Our ultimate Gaelic football XV with just one player per county

It's some side!

Well, we’ve done exactly that!

One player per county Gaelic football XV

Goalkeeper: Mark Jackson (Wicklow) 

One of the most underrated goalkeepers in the country.

Armed with a booming kickout and real composure, he was even scouted for the NFL alongside Rory Beggan. His ability to convert long-range frees also adds a valuable two-point threat.

Right corner-back: Seán Kelly (Galway) 

A key figure under Pádraic Joyce, Seán Kelly is an elite modern defender. Strong in the tackle and comfortable carrying the ball forward, the Maigh Cuilinn man offers control and intelligence from the back line.

Full-back: Seán Rafferty (Meath) 

Rafferty anchors this defence. The Meath powerhouse came to prominence during their recent championship run and capped it with an All Star selection.

Physically dominant and positionally sound, he is the ideal candidate for full back.

Left corner-back: Daniel O’Mahony (Cork)

An outstanding man marker, Daniel O’Mahony has built a reputation for shutting down elite forwards. His performances against David Clifford alone justify inclusion. Calm, disciplined and brave, he takes the number four jersey.

Right half-back: Patrick Durcan (Mayo) 

Patrick Durcan brings energy and experience to the wing. Comfortable defending or driving forward, he has been a consistent performer for Mayo in big championship moments and fits perfectly into this athletic back six.

Centre half-back: Brian Stack (Roscommon) 

The St Brigid’s captain provides leadership and structure. Stack reads the game superbly and allows those around him to attack, making him the ideal organiser at the heart of the defence.

Left half-back: Craig Lennon (Louth) 

Craig Lennon adds pace and attacking intent from defence. A constant outlet for Louth, his ability to break lines, support attacks and get on the scoresheet gives this side real width and balance.

Midfield: Conor Glass (Derry) 

Conor Glass is one of the most complete midfielders in the game. Powerful, athletic and composed in possession, he controls the middle third and sets the tempo for this team.

Midfield: Odhrán Murdock (Down) 

Odhrán Murdock complements Glass perfectly. A strong ball-winner with an eye for a score, he has been central to Down’s resurgence and brings physicality and hunger to the midfield.

Right half-forward: Rian O’Neill (Armagh) 

Rian O’Neill adds creativity and long-range scoring. Capable of punishing teams from distance, he stretches defences and gives this attack a genuine two point threat.

Centre half-forward: Mícheál Bannigan (Monaghan) 

Mícheál Bannigan is the engine of this forward line. Intelligent, hardworking and selfless, he links play superbly and brings leadership forged in countless Division 1 battles.

Left half-forward: Michael Murphy (Donegal) 

Michael Murphy’s class needs little explanation. A leader in every sense, his ability to carry a team through difficult moments makes him invaluable.

Right corner-forward: David Clifford (Kerry) 

David Clifford is the most dangerous forward in the game and possibly ever. What more needs to be said! 

Full-forward: Con O’Callaghan (Dublin) 

King Con leads the line. His physical presence, work rate and finishing ability make him the perfect focal point inside, capable of doing damage even on limited ball.

Left corner-forward: Darragh Canavan (Tyrone) 

Darragh Canavan completes the XV. A natural scorer with ice-cold composure and electric pace, he brings flair and precision to the inside line and thrives on big moments.