Aidan Canning (Forkhill)
Aidan Canning was pivotal to Forkhill’s success in the Junior Championship Final replay against Belleek. Stood strong to make two superb saves while also distributed his kick outs well.
Caolan Rice (Cuchulainns)
While it was a day to forget for the city side, Rice showed his quality in the Cuchulainns defence. Made several turnovers and did really well on Middletown dangerman Martin Moan.
Tiarnan Nevin (Middletown)
As predicted, Nevin played deeper than his number 15 jersey would suggest and was in exceptional form. Always out in front to halt any Cuchulainns attacks and constantly turned the ball over.
Odhran Curry (Middletown)
Curry is one of the key players in the Middletown team and once again showed why in their victory on Sunday. Made several interceptions in the Middletown defence and denied the Cuchulainns attackers any space.
Paddy Burns (Forkhill)
Burns once again went toe-to-toe with Callum O’Neill and came out the right side of this duel. The county man got on plenty of ball himself around the centre of the park and will be disappointed not to have kick a first half point.
Kieran McKernan (Middletown)
Another rock in the Middletown rear-guard, McKernan dropped back from his midfield position to play as a sweeper and did so to perfection. Halted several Cuchulainn attacks and his positioning was top notch.
Fergus Quinn (Belleek)
Quinn will be once again delighted with how he performed against Jemar Hall as he kept the Forkhill attacker quiet throughout. Strong in the tackle and great at breaking forward, Quinn was in great form. Could do nothing for Hall’s point that brought the game to extra time.
Shea Coleman (Forkhill)
A late introduction to the Forkhill starting lineout, Coleman proved his inclusion was the correct decision. A huge figure around the middle of the park, Coleman saw plenty of the ball and made some brilliant catches.
Barry Shannon (Forkhill)
Proved that age is just a number as the 39-year-old showed all the determination and fight needed to get his side over the line. Covered ever blade of grass in the Athletic Grounds and chipped in with two important scores.
Tiarnan O’Hare (Craobh Rua)
O’Hare picked up the Man of the Match award in the Junior Hurling Final and was deserving of the honour. Top scored for his team with 1-7 and really set the tone for their victory.
David Grant (Killeavy)
Grant may have ended up on the losing side in his clash with Craobh Rua, but for long periods he was the only one keeping Killeavy in touch. His accuracy kept the scoreboard ticking over as he recorded 0-8 of his sides 1-9.
Nathan Curry (Middletown)
Absolutely superb from Curry as he guided his side to two championship titles in a row. Hit 0-5 for his side and showed real leadership throughout, particularly when the game was still a contest in the opening twenty minutes.
Cormac Toner (Forkhill)
Toner was involved in all three of Forkhill’s goals last Friday evening, scoring two and setting up one. Deserving picked up the Man of the Match accolade as he was in super form throughout the game.
James McParland (Belleek)
Was a real driving force for Belleek when they were on top during the opening exchanges and caused the Forkhill defence serious problems. Hit his sides only goal in the game but will be disappointed not to have hit the net at least once more.
Ryan Lewis (Craobh Rua)
Another star player in the Craobh Rua attack, Lewis was brilliant in his sides nine-point win on Sunday. Finished with 1-3 to his name and his goal was sublime and really handed his side the initiative.
