Macauley the main man as Dubs claim six All-Stars

Michael Dara Macauley was named GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year on Friday evening after being announced as one of six Dubs on the All-Star XV for 2013.

The Ballyboden midfielder was named in midfield alongside Mayo’s Aidan O’Shea, who had three teammates for company.

Macauley's midfield partner Cian O'Sullivan was named at centre back. Goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton picked up his fifth All-Star at the ceremony in Croke Park, where his defensive lynchpin Rory O'Carroll claimed his first.

Paul Flynn was named among the half-forwards for the third time, with Kerry's Colm Cooper the most prolific, as usual, picking up his eighth award. Tyrone's Seán Cavanagh claimed his fifth.

In the full forward line, there is a maiden mention for Kerry's James O'Donoghue, so impressive in the semi-final defeat to Dublin, a third for Bernard Brogan after his personal haul of 2-3 in the final.

Ulster champions Monaghan are represented by Conor McManus (corner-forward) and Colin Walshe (corner-back).

Dublin wing-back Jack McCaffrey misssed out on an All-Star but was elected Young Footballer of the Year - the first time a Dublin player has been honoured in the category, won for the past two years by Mayo’s Cillian O’Connor, who was again a candidate this year and championship top scorer despite his season having been so disrupted by injury.

History was also made in hurling, as Clare’s Tony Kelly became the first player to win both the Hurler of the Year and Young Hurler of the Year awards. Only 19, he made his first championship start for the county just last year and is the youngest recipient of a Hurler of the Year accolade since Cork’s Brian Corcoran won the Texaco award 21 years ago.

2013 All-Star selection (* indicates first award)

1. Stephen Cluxton (Dublin) (5th)

2. Colin Walshe (Monaghan) *

3. Rory O’Carroll (Dublin) *

4. Keith Higgins (Mayo) (2nd)

5. Lee Keegan (Mayo) (2nd)

6. Cian O’Sullivan (Dublin) *

7. Colm Boyle (Mayo) *

8. Michael Darragh Macauley (Dublin) (2nd)

9. Aidan O’Shea (Mayo) *

10. Paul Flynn (Dublin) (3rd)

11. Colm Cooper (Kerry) (8th)

12. Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone) (5th)

13. James O’Donoghue (Kerry) *

14. Bernard Brogan (Dublin) (3rd)

15. Conor McManus (Monaghan) *

County representation

Dublin: 6

Mayo: 4

Kerry: 2

Monaghan: 2

Tyrone: 1