Turloc Mooney

Mooney was a star throughout Redhills' All County Football League campaign which saw the border men stay top of Division One throughout the season, before narrowly missing out on a final place to would-be winners Kingscourt. Capable of lining-out in any department, whether it be defence, midfield or attack, Mooney has been one of many young rising stars to come through the ranks in his club and was arguably their finest performer in a disappointing senior championship campaign in 2011. He was Terry Hyland's first introduction in the Ulster U21FC final at Brewster Park and played a vital role in Cavan's defence help see out a historic three-point victory over Tyrone. Breffni supporters can expect more of the same next from the 19-year-old next season if the county is to retain its provincial crown and an early introduction to the senior set-up would be no surprise either. If Redhills are to build on their strong league campaign this year, then Mooney will no doubt be playing a starring role wherever he lines out.

Niall McDermott

This past season saw McDermott firmly establishing himself as Ballinagh's ace front man, whilst also impressing Terry Hyland and Val Andrews enough to make his Ulster senior championship debut against Donegal on June 12 at Kingspan Breffni Park. A star at full-forward during Cavan's brave run to the All-Ireland U21FC final, it was McDermott's crucial goal that helped haul the team through a tough semi-final against Wexford at Parnell Park, just three days after defeating Tyrone in the Ulster final. His pace and precision make him a nightmare for any defender to cope with, as some of the top full-backs in county learned this past season when he led Ballinagh's charge to the Cavan senior football championship semi-final, where they were defeated by eventual champions Cavan Gaels. If such a talented Ballinagh outfit are to make their breakthrough and reach a long-awaited county senior championship final, then you can be sure it will be McDermott that will be kicking the majority of their scores to get them there. You can also expect to see more of him in a blue jersey next season after such an impressive 2011 campaign.
Paul Graham

One of many leaders during the Ulster minor football championship success this past season, but it was Graham that had the honour of being the first Cavan man since 1974 to lift the provincial minor crown. The Cavan Gaels youngster was the heartbeat of a Cavan side which slipped under the radar to cause a severe shock in the northern province and will be looked to again by both club and county in 2012 as they bid to back up their respective successes. The fact that Graham didn't see a minute of this year's county final speaks volumes about the strength in depth which Cavan Gaels boast in their panel, but you can be sure that the midfielder will be keen to make his breakthrough next season as another huge year awaits the Gaels. On the county scene, Graham is all but sure to be apart of Terry Hyland's Under 21 panel next season, along with many of the successful minors, as the Lacken man prepares his team for another assault on Ulster. Whether or not Graham can repeat the trick he achieved with the minors remains to be seen, but you can bet many eyes will be on him after earning a name for himself in 2011.
Brian Sankey

Brave, strong and reliable, 18-year-old Sankey has been just the kind of player Shercock have been waiting for to bolster their defence and it showed this past season when Jodie Clarke deployed him at centre-half back and he starred in the club's first junior football championship success in 32 years. In the final against Munterconnacht, Sankey put in a five-star display in the number six jersey which must have pushed his Cavan minor team mate Killian Clarke hard for the 'Man of the Match' accolade. Two weeks previous he helped lead O'Raghallaigh Gaels to a superb triumph over Cavan Gaels in the county minor championship final. There was no question over Sankey's drive and hunger, as the two successes had come after he helped Cavan to their first Ulster MFC glory since 1974. However, while 2011 will obviously be a year Sankey will never forget, don't expect the talented defender to rest on his laurels anytime soon. Next year will see him looking to help Shercock back to Division Two of the ACFL and maintaining their intermediate championship status, while also trying to make a breakthrough on to on the county Under 21 team, where many will feel a place at corner-back will be ideal for him to keep continuing his good work in a blue jersey.

Raymond Galligan

Arguably the finest free-taker in the county, 2011 was a year in which Galligan was sorely missed by Lacken, who suffered relegation from the senior championship after seven years in the top flight. His departure to Australia, where so many Gaels have made the long journey due to the harsh economic climate here, was a huge blow to his club, and despite coming home early to put forth his best efforts to try and rescue them from relegation Lacken would still narrowly miss out against rivals Gowna to suffer the dreaded drop. In 2012, they will enter the season among the bookies' favourites to win a wide-open intermediate championship and you can be sure if they are to do so then Galligan will be their focal point in attack, with his deadly accuracy having proved a torn in so many teams' sides over the past few seasons. After impressing so quickly upon his return, he is also almost certain to be apart of Val Andrews' plans to some degree as well, so 2012 could see him making a long-awaited breakthrough on the senior front with Cavan too. Tweet

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