Choosing the greatest footballers who never got their hands on the Sam Maguire is a debate that never dies. Every few years, the discussion needs a refresh, especially when new contenders emerge or when legends retire without that elusive Celtic Cross.
Here, we focus on the last 25 years. These are players who delivered consistently at the highest level, starred for their counties, and influenced championship seasons, but never climbed the Hogan Stand steps on All-Ireland final day.
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1. Rory Beggan (Monaghan)
One of the most influential keepers of the modern era. Rory Beggan changed how the position is played. His kickouts, long-range frees and willingness to join the attack make him unique. A true leader for Monaghan.
2. John Keane (Westmeath)
Keane remains one of Westmeath’s greatest servants. A two-time All-Star, he was central to their famous 2004 Leinster title win under Páidí Ó Sé. Strong, calm and reliable.
3. Barry Owens (Fermanagh)
Owens collected two All-Stars during a brilliant career with Fermanagh. Tough, physical and consistent, he excelled in a position where the margins are tiny.
4. Keith Higgins (Mayo)
A guaranteed selection. Higgins was lightning fast, incredibly smart, and brilliant going forward. He even played at centre forward in 2013. One of Mayo’s most complete players of the era.
5. Lee Keegan (Mayo)
Arguably the greatest defender never to win an All-Ireland. Keegan won Footballer of the Year in 2016, delivered iconic moments on the biggest days, and battled the best forwards of his generation. A once-in-a-lifetime player.
6. Glenn Ryan (Kildare)
Ryan was Kildare’s heartbeat through their strong late-90s and early-2000s teams. A two-time All-Star, he captained the Lilywhites to Leinster titles in 1998 and 2000. The 1998 All-Ireland final remains the one that got away.
7. Kevin Cassidy (Donegal)
Cassidy was a key piece of Donegal’s rise in 2011 and produced one of the greatest championship scores ever with his winner against Kildare. His departure from the panel before Donegal’s 2012 triumph adds huge “what if” energy to his career.
8. Ciarán Whelan (Dublin)
Whelan carried Dublin through a difficult era. He won two All-Stars but retired just two seasons before the Dubs began their golden decade. A powerful, driving midfielder who always led by example.
9. Dermot Earley (Kildare)
One of the most respected players of his generation. Earley earned two All-Stars 11 years apart in 1998 and 2009: a sign of his extraordinary longevity. Classy, athletic and inspirational.
10. Enda Muldoon (Derry)
Muldoon glided around the pitch with a style few could match. Joe Brolly famously said he had never seen a more elegant footballer. A brilliant playmaker with vision and composure.
11. Ciarán McDonald (Mayo)
A cult hero. McDonald’s left boot produced some of the most iconic scores in Croke Park. His 2006 winner against Dublin remains unforgettable. If social media existed at his peak, he would have broken the internet every summer.
12. Declan Browne (Tipperary)
Browne was a standout talent throughout his career. That he won two All-Stars with a Tipperary team that never made the semi finals tells its own story. A gifted forward who shone regardless of opposition.
13. Cillian O’Connor (Mayo)
The top championship scorer of all time. O’Connor has dragged Mayo through countless seasons and always led from the front. Injuries slowed him in recent years, but his return to the Mayo squad is a massive boost for 2026.
14. Michael Meehan (Galway)
Meehan’s career promised so much, but injuries struck at the worst times. At his peak, he was unstoppable. A forward with power, accuracy and big-game brilliance. Galway fans still speak of his incredible individual display in the pouring rain against Kerry in 2008.
15. Conor McManus (Monaghan)
A modern legend. McManus carried Monaghan to heights few expected, with outrageous scores and world-class accuracy. His longevity and leadership make him one of the all-time greats.
Manager – Malachy O’Rourke
O’Rourke remains one of the best managers never to lift Sam. His Monaghan teams especially stood out as they were disciplined, organised and consistently competitive. He has since won an All-Ireland club title with Glen and now leads Tyrone, where you’d be brave to say they won’t achieve that Celtic Cross.
Final Thoughts
This team shows just how cruel the All-Ireland series can be. These players produced unforgettable summers, won personal awards, and delivered heroic performances, yet Sam Maguire always slipped away.
Some unbelievable players have also just missed out on this team. Namely Mattie Forde, John Doyle, Benny Coulter, Paddy Keenan, and many more. This is why this debate will never go away.
Football is full of fine margins. Some years it’s a point. Some years it’s a bounce of a ball. But these 15 footballers represent our selection of the best players to have missed out on the sport’s ultimate prize across the last quarter-century.
