Kilkerrin/Clonberne’s Shane Walsh was the only Galway player selected on the Sunday Game’s Team of the Year when it was announced after the All-Ireland Football Final (2nd September).
There was no surprise of Walsh’s inclusion in the half-forward line after an excellent year where his ability to deliver crucial scores was instrumental in the Tribesmen making their first All-Ireland semi-final since 2001.
However, just one name was a surprise for the Connacht champions who saw fellow losing finalists Monaghan get two slots and players like Galway Daily Footballer of the Year Ian Burke, Damien Comer and Eoghan Kerin can feel unlucky.
2018 GALWAY DAILY SENIOR FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR!!!
THE FINAL!!!
Who was your top Galway senior footballer in 2018? Vote Below for your favourite!@TribesmenGAA @galwaygaa_ny @GalwayGAASector @GalwayFootball #galwayfootball
— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) August 15, 2018
Not suprisingly, four-in-a-row winning champions Dublin dominated the selection that was made by analysts Sean Cavanagh, Colm Cooper, Lee Keegan, Michael Murphy, Tomas O Se and Ciaran Whelan.
Stephen Cluxton was named in goal; Jonny Cooper, James McCarthy and Jack McCaffrey in defence; Brian Fenton in midfield; along with Ciaran Kilkenny, Brian Howard and Paul Mannion up front.
Kilkenny was the unanimous pick for Footballer of the Year while McCaffery was named Man of the Match after their 2-17 to 1-14 win over Tyrone.
The Red Hands got two places after their final defeat with Padraig Hampsey at full back and Colm Cavanagh in midfield. Karl O’Connell and Conor McManus represent Monaghan while Donegal and Kerry are also acknowledged through Eoghan Ban Gallagher and David Clifford respectively.
Shane Walsh with a late consolation goal for Galway pic.twitter.com/sK0fPdTiUS
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 11, 2018
The Sunday Game 2018 Football Team of the Year
- Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)
- Jonny Cooper (Dublin)
- Pádraig Hampsey (Tyrone)
- Eoghan Bán Gallagher (Donegal)
- Karl O’Connell (Monaghan)
- James McCarthy (Dublin)
- Jack McCaffrey (Dublin)
- Brian Fenton (Dublin)
- Colm Cavanagh (Tyrone)
- Shane Walsh (Galway)
- Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin)
- Brian Howard (Dublin)
- Paul Mannion (Dublin)
- Conor McManus (Monaghan)
- David Clifford (Kerry)
Congratulations to Shane Walsh @Galway_GAA who has been voted by his fellow inter-county players as the @PwCIreland GAA/@gaelicplayers Player of the Month for June in Football! pic.twitter.com/Koh0lWwzyP
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 17, 2018
