Kerry Stars shine brightly

PLACES are being cleared on four Kerry mantelpieces tonight following the glittering GAA-GPA All-Stars ceremony in the Convention Centre in Dublin.

The safest hands in Kerry ­– those of Kilcummin’s Brendan Kealy – are now proudly clutching an award and it was no more than he deserved following a string of stunning saves and solid performances all through the championship, the final included.

The tough-tackling Shane Enright was honoured for his tenacious and consistent displays right through the league and championship campaign and although he wasn’t able to attend himself, the award was accepted on his behalf by his brother, Kevin.

The towering, high-fielding and fiercely competitive Anthony Maher, currently on crutches due to injury, was named at midfield, as expected, as a result of his masterful performances right through the 2015 campaign.

And good things come to those who wait. After years of disappointment and some bizarre decisions by the adjudication panel, Donnchadh Walsh finally got his hands on an All-Star which will spark great celebrations throughout the county as it represents long overdue recognition for one of the most consistent, hard-working and selfless players that has ever worn the green and gold.

There was no joy, however, for Kerry’s other nominees, David Moran, Paul Geaney and the Killarney Legion duo of James O’Donoghue and Jonathan Lyne who have more important matters to tend to this weekend.

Interestingly, four All-Stars went to players from other counties who have at least one parent that originally hails from Kerry. They are Dublin midfielder Brian Fenton, who father hails from Spa, Cian O’Sullivan whose mother is from Ballyhar, Aidan O’Shea whose parents are from Mid Kerry and Bernard Brogan whose mother is originally from Listowel.

The 2015 All-Star team is: Brendan Kealy (Kerry); Shane Enright (Kerry); Rory O’Carroll (Dublin); Philly McMahon (Dublin); Lee Keegan (Mayo); Cian O’Sullivan (Dublin); Jack McCaffrey (Dublin); Brian Fenton (Dublin); Anthony Maher (Kerry); Mattie Donnelly (Tyrone); Ciaran Kilkenny (Dublin); Donnchadh Walsh (Kerry); Conor McManus (Monaghan); Aidan OShea (Mayo); Bernard Brogan (Dublin).

The young player of the year award was won by Diarmuid O’Connor of Mayo and Jack McCaffrey of Dublin was named player of the year.