No hype or nostalgia, just sustained excellence

This Ireland XV from 2000 to 2025 isn’t about nostalgia or hype, but sustained excellence, big-game influence and the players who truly shaped the modern game, even if not everyone agrees with the choices.

Goalkeeper: Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)

Stephen Cluxton is one of the least controversial selections imaginable. He fundamentally changed Gaelic football and completely redefined the role of the goalkeeper. From his iconic All Ireland winning kick in 2011 to his relentless accuracy from frees and kickouts, Cluxton was a weapon as much as a last line of defence.

Opposition teams built entire game plans around stopping his kickouts, yet he continued to dictate games with remarkable calm and precision. His professionalism and standards set the tone for the Dublin dynasty, and even in retirement his influence remains, now passing on his knowledge as part of Ger Brennan’s coaching setup.

Right corner-back: Marc Ó Sé (Kerry) 

Marc Ó Sé was a defender ahead of his time. Equally comfortable locking down elite forwards or driving forward with purpose, he brought a modern attacking edge to the corner back role long before it became fashionable.

His championship battles with the likes of Alan Brogan are etched into folklore, while his five All Ireland titles across a decade underline both his quality and longevity. Ó Sé was a constant presence during Kerry’s most successful era.

Full-back: Neil McGee (Donegal) 

Neil McGee was the ultimate championship defender. Rarely beaten and relentlessly physical, he anchored the Donegal defence throughout their golden era and beyond.

As Conor McManus would swear to, surviving seventy minutes against McGee would prepare you for anything. His importance extended beyond Donegal’s 2012 triumph, remaining a key figure through further Ulster success before later joining Jim McGuinness’ backroom team.

Left corner-back: Michael Fitzsimons (Dublin) 

Michael Fitzsimons’ career numbers alone tell a remarkable story. Nine All Irelands, fourteen Leinster titles, five National Leagues and four All Stars and an All-Ireland Club Championship with Cuala place him among the game’s elite.

What truly sets him apart is longevity. In 2011 he marked Colm Cooper in an All Ireland final. Twelve years later he was tasked with David Clifford. Few players have bridged generations so seamlessly or so effectively.

Right half-back: Lee Keegan (Mayo) 

Lee Keegan was the embodiment of Mayo’s defiance. A relentless runner and fierce competitor, he redefined the wing back role with his two way impact.

His iconic battles with Diarmuid Connolly and his goals in the 2016 and 2017 All Ireland finals remain among the most dramatic moments of the era. Winning Footballer of the Year in 2016 was richly deserved.

Centre half-back: James McCarthy (Dublin) 

James McCarthy was consistency personified. From his breakthrough in 2011 through to his retirement after 2024, he delivered elite performances year after year.

Equally effective at midfield or centre back, his athleticism and work rate allowed others to flourish. His medal haul reflects his importance to Dublin’s sustained success.

Left half-back: Jack McCaffrey (Dublin) 

Jack McCaffrey was a game changer. His pace, courage and attacking instincts terrified defences and transformed momentum instantly.

From his goal against Cork in 2013 to his thunderous strike in the 2019 All Ireland final, McCaffrey consistently delivered on the biggest stages. His return in 2023 played a vital role in Dublin reclaiming Sam Maguire.

Midfield: Brian Fenton (Dublin) 

Brian Fenton’s career trajectory was extraordinary. Breaking into the team in 2015, he went six championship seasons without defeat as Dublin completed their historic 6 All-Ireland Titles in a row. Fenton then played a key role when Dublin reclaimed Sam Maguire in 2023. 

Standing at six foot five, he combined aerial dominance with composure and scoring ability. His retirement at just 31 left a void that still exists, and he may well be the greatest midfielder the game has seen.

Midfield: Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone)

Seán Cavanagh was the engine of Tyrone’s transformation. Versatile and physically imposing, he excelled when driving forward from midfield.

Footballer of the Year in 2008, Cavanagh remained a central figure through Tyrone’s most successful period and right up until his retirement in 2017.

Right half-forward: Diarmuid Connolly (Dublin) 

One of the most skillful players to ever play the game, and by god when this guy was at his best, he was box-office. 

Standout performances include his 7 point blitz of Tyrone in the 2011 All-Ireland Quarter Final, his stunning individual display in the 2013 All-Ireland Semi Final versus Kerry, his absolute masterclass for his club St. Vincent’s in another county final win in 2017. 

Just pop on a compilation of Diarmuid Connolly’s finest moments. Sit back and enjoy. 

Centre half-forward: Colm Cooper (Kerry) 

Colm Cooper is conducting the orchestra of our attack, but he shall be rotating into the full-forward line as well to cause maximum damage, but we have him at CHF for the insane IQ he possessed. 

His performances in the All-Ireland Final wins for Kerry in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2009 were sensational, and his iconic return to win the All-Ireland with his club Dr. Crokes after a horrific injury make him even greater. 

Left half-forward: Michael Murphy (Donegal) 

Michael Murphy is Mr. Donegal. His leadership and influence carried teams through defining moments, from the 2012 All Ireland title win to his remarkable return season last year. 

After two years away, Murphy returned to lead Donegal to Ulster glory and an All Ireland final, proving that class truly is permanent.

Right corner-forward: David Clifford (Kerry) 

David Clifford is already among the game’s greatest. A three-time Footballer of the Year winner, he thrives on the biggest occasions.

His All Ireland final performances in 2022 and 2025 were masterclasses, leading Kerry when pressure was highest. His ceiling remains frighteningly high.

Full-forward: Peter Canavan (Tyrone) 

Peter Canavan was a trailblazer. He carried Tyrone through heartbreak before captaining them to their breakthrough All Ireland in 2003.

From his scoring exploits in the 1995 final to his iconic moments in Tyrone’s All-Ireland wins of 2003 and 2005, Canavan’s legacy is secure as one of the all time greats.

Left corner-forward: Conor McManus (Monaghan) 

Conor McManus lit up the championship ever since his debut year in 2007 all the way up to his retirement in 2024. 

His battles with Neil McGee and Ronan McNamee will live long in the memory, and that score against Tyrone in the Ulster Championship in 2018 is one of the most iconic scores we’ve ever seen. 

McManus played a key role in Monaghan’s Ulster Championship wins in 2013 and 2015, and he continued to be vital as the Farney army constantly punched above their weight: staying in Division 1 and competing for national silverware. 

When he finally retired in 2024, the game lost one of the greatest forwards of all-time. 

Manager: Jim Gavin (Dublin) 

Jim Gavin is the obvious choice. Architect of the greatest dynasty the game has seen, he built a culture of excellence that sustained success.

Talent alone does not win five in a row. Gavin’s leadership, standards and calm authority make him the ideal manager for this team.