Team of the Allianz Football League: Standout stars as Mayo top the pile

Aidan O'Shea celebrates the Division 1 title

Following the conclusion of the Allianz Football League at the weekend, we look at the standout performers from the springtime competition.

1. Shane Ryan (Kerry)

The Rathmore man will be disappointed after failing to prevent Diarmuid O'Connor's goal for Mayo in the league final, but across the eight games, he was largely solid as he made the Kerry 'keeper's jersey his own.

2. Keith Higgins (Mayo)

Higgins showed once again why he's one of the best defenders of his generation. He kept some of the top forwards in the game quiet, while also offering himself in attack, exemplified by his goal against Tyrone.

3. Brendan Harrison (Mayo)

The success of James Horan's side was built on defensive solidity throughout much of the league. Harrison has been Mr Consistent for the Connacht outfit. Operating on the edge of the square for much of the campaign, he played a key role in the solid Mayo defensive efforts.

Mayo conceded just six goals in eight games

4. Chris Barrett (Mayo)

We're going for an all-Mayo full-back line in this side, and Barrett was key for the duration of the league, as he was integral to the Connacht outfit's second-half shutout of Kerry in the decider.

5. James McEntee (Meath)

McEntee's performances in Division 2 helped the Royals to a return to the top flight for the first time since 2006. His tally of 1-1 proved crucial in the win over Fermanagh which sealed promotion.

6. Paul Murphy (Kerry)

Murphy joins club-mate Shane Ryan in this side, after a number of impressive displays as Kerry went on a blistering run of six consecutive victories in the top tier.

The Kingdom half-back line will be boosted by the return of Gavin White this summer, but Murphy's prowess has been a real highlight this league.

Murphy was central to the Kingdom's efforts

7. Eoghan Bán Gallagher (Donegal)

Gallagher is quickly becoming one of the best defenders about. Prone to a burst up the field, he is thriving under Donegal's system, and can help lead the way as Declan Bonner's charges aim to take the step to the next level this summer.

8. Aidan O'Shea (Mayo)

The Breaffy man was operating at his very best in the decider, spraying long passes around Croke Park in style. When O'Shea is playing at this level, Mayo are difficult to beat.

9. Matthew Ruane (Mayo)

Ruane has perhaps been the find of the league for Mayo, and that's saying something given the amount of young talent Horan has injected into the side. His bursting runs forward and composure finishing goals in the two wins over Kerry shows he belongs at this level.

10. Cormac Costello (Dublin)

The Whitehalle Colmcille star continues to impress in blue, and it looks like he has finally muscled his out of the 'impact sub' mantle and into Jim Gavin's starting XV. Goals against Mayo and Tyrone showed just how deadly he can be when running at the goal.

11. Seán O'Shea (Kerry)

Arguably the standout player of the entire competition, the young Kerry star showed that he has taken a step up this year to being one of the top forwards in the country. While he will be disappointed with his showing in the decider, he was immense on the balance across eight games.

O'Shea has taken his game to the next level

12. Dara Moynihan (Kerry)

Perhaps the standout newcomer in the Kerry set-up, Moynihan hit the ground running in the famous green and gold jersey, with powerful displays in the wins over Tyrone and Dublin. He could be a player to watch this summer as Kerry look for a return to the big time.

13. Ger Egan (Westmeath)

Westmeath have enjoyed a blistering start to 2019, with O'Byrne Cup and Division 3 titles. Much of the Leinster side's success has been helped by Ger Egan. The Tyrrellspass club man scored 1-7 in the final win over Laois, but was a constant threat throughout the campaign as Jack Cooney's side built real momentum ahead of the summer.

Egan caught the eye in Westmeath's Division 3 triumph

14. Mickey Newman (Meath)

The Kilmainham star's return to the Royal fold has been major factor in Meath's spike in form, as they defied the odds to top the Division 2 table. Newman showed his worth in the final defeat to Donegal, causing real damage in the first half as the Royals raced into a 1-6 to 0-1 lead.

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15. Conor Cox (Roscommon)

Roscommon were relegated from Divsion 1, but this was in spite of the performances of Cox. The Kerry native has been a major addition to the Rossies' attack under Anthony Cunningham, chipping in with scores throughout and is a real live-wire in the Connacht side's full-forward line.

His displays against Monaghan, Tyrone and Dublin showed that Roscommon's new weapon could be key this summer as they bid to win back the Connacht title.