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James Horan gives his take on this year's "balanced" All-Star selections

James Horan says he has no complaints with this year's "balanced" All-Star team selections announ...



James Horan gives his take on...
Football

James Horan gives his take on this year's "balanced" All-Star selections

James Horan says he has no complaints with this year's "balanced" All-Star team selections announced on Thursday morning.

Dublin boast six representatives to Mayo's four. Tyrone feature twice in the selection, with Donegal, Tipperary and Kerry all each handed one apiece.

Among those selected are Peter Harte, Michael Quinlivan and Ryan McHugh - the latter two receiving their first awards.

"It lacks any sort of controversy," he told Newstalk Sport's Oisin Langan. "Maybe David Clarke because he didn't start the All-Ireland final replay. But if you think back to David's performances throughout the year and Mayo's qualifier run, he gave a number of demanding displays.

"He made some great saves throughout the year which kept Mayo in games. He definitely deserved it on his goalkeeping performance. There are always a couple of selections that are close.

"When you look at it straight throughout the year and all of the Championships games, it's a pretty balanced All-Star team."

He did note that  in some cases there were some players who could have challenged for a spot in the team but over their final games just fell short.

"Kevin McManamon going into the All-Ireland final was in for Player of the Year and it just didn't quite work out for him and he ended up quite a bit away from an All-Star. 

"Peter Acheson also was very competitive. He was injured for the last game in the semi-final that they played, but it's hard to argue with Brian Fenton and Mattie Donnelly. 

"Midfield is usually a very difficult place to break into. It was very close for sure but he didn't really have the last game he needed to put his name forward."

Over the past numbers of years, the style and brand of gaelic football has changed due to the fact that teams play such tightly packed defensive systems.

"You think of Peter Harte. He's getting his first All-Star which is hard to believe. Where does he even play anymore? He could have number six on his back but could end up full forward or centre half forward.

"That's the way the game is and that's the way is played now."

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