All STARS COMMENT: Unprecedented joy over David Clarke's selection
NEVER in the history of the announcement of the GAA football All-Stars has the selection of the goalkeeper been received with such widespread delight as has the selection today of the Mayo goalkeeper, David Clarke.
Clarke was rightly confirmed as the No. 1 custodian in the country by his inclusion in the 2016 GAA/GPA Opel All Star team.
The Ballina man took over in goals during following Mayo's deafeat by Galway in the Connaught championship and he he put in a number of magnificent performances.
However, in a shock move ahead of the All-Ireland SFC final replay, he was left on the bench by manager Stephen Rochford, who went for Robbie Hennelly between the posts instead because of what he cited as his kick-outs.
What happened next is well known.
The major talking point after the defeat was Clarke's ommision from the starting 15. There is a firm belief that had Clarke started, Mayo would have won the All-Ireland title.
Along with Clarke, Mayo received three other All-Stars, Brendan Harrision, Aghamore, winning his and his club's first award, right-half back, Lee Keegan, his fourth award, and Colm Boyle, Davitts, his third award.
A number of other Mayo players will be disappointed not to have been included in the 2016 selection. Among these are Patrick Durcan, Kevin McLoughlin, Keith Higgins and Cillian O'Connor.
Had Mayo beaten Dublin in the All-Ireland final replay I am sure most of these players would have been chosen in the 2016 team.
The awards will be presented Dublin tomorrow (Friday) evening during a gala show which will be live on RTÉ One.
The player of the year and young player of the year in both football and hurling will also be disclosed on the night.
Mayo's must stand a great chance of picking up the two football awards, as both Lee Keegan (senior) and Diarmuid O'Connor (young player) have had outstanding years.
The following is the GAA football All-Stars for 2016:
Goalkeeper, David Clarke, Mayo, fullbacks, Brendan Harrision, Mayo, Johnny Cooper, Dublin, Philly McMahon, Dublin, Lee Keegan, Mayo, Colm Boyle, Mayo, Ryan McHugh, Donegal, Brian Fenton, Dublin, Mattie Donnelly, Tyrone, Peter Harte, Tyrone, Diarmuid Connolly, Dublin, Ciaran Kilkenny, Dublin, Dean Rock, Dublin, Michael Quinlivan, Tipperary, Paul Geaney, Kerry.