons during which he established a huge reputation as a top-class midfielder. A key member of the 1959 All-Ireland winning side.
43 Jimmy Smith (Clare) One of the top forwards who never won an All-Ireland medal, he played for Clare seniors at the age of 18 and continued for 19 years. Munster offered him the best chance to display his great skills, which he did when helping them to six Railway Cup titles.
42 Conor Hayes (Galway) Three All-Ireland medals, two as captain, was his impressive haul in the 1980s. A highly intelligent full-back, he won three successive All Stars in 1986-87-88.
41 Pat Henderson (Kilkenny) The oldest of the three brothers who kept the Henderson name on the Kilkenny teamsheet for 27 years. Centre-back was his specialist position, from where he won four All-Ireland medals and the Hurler of the Year award in 1974.
40 Damien Martin (Offaly) Establishing a big reputation in a county which is not involved on the big days is extremely difficult, but Martin managed that as an outstanding goalkeeper in the 1964-79 period before being a key figure in their big breakthroughs in the early 1980s. He was the first All Star goalkeeper in 1971.
39 Peter Finnerty (Galway) Winner of five All Star awards in six seasons (1985-90), Finnerty’s inspirational play at right half-back was central to what was a great period for Galway.
38 Liam Devaney (Tipperary) Won five All-Ireland medals at midfield, wing-forward, centre-forward and full-forward between 1958 and 1965. Hurler of the Year in 1961.
37 Billy Rackard (Wexford) The youngest of three famous hurling brothers, Billy was a dominant centre-back on the teams which won All-Ireland titles in 1955, '56, '60.
36 Ger Cunningham (Cork) Hurler of the Year in 1986, he was a dominant figure on the Cork team that won All-Ireland titles in 1984, '86, and '90. A triple All Star in 1984-86, he won a fourth in 1990.
35 Jackie Power (Limerick) A dual star, but it was as a hurler he made the biggest impact in a 15-year inter-county career, during which he won All-Ireland medals in 1936 and '40. Chosen at left half-back on the Munster Team of the Millennium. His son Ger won eight All-Ireland football medals with Kerry.
34 Jimmy Langton (Kilkenny) Hurled at senior level in three decades, starting in the 1930s. A multi-talented forward, his brilliance was recognised by selection on the Teams of the Century and the Millennium.
33 Denis Coughlan (Cork) A dual star, but it was as a hurler that he achieved most, including winning four All-Ireland medals between 1970 and 1978 and a Hurler of the Year award in 1977.
32 JJ Delaney (Kilkenny) Six All-Ireland senior medals at wing-back and full-back, four All Star awards and a Hurler of the Year award in 2003. And he’s still only 27 years old. How much more is there to come?
31 Jimmy Barry-Murphy (Cork) One of the best dual players in GAA history, it was as a hurler that he achieved most, winning five All-Ireland medals and five All Stars between 1976 and 1986. A superb stylist, he was especially effective as a goal scorer.
30 Joe McKenna (Limerick) Played minor hurling with Offaly, but it was Limerick who benefited from his many talents at senior level in a career where he won one All-Ireland medal and six All Stars. A full-forward of immense power and scoring prowess.
29 Paddy Phelan (Kilkenny) Chosen at left half-back on the Teams of the Century and Millennium, he won four All-Ireland medals with Kilkenny between 1932 and 1939.
28 Eamonn Cregan (Limerick) His three All Star awards were won as an attacker, but he also enjoyed a very successful spell at centre-back, during which Limerick won their last All-Ireland title in 1973. Hurled at senior level for 19 years.
27 John Connolly (Galway) Much of his career came before Galway re-joined the elite in the mid '70s but Connolly was always the real deal and played a huge part in the revival. He then proceeded to be a powerful influence as Galway won the All-Ireland title for the first time in 57 years in 1980.
26 Frank Cummins (Kilkenny) A powerful midfielder, his senior career lasted from 1966 to 1984, during which he won eight All-Ireland medals, seven on the starting 15. Hurler of the Year in 1983, he won four All Stars in 1971-72-82-83.
Tommy Murphy
Maurice Fitz at 33, for feck sake lads, there is no way this is in order of preference, they ain’t that stupid…are they?
One of the Macfistyball brothers will definitely make the top 10.
Is that for the hurling or the football prawn?
The Macfistyballs were agriballers if i remember correctly.
Barrup! 
Keaveney at 37 seems shocking as well.
From what I have seen of him he looked an utter class act.