David Clifford and James McCarthy don’t make Joe Brolly’s Player of the Year shortlist

Lee Costello

“An awesome footballer & leader.”

David Clifford and James McCarthy appear to be the frontrunners for the Player of the Year award, however, neither of these stars made Joe Brolly’s shortlist.

Pretty much since the final whistle blew on Sunday’s All-Ireland final, the debate has rumbled on between who should pick up this accolade.

Many claim that it should be Clifford, because he was the best player all season, as Tomas O’Se made very clear on The Sunday Game.

However, according to the likes of Paul Flynn, McCarthy should be selected on the basis that he led the best team, and created history in the process by picking up his ninth All-Ireland title.

Former RTE pundit and Derry star Joe Brolly went a different route however, sharing his opinions on the matter on Twitter.

“Stephen Cluxton is the player of the year. 100% on his kick outs again in the final, with two superb frees, his performances have been flawless, inspiring Dublin to victory with his leadership.

Stephen Cluxton is the player of the year. 100% on his kick outs again in the final, with two superb frees, his performances have been flawless, inspiring Dublin to victory with his leadership. An awesome footballer & leader.

— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) August 1, 2023

“An awesome footballer & leader.”

Cluxton has been outstanding since his surprise return to the Dublin set-up and Paul Geaney’s goal in the final was the first one that he has conceded since 2019.

Brolly did have one other contender in his considerations and it’s his fellow county-man Brendan Rogers.

“Brendan Rogers also brilliant throughout the season, driving Derry on with his guts & glory style. Enormous work rate, kicking points at crucial times in every game, overwhelming his opponents & refusing to accept defeat.

Brendan Rogers also brilliant throughout the season, driving Derry on with his guts & glory style. Enormous work rate, kicking points at crucial times in every game, overwhelming his opponents & refusing to accept defeat. Would be another worthy POTY.

— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) August 1, 2023

“Would be another worthy POTY.”

Rogers had a fantastic season, made all the more impressive when you consider that he switched from full back to midfield, and will no doubt pick up a place in the All-Stars Team of the Year.

Derry had lots of other stars who came to the front on key occasions, like Shane McGuigan, Conor Glass and Gareth McKinless, but the Slaughtneil midfielder was definitely their most consistent player this year.