The Greatest Gaelic Football Team of the 21st Century
In a bold attempt to settle the eternal debate among GAA supporters, we've assembled what we believe to be the finest Gaelic football team of the modern era. This selection spans 26 seasons of championship football since 2000, drawing from the cream of Irish sporting talent.
The Selection Criteria
Our approach was methodical and uncompromising. We prioritised players who combined exceptional skill with ultimate success, placing a premium on those who delivered when it mattered most. Every player in our starting fifteen won All-Ireland titles during the past quarter-century, accumulating 68 Celtic Crosses between them.
Three players emerged as absolutely non-negotiable selections, with the remaining twelve positions sparking fierce debate among our panel.
The Backbone: Defence
Stephen Cluxton (Dublin) was our first name on the teamsheet. The revolutionary goalkeeper didn't just change how his position was played, he transformed the entire game. Nine All-Ireland titles and a 2019 Footballer of the Year award cement his status as arguably the most important player the sport has ever seen.
Our full-back line features Kerry legends Marc Ó Sé and Seamus Moynihan, alongside Donegal's uncompromising Neil McGee. Moynihan, in particular, represents the gold standard for defensive excellence, combining physicality with an innate understanding of the game.
The half-back line showcases the evolution of modern football. James McCarthy (Dublin) epitomised the modern defender, contributing to all nine of Dublin's championship victories. Kieran McGeeney (Armagh) anchors the defence, while Kerry's Tomás Ó Sé completes a formidable trio.
The Engine Room: Midfield
Brian Fenton (Dublin) was our second non-negotiable selection. The Raheny midfielder went unbeaten in championship football from his 2015 debut until the 2021 semi-final, a testament to his extraordinary consistency and influence.
Partnering him is Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone), the 2008 Footballer of the Year who played pivotal roles in three All-Ireland triumphs for the Red Hand county.
The Creative Force: Forwards
Our forward division represents the finest attacking talent of the era. Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin) served as Jim Gavin's on-field general, while Colm Cooper (Kerry), the great jazz artist of football, could conjure magic from nothing.
Michael Murphy (Donegal) captained his county to their historic 2012 triumph at just 23, demonstrating leadership qualities that defined his career.
The full-forward line features our final non-negotiable: David Clifford (Kerry). At just 26, he's already claimed three of the last four Footballer of the Year awards and shows no signs of slowing down.
Con O'Callaghan (Dublin) has been the standout forward of his generation alongside Clifford, while Peter Canavan (Tyrone) finally achieved All-Ireland glory in the noughties after years of near misses.
A Team for the Ages
This selection reflects not just individual brilliance but collective achievement. These players didn't just excel in isolation, they elevated their teammates and transformed their counties' fortunes.
From Dublin's unprecedented six-in-a-row to Kerry's enduring excellence, from Tyrone's breakthrough years to Donegal's historic triumph, each player contributed to moments that will be remembered for generations.
The beauty of this debate lies in its subjectivity. Every county has legitimate claims to inclusion, and the depth of talent available demonstrates the remarkable health of Gaelic football in the modern era.
Whether you agree with our selections or not, one thing remains certain: we've been privileged to witness an extraordinary generation of footballers who have elevated our national sport to unprecedented heights.