The Sideline Eye Junior Team of the Year

Aidan Canning (Forkhill)

Canning was part of the Forkhill team that saw off three huge challenges on their way to capturing championship glory.

Belleek scored three goals across both their meetings while Eire Og and Derrynoose failed to get the ball past Canning.

He pulled off two fine saves in the replay of the final that ensured his side would take home the Sean Quinn Cup.

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.

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.

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.

Sean Og Boyle (Belleek)

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

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

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

Listen to The Sideline Eye Podcast as we discuss the Teams of the Year!!

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 two final displays but could do nothing for Hall’s point that brought the replay to extra time.

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 minded 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.

Stephen Sheridan (Forkhill)

The Forkhill captain led by example for his side in eventually getting their hands on the Junior Championship crown.

Sheridan gave an almost flawless performance in the drawn final, hitting three awesome points and commanding the game from midfield.

Was involved in a lot of important moments in the replay, none more so than his assist for Jemar Hall’s levelling score to bring the game to extra time.

Callum O’Neill (Belleek)

Arguably the main man in the Belleek side, O’Neill captained his team to the Junior decider and was superb throughout.

Showed serious bottle to land the huge score that brought the first game to a replay when Belleek looked dead and buried.

O’Neill’s power and direct running style caused serious problems for opposition and he often got in on the scoring act.

Drew McVerry (Belleek)

Part of a deadly Belleek full-forward line, McVerry was a serious threat to opposition defences throughout the championship.

Top scored for his side in their opening round clash against Clady when the nippy full forward recorded 1-5 from play.

Also chipped in with another goal in the semi-final win over Newtown when he finished with 1-1 to his name.

Conor McNally (Derrynoose)

Not the ending to the year that Derrynoose would have hoped for but McNally still put in a good shift for his side.

The 2019 Junior Footballer of the Year was in incredible form against Crossmaglen IIs and was involved in most of the Derrynoose scores.

Didn’t have his best day against Forkhill in the semis, but still chipped in with four pointed frees as his side crashed out.

Jemar Hall (Forkhill)

A lot was expected of Jemar Hall in the Junior Championship and he delivered for Forkhill in the 2020 season.

Gave two man of the match displays against Eire Og and Derrynoose as he top-scored on both occasions.

Landed the crucial levelling point against Belleek to bring the game to extra time with a massive kick off his weaker left foot.

Cormac Toner (Forkhill)

Man of the Match in the championship final for a reason, Toner proved himself as one of the best attackers at this level.

Was involved in all four of his sides goals in the championship, scoring two himself while playing the last pass for the other two.

His two goals came in the replay against Belleek as he proved unmarkable, finishing the game with 2-1 to his name.

James McParland (Belleek)

The final link of the deadly Belleek inside trio, McParland was also in brilliant form throughout the championship.

A real eye for goal, McParland rattled the net three times during the campaign, against Clady, Newtown and Forkhill (replay).

His goal in the championship final was crucial in bringing his side back into the game and he could have had a further two goals that evening.

Benny Davidson (Newtown)

One of the oldest and most experienced players in the Junior Championship, Davidson led by example for his side.

Was crucial in their win over Corrinshego in the quarter final, hitting 1-5 of his sides overall tally of 2-9.

The semi-final proved to be a disaster for St Michael’s as they only recorded 0-3, with Davidson the only scorer on the day.

Garreth Thornton (Belleek)

Brought Belleek to the championship decider and had his side playing some of the best football witnessed in the division.

Thornton will of course be unhappy with how the year finished, but on reflect will be pleased with some of the performance his side racked up.

They were much too strong for Clady, Dorsey and Newtown while they caused Forkhill serious issues both days out.

THE SSIDELINE EYE JUNIOR TEAM OF THE YEAR!!