20 Bubbles O’Dwyer v Galway
All-Ireland semi-final, Croke Park, August 6th
If it hadn’t been for Joe Canning, this score would have got far more play. Levelled the game in the 66th minute, at a time when every shot absolutely had to go over the bar. Brilliant score from shadow of the Cusack Stand.
19 Walter Walsh point v Limerick
All-Ireland SHC qualifier, Nowlan Park, July 1st
A game that was tighter than Kilkenny wanted was tilted their way by their key players, Walsh and TJ Reid. For this one Walsh was tackled, fouled, got no free, drifted out to the right sideline and thwacked a point on the turn. Huge leadership.
18 Alan Cadogan goal v Clare
Munster SHC final, Semple Stadium, July 9th
The first hint that Cadogan was going to have a big day. Collected on the turn out by the left sideline, skinned his marker, bounced the sliotar off the turf as he bore in on goal, took a tap to himself and buried the finish.
17 Bubbles O’Dwyer point v Cork
Munster SHC, Semple Stadium, May 22nd
Can sometimes make the game look easier than almost any other player in the country. Just before half-time, Bubbles essayed a silky pick-up, a dodge one way, a step the other and a lightning snap of the wrists. Knacky.
16 Conor Cooney goal v Dublin
Leinster SHC, O’Connor Park, May 28th
Confusion in the Dublin defence and Cooney was on it in a flash, scything inside Liam Rushe and beating Conor Dooley at his inside post. Incredibly, given that it was on May 28th, it’s the last goal Galway scored this summer.
15 Conor Lehane point v Waterford
Munster SHC, Semple Stadium, June 18th
Lehane had a magic afternoon and this score announced him. Took a cherry-picker’s catch from a Mark Coleman delivery before blazing a high finish on the run from the left sideline. Scintillating score that sent Thurles rocking.
14 Shane O’Donnell goal v Limerick
Munster SHC, Semple Stadium, June 4th
Always good for a goal, often good for a second. O’Donnell was in ruthless form here, pouncing on a loose ball 25 metres out, rounding the last man and tickling a clever finish off his stick as he advanced on Nickie Quaid.
13 Joe Canning point v Tipperary
All-Ireland SHC semi-final, Croke Park, August 6th
The winning point got all the press but this one was special too. Gearóid McInerney fed Canning 75 metres out and Joe turned with Bolshoi grace to swish an effortless point. The replay cameras caught an endearing ya-boy-ya fist pump too.
12 Shane Kingston goal v Tipperary
Munster SHC, Semple Stadium, May 22nd
The summer was kicked into gear by Cork’s youngsters and this was the goal that started it all. Mark Coleman (19) found Shane Kingston (also 19) and though the finish was scruffy, it was enough to send the Town End orbital.
11 John McGrath goal v Cork
Munster SHC, Semple Stadium, May 22nd
Tipp were only hanging in by a thread for most of the day but McGrath’s goal gave them a sniff of a win against the head. The finish was deadly but the goal will be remembered for Seamie Callanan’s divine crossfield pass to set it up.
