Cork GAA: Picking a Division 1 Football League Team of the Season
Luke O'Herlihy, St Michael's, battles Alan O'Connor, St Finbarr's. Picture: Jim Coughlan.
With the Football Leagues complete and championship days away, now is as good a time as any to look back and see which players contributed the most to their clubs during the early parts of the year, and who to look out for in the weeks and months ahead.
So here it is, the Division 1 Football League Team of the Season for 2025.
The standout keeper this year. Good from kickouts and kicked two of his three 45s in the final. Narrowly edges Darragh Newman to the no. 1 spot.
He missed only two games for the Barrs, the hammering from Clon in the league round and the two-point win over there. Was a consistent presence at corner-back and reliable whenever he was called up. A superb campaign.
Did very well all throughout for Nemo. Made a huge difference last year after stepping up to the seniors and will no doubt be an important piece of the puzzle in the coming weeks.
Rock solid in defence for Clon and was a staple in that full-back line. His positioning was great all season and a key part of their seven wins from nine during the league.
Another one of many impressive Clon performers, White was excellent at half-back this season. Scored 0-8 too just for good measure.
Posted several superb performances at centre-back for Clon. The former Cork senior was outstanding this season and great in the decider, even if the west Cork side did lose out.
Cronin played in five of nine games for Nemo but was always a presence, given his quality and experience. Another strong league campaign and will be crucial this weekend.
Arguably Éire Óg’s most influential player, contributes so much on and off the ball. Great against Douglas and a bright spark in the defeats to Newcestown and the Barrs. Works exceptionally hard and provides that transition between attack and defence.
The best midfielder in Division 1 this season. A brilliant scoring return and a big performance in the final against St Finbarr’s. One of many quality footballers in that Clon side.
Mac Cárthaigh posted a great league campaign. His frame makes him hugely influential in the air, and his reliability from placed balls was hugely helpful for the Gaeltacht side this season.
Player of the season without question. His scoring tally is simply outrageous; you could just leave it at that, especially given the number of games he missed.
Newcestown’s best forward, his two-point scoring proved hugely important in securing their mid-table finish. Swung the game in their favour against Éire Óg and was hugely influential against Cill na Martra.
Was the supporting act to Sherlock all along this year. A fantastic footballer and one with real pace and scoring threat. Missed the last few games with injury but will be hugely important this season.
Cill na Martra’s best forward this season by a long shot. Looked threatening any time he was in possession and his scoring tally reflects that. A big campaign from Shane.
His scoring form was electric for Clon this year and he contributed hugely throughout. Going to be key in the coming months if they are to dethrone Castlehaven.
Darragh Newman (St Finbarr’s)
Johnny O'Regan (Castlehaven)
Conor Russell (Douglas) 2-25 (1 tpf, 0-10 f)
Darragh Gough (Clonakilty) 3-17 (1 tp, 1 tpf, 0-2 f)
Luke Griffin (Clonakilty) 6-10
Conor Horgan (Nemo Rangers) 2-33 (0-17 f)
Jamie O'Driscoll (Castlehaven) 2-11 (1 tp)
Luke O'Herlihy (St Michael’s) 0-60 (2 tp, 10 tpf, 0-18 f)
Kevin O'Reilly (Carrigaline) 2-17 (0-5 f)
App?
