The Greatest Gaelic Football Team of Our Century
As we reflect on the sporting heritage that defines our nation, few debates stir the soul quite like selecting the finest Gaelic footballers of the 21st century. This is not merely an exercise in nostalgia, but a celebration of the warriors who have carried our communities' hopes and dreams onto the sacred turf of Croke Park.
Over 26 seasons of championship football since 2000, we have witnessed extraordinary talent emerge from every corner of Ireland. Dublin's nine All-Ireland titles stand testament to sustained excellence, while Kerry's eight victories maintain their status as football's aristocracy. The breakthrough triumphs of Tyrone, Armagh, Galway, Cork and Donegal remind us that greatness can emerge from any county willing to dream.
The Criteria for Greatness
In assembling this ultimate XV, we prioritised more than raw talent. Skill, courage, consistency and ultimate success on the biggest stage all factored into our deliberations. Every player selected claimed All-Ireland glory during their career, collectively amassing 68 Celtic Crosses between them.
Three names proved absolutely non-negotiable in our selection process, players whose impact transcended their counties to reshape the very fabric of our national game.
Between the Posts
Stephen Cluxton (Dublin) revolutionised goalkeeping in Gaelic football. His nine All-Ireland medals tell only part of the story. Cluxton fundamentally altered how the position would be played, transforming goalkeepers from last lines of defence into primary playmakers. No player has made more championship appearances, and his 2019 Footballer of the Year award recognised a career of unparalleled influence.
The Defensive Foundation
Our full-back line features Marc Ó Sé, whose five All-Ireland titles and 2007 Footballer of the Year award epitomise Kerry excellence. At centre-back, Seamus Moynihan stands as perhaps the most complete defender our game has produced, equally comfortable winning possession or launching attacks. Neil McGee of Donegal completes the line, his uncompromising style instrumental in the 2012 All-Ireland triumph that broke Dublin's emerging dominance.
The half-back line showcases modern football's evolution. James McCarthy embodied the complete footballer, contributing to all nine of Dublin's titles with a blend of physicality and skill that defined an era. Kieran McGeeney anchors the defence, the beating heart of Armagh's 2002 champions and architect of their 2024 renaissance. Tomás Ó Sé rounds out the line, a Kerry legend whose five All-Ireland medals and exceptional longevity mark him as one of the game's greatest servants.
Midfield Mastery
Brian Fenton represents midfield perfection. The Raheny man's incredible record includes not losing a championship game until 2021, seven All-Ireland medals, and two Footballer of the Year awards. His partnership with Seán Cavanagh, Tyrone's three-time All-Ireland winner and 2008 Footballer of the Year, would dominate any opposition.
Forward Excellence
The half-forward line blends artistry with effectiveness. Ciarán Kilkenny served as Dublin's on-field general during their golden era, while Colm Cooper remains football's great jazz artist, a performer who never played the same note twice. Michael Murphy captained Donegal to glory at just 23 and returned from retirement to earn a fourth All-Star, embodying the spirit of Ulster football.
Our full-forward line represents the pinnacle of attacking brilliance. David Clifford continues to redefine what is possible in the modern game, his three Footballer of the Year awards in four years marking him as this generation's supreme talent. Con O'Callaghan has been Dublin's most consistent threat throughout their dominance, while Peter Canavan finally achieved the All-Ireland glory his genius deserved with Tyrone's breakthrough victories.
A Team for the Ages
This selection spans generations and counties, united by their commitment to excellence and their ability to deliver when it mattered most. They represent not just individual brilliance, but the collective spirit that makes Gaelic football the heartbeat of Irish communities.
From Cluxton's revolutionary goalkeeping to Clifford's modern artistry, from McGeeney's defensive steel to Cooper's creative genius, this XV captures the essence of 21st-century Gaelic football. They are the standard-bearers who elevated our national game and inspired countless young players to chase their own dreams of glory.
The Team: 1. Stephen Cluxton (Dublin); 2. Marc Ó Sé (Kerry), 3. Seamus Moynihan (Kerry), 4. Neil McGee (Donegal); 5. James McCarthy (Dublin), 6. Kieran McGeeney (Armagh), 7. Tomás Ó Sé (Kerry); 8. Brian Fenton (Dublin), 9. Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone); 10. Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin), 11. Colm Cooper (Kerry), 12. Michael Murphy (Donegal); 13. David Clifford (Kerry), 14. Con O'Callaghan (Dublin), 15. Peter Canavan (Tyrone).