Junior Team of the Year – Defenders

Tony Canning (Forkhill)

One of the most impressive defenders in the whole championship, Tony Canning was the go-to man-marker in the Forkhill ranks.

Performed heroically in all four of his sides outings, and made several terrific turnovers throughout, none more so than in the first half against Belleek.

His best performance perhaps came in his sides semi-final win over Derrynoose when he held Conor McNally scoreless from play.

Fergus Quinn (Belleek)

The professional boxer made three appearances during Belleek’s run to the final and was superb throughout.

Quinn was handed the daunting task of curtailing Jemar Hall’s influence in both finals and done his job remarkably well.

The defender made The Sideline Eye Team of the Week twice for his final displays but could do nothing for Hall’s point that brought the replay to extra time.

Aaron Coleman (Forkhill)

Another one of the solid Forkhill defence that kept two clean sheets against Eire Og and Derrynoose in the lead up to the final.

Coleman excelled in his man-marking duties the first day out when he limited the threat of James McParland, holding him scoreless.

The sticky corner-back is a superb tackler and wins several turnovers per game for his team.

Sean Og Boyle (Belleek)

An attacking wing half back, Boyle loves to burst forward at every opportunity while not forgetting his defensive duties.

Boyle quite often finds himself on the scoresheet and rattled the net in Belleek’s opening round win over Clady.

Sean Og Boyle hit 1-2 in that first round while also scoring against Dorsey and Forkhill (drawn game).

Paddy Kelly (Derrynoose)

May have played with the number eleven jersey on his back but Kelly spent all his time in his own defence.

He excelled in his sweeper role, guarding the full back line and often started counter attacks with his defensive turnovers.

Kelly made The Sideline Eye Team of the Week after his brilliant performance against Crossmaglen IIs in the quarter final.

Conor Donaghy (Forkhill)

The backbone of a strong defensive unit, Donaghy excelled in the green and red of Forkhill this season.

Strong in the tackle and good on the ball, the centre half back was one of the best performers of the championship.

He made The Sideline Eye Team of the Week twice this season and was a vital part of Forkhill’s championship charge.

Gary Boyle (Belleek)

Wearing the number seven jersey for the Junior Championship finalists was Gary Boyle who was solid throughout.

Drove his side forward on many occasions while also giving some great defensive displays throughout the championship.

Boyle set up plenty of attacks for the Belleek team and also got on the scoresheet in their quarter final clash against Dorsey, scoring a point.

Paddy Burns (Forkhill)

Burns may have only been available for two of Forkhill’s games, but he was a major influence in his side getting over the line.

Called into the drawn final to pick up Callum O’Neill and the pair cancelled each other out, while they once again faced off in the replay.

Burns was brilliant and got on plenty of ball out around the middle and held O’Neill scoreless from play.

Conor Martin (Eire Og)

Eire Og were one of the favourites at the beginning of the year for the Junior Championship but crashed out at the quarter final stage.

They lost to Forkhill after extra time, but Conor Martin gave a brilliant display from wing half back.

The attack minding wing back finished with two points to his name and was always controlled in possession. Performed well against Lissummon in the first round as well.

Lorcan Quinn (Belleek)

The Belleek number six was pivotal to their defensive system and excelled in his position in the half back line.

Quinn charged forward at every opening and was a real driving force behind so many Belleek attacks throughout the championship.

He didn’t neglect his defensive duties of course and Quinn put in plenty of hard challenges and earned many turnovers during the campaign.

Vote for your selection below! – Voting closes at 5pm on Sunday!

The Junior Team of the Year will be revealed on The Sideline Eye Podcast next week!!