DUBLIN’S JAMES MCCARTHY has been named man-of-the-match from this afternoon’s thrilling All-Ireland senior football championship final at Croke Park.
The Ballymun Kickhams half back led the way for Jim Gavin’s side as they lifted the Sam Maguire for the third successive year, beating Mayo 1-17 to 1-16.
McCarthy produced a colossal and tireless display as he scored two points — the second of which tied the game in the 65th minute — to emerge as the outstanding performer from a truly memorable contest.
The 27-year-old beat off stiff competition from team-mate Dean Rock — the matchwinner — and Mayo’s Chris Barrett among others to receive the accolade from The Sunday Game panel.
“I’m absolutely delighted of course, but more delighted we won the match today,” he said. ”I’m happy out, happy out.”
Do you agree with the panel’s selection?
Man of the Match @JamesyMac26 chats to Michael Lyster. What odds for Footballer of the Year? #RTEgaa pic.twitter.com/mcOcW1oawm
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) September 17, 2017
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What a game, ding dong, then dong again. Great to see the ball being moved quickly and effortlessly up and down the massive pitch to create scoring chances, unlike our hand pass the ball about a bit, retaining possession while the opposition get their 15 players between the ball and goal posts.
Watched a bit of this, can’t say it wasn’t exciting. But ill never understand why they use an oval ball for a kick based game. Most of the time the players haven’t a clue which way the ball will bounce and it ends up looking sloppy and a bit of a mess.
@Brian Dunne: their oval ball can be kicked longer and is easier to catch, apparently.