Peter Canavan picks his team of the 2015 All-Ireland SFC
Thursday 24 September 2015 12:27, UK
Peter Canavan looks back at Dublin's All-Ireland final victory over Kerry and picks his team and moments of the season...
Jim Gavin goes about his business in a quiet, unassuming manner, but it is underlined by a steely determination. Last Sunday, his team went about their business in a similar fashion.
There was nothing fancy about Dublin but they stuck to their gameplan, were more efficient, and had the steely resolve that All-Ireland champions require.
When he looks back on Dublin's performance, Gavin will wonder how his team did not find the back of the net and win by more than three points.
Kerry's decision to go man-to-man with Dublin resulted in huge amounts for space the likes of Paddy Andrews and Bernard Brogan. While they did create five goal chances, they were uncharacteristically wasteful.
No one ever doubted the talent that permeates through this Dublin squad and coupled with a solid defensive unit, they were always going to be a tough nut to crack.
Dublin maintained a dignified silence after their humiliation by Donegal in last year's All-Ireland semi-final. Listening to a number of their players after Sunday, it was obvious that defeat drove them on in 2015.
Since that game there has been a greater emphasis on their defensive style of play. Throughout the league they used a sweeper in the form of either Cian O'Sullivan or John Small, and their midfielders and half-backs have worked incredibly hard in getting back to help out in defence.
Whether it be a long, high ball or teams with a running style, the Dublin defence were able to deal with whatever was thrown at them.
Dublin stuck to their gameplan against Kerry, from both a defensive and attacking point of view. Even when things weren't going well, such as Stephen Cluxton's kickouts, the players had the belief to persist with their gameplan and see it out.
No one ever doubted the talent that permeates through this Dublin squad and coupled with a solid defensive unit, they were always going to be a tough nut to crack. They are National League champions and are worthy All-Ireland champions.
Peter Canavan's Team of the year
I think the defence really picks itself; there are probably more contentious calls in the midfield and forwards. Brian Fenton finished the year really strongly and will be favourite for young player of the year along with Mark Bradley.
Peter Harte is unlucky to miss out after playing consistently to a high standard all year, as are two of the most complete finishers, Sean Quigley and Cillian O'Connor, while Paddy Andrews is edged out by team-mate Bernard Brogan.
1. Brendan Kealy (Kerry)
2. Philly McMahon (Dublin)
3. Rory O'Carroll (Dublin)
4. Shane Enright (Kerry)
5. Lee Keegan (Mayo)
6. Cian O'Sullivan (Dublin)
7. Jack McCaffrey (Dublin)
8. Anthony Maher (Kerry)
9. Mattie Donnelly (Tyrone)
10. Diarmuid O'Connor (Mayo)
11. Ciaran Kilkenny (Dublin)
12. Donnchadh Walsh (Kerry)
13. Conor McManus (Monaghan)
14. Aidan O'Shea (Mayo)
15. Bernard Brogan (Dublin)
Game of the year
The fantastic high-scoring Leinster semi-final between Westmeath and Meath. It had everything - great scores, high fielding, superb goals, emotion and passion both on and off the pitch, and a fantastic comeback as Westmeath beat Meath in the championship for the first time.
Moment of the year
The most crucial moment came one minute into injury-time in the drawn All-Ireland semi-final. It's worth going back to rewatch the diving block Jack McCaffrey made in the dying moments to deny Mayo victory. This moment of bravery kept Dublin in the All-Ireland.
Score of the year
Gary Sice's goal against Mayo. He ran 70 yards to get on the end of a pass before blasting the ball into the top corner.
Catch of the year
Check out Michael Murphy against Galway, when he hung in the air Aussie Rules-style above Finian Hanley to take a fantastic catch and then point.
Best move of the year
That's easy. Jim McGuinness joining Sky Sports!
