Kerry dominate 2022 football All-Stars

All-Ireland and Allianz League champions Kerry have claimed seven slots on the PwC All-Stars for football 2022.

The final 15 contains a notable 11 first-time winners. There is a new addition to the list of father-son winners with Galway defender John Daly following in the footsteps of his father Val. Val was honoured for the Tribesmen in the 1987 and 1990 seasons.

The breakdown is seven for Kerry, five for Connacht champions and beaten All-Ireland finalists Galway, two for Ulster champions Derry and one for Delaney Cup champions Dublin.

Derry veteran Chrissy McKaigue is included in the defence and becomes Slaughtneil’s first ever All-Star winner in their history.

Footballer of the Year contender David Clifford collects the fourth All-Star with his brother Paudie collecting his second. Fellow Kerry attacker Sean O’Shea also collecting an award to go with his 2019 honour.

Dublin’s Ciarán Kilkenny wins his fourth All-Star in a row, and his sixth in all. Kilkenny now has the same haul as fellow Dub Stephen Cluxton, Jack O’Shea, Ger Power and Peter Canavan who also have six.

Tadhg Morley’s selection brings more All-Star glory to the Templenoe club synonymous with the iconic Spillane brothers Pat, Mick and Tom who won 13 between them. Morley’s award is a first for the Kerry club since Tom Spillane in 1987.

This is Galway’s largest representation since 2001 and includes a first All-Star since Tom Naughton in 1974 for Annaghdown courtesy of Damien Comer.

“Congratulations to all of the footballers who have been selected on the PwC All-Stars” said GAA president Larry McCarthy.

“The awardees hold a prestigious place in GAA history and in any given year stand out as the foremost performers that we were fortunate to have for our enjoyment on GAA fields”.

“The 2022 season was certainly one that will live long in the memory, and I want to acknowledge all of those who played a part in making it so memorable; not alone players, but coaches, match officials and the county committees and volunteers without whom we cannot exist.