2022 Junior Team of the Year – Defenders

Vote for the six defenders you think deserves a spot on the 2022 The Sideline Eye Junior Team of the Year!

PADDY QUINN (DERRYNOOSE)

Derrynoose’s go-to man-marker, Quinn was a huge reason for Derrynoose not conceding a goal throughout the entire championship.

The Armagh County hurler starred in all four of his side championship outings as they lifted the Sean Quinn Cup.

BRAD HUGHES (AN PORT MOR)

Brad Hughes made The Sideline Eye Team of the Week following his sterling performance against Mullabrack in the quarter final.

The wing half back racked up countless turnovers in the defence and helped his side through to the last four.

Photo Credit: John Merry

RUAIRI MCCANN (MIDDLETOWN)

McCann was named as our One to Watch ahead of the championship and had a great campaign for Middletown.

The former county minor has pace to burn and gave a string of quality performances throughout the year.

PADDY KELLY (DERRYNOOSE)

Paddy Kelly was the man who captained Derrynoose to a league and championship double this season.

Usually played in the sweeper position and was a massive reason while his sides goal was never breached.

Photo Credit: Richiespics

JAMES RICE (MULLABRACK)

Mullabrack may have been disappointed by their overall performance against An Port Mor, but James Rice excelled.

He slotted in at corner back and done a great job on dangerman Cormac Kieran and also got up to kick a point.

PAUDI ROGERS (LISSUMMON)

Wore 15 on his back, but Rogers was the man that drifted back and helped out the Lissummon defence.

Broke up the play brilliantly with his great position sense and helped his side reach the Junior showpiece.

Photo Credit: Sinead Snaps

PAURIC MCNAUGHTON (DERRYNOOSE)

An important member of the Derrynoose have back line that was a superb platform for attacks throughout the championship.

Always full of running and constantly performing at a high level, McNaughton was a key member of Paul Doyle’s side.

JONJO POWELL (ST MICHAEL’S)

One of the most experienced members of the St Michael’s outfit, Powell almost powered Newtown past Derrynoose.

The wing half back kicked 0-3 in the opening round of the Junior Championship as they lost out by the minimum.

Photo Credit: John Merry

EDDIE MCGURGAN (DERRYNOOSE)

Commanded the full back position for Derrynoose as they kept four clean sheets throughout the championship.

McGurgan was a crucial part of the Derrynoose defence and helped Paul Doyle’s men to championship glory.

GARRETT RAFFERTY (LISSUMMON)

Rafferty helped Lissummon reach the Junior Championship final this year, although they ultimately lost out to Derrynoose.

Rafferty bagged an important goal against Killeavy the first day out and was hugely influential throughout the championship.

Photo Credit: John Merry

KIERAN MCKERNAN (MIDDLETOWN)

McKernan, like a lot of his Middletown teammates, excelled for both the footballers and hurlers this season.

A rock-solid corner back in both codes, McKernan gave a number of eye-catching performances in the championship.

MARK LENNON (DERRYNOOSE)

One of a number of youngsters that really added to the Derrynoose team this year and helped them over the line.

Lennon blended his pace with superb footballing ability and carried an attacking threat from the half back line.

Photo Credit: Richiespics

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