Pa Ryan of Leitrim. He made the saves at the right times and kept his side in the semifinal against Cavan.

Lonan Maguire of Leitrim. A tremendous marker and a plus on the attack. Will he stay with Monaghan or Leitrim this year?

Ciaran Hughes of Leitrim. Quietly an assassin on full forwards, he was a huge part of Leitrim getting as far as they did.

Kieran O’Connor of Kerry. After a rough start to year he blossomed into a brilliant full back, usually marking the prominent forward from the other side.

Sean Kelly of Kerry. It was a tremendous year for the Kingdom, with Kelly one of the contenders for player of the year with his displays outstanding.

Stephen Donoghue of Cork. He dominated in the center and made his opponents’ days ones to remember for all the wrong reasons for them.

John Curran of Kerry. He was an outstanding man marker and ball carrier who never put a foot wrong.

Brian O’Connor of Donegal. He was superb on the scoreboard and moving the ball and a player of the year candidate.

Paddy Kelly of Kerry. Outstanding when on the field, his play and strength were pivotal for Kerry.

Keith Quinn of Kerry. The new arrival was outstanding. Good news is he is staying around for New York.

Gary O’Driscoll of Kerry. He can play in seven slots, and is dangerous in all of them.

Paul McComiskey of Leitrim. He covered acres as the year went on, the perfect linkman between defense and attack.

Gavin McPartland of Leitrim. Brilliant in front of goal, and on the half chance.

Conor Lynam of Donegal. He beat of three or four other nominees. When he wasn’t there Donegal were a different side, A scoring phenom.

Paul O’Donaghue of Kerry. He was 0-7 in the final but averaged over five a game with numerous assists.