Kavanagh was absolutely fantastic in the 2nd half last sunday in clones. I think that he was the reason tyrone won. The best player of the modern era is a bit of an unfair thread, as there are so many out there or at least 10 who would have reason to claim that title. But it is never clear cut. One thing is for sure, he has 3 all irelands and 4 uslter medals, has been playing top level for is 14th season as well as winning 5 all stars. the 14 seasons at the top must count for a big shout in this regard.

Donegalman (None) - Posts: 3830 - 23/07/2016 13:42:27    1888509

the main thing i noticed about Sean Cavanagh's career is that he has been a vital player for Tyrone from his first season as a teenager until present day. He has had the longest prime that i can think of for a GAA player and it shows no signs of slowing judging by last sunday. undoubtedly the greatest midfielder ive ever seen and certainly up there with the very best all round players as well.

SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts: 2385 - 23/07/2016 13:43:29    1888510

SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts: 2385 - 23/07/2016 13:53:38    1888512

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7346 - 23/07/2016 14:13:54    1888516

I agree, Sean Cavanagh is my favourite player of the modern era. Always ups his performance in big games and that's the sign of the best players. He's being so consistent for 15 years it's unbelievable . Wish we had a player of his calibre in Cavan.

Jim_Shorts (Cavan) - Posts: 96 - 23/07/2016 14:29:41    1888521

Outrageous player, 5 points in 2008 from play in final. He was badly missed in semi V Cork 2009.

Far better player then Murphy. Thoughts? Murphy seems to be just a dead ball specialist in recent times

222 (UK) - Posts: 694 - 23/07/2016 14:32:02    1888522

Cavanagh most likely wouldn't be afforded this title but sure it's like any team game

In soccer it's the forwards
In G.A.A. also the forwards
In Rugby the backs that score the most tries

He does however I feel have the best all round range of playing ability and skill i've ever seen, in terms of running with speed and power, shooting accurately, high fielding and probably his most overlooked attribute, his absolutely dogged approach to the defensive side of the game.
That's before you get into all his other qualities like leadership, longevity etc.

To me he is the player of the modern era and the greatest player Tyrone have ever produced but I also appreciate other people will never see it that way

Seansy48 (Tyrone) - Posts: 237 - 23/07/2016 14:48:55    1888528

You can't go 7 years without winning an all ireland and be the greatest player of the modern era

hoganstandforum (Derry) - Posts: 4 - 23/07/2016 14:50:19    1888530

westkerry (Kerry) - Posts: 1250 - 23/07/2016 14:53:58    1888531

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7346 - 23/07/2016 15:05:53    1888532

Seansy48 (Tyrone) - Posts: 237 - 23/07/2016 17:02:12    1888568

Been saying it for years, sean is the greatest player to ever come out of Tyrone.

It's rare a Tyrone man will agree but to win player of the year playing out of position says it all. Longevity, consistency, pace, power, skill, accuracy, attitude, work ethic, and that bit of cuteness / ruthlessness. Up there with Jack O'Shea as the two most complete players to ever kick a ball.

cavanman47 (Cavan) - Posts: 5012 - 23/07/2016 17:07:15    1888572

37sowhat (Sligo) - Posts: 752 - 23/07/2016 17:53:45    1888585

TirChonaillabu2 (Donegal) - Posts: 344 - 23/07/2016 17:53:52    1888586

SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts: 2385 - 23/07/2016 18:23:47    1888604

Seán Cavanagh. It has genuinely been a privilege to have watched this man's career. A true great that we will all be boring younger lads about in years to come. A classy gentlemen off the pitch too from what I can see.

An aside on Cian O'Sullivan, not in Cavanagh's class but an excellent footballer imo. 3 All-Ireland titles in three different positions. Corner back in 2011, midfield in 2013 and centre back in 2015. Not many like him.

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13709 - 23/07/2016 19:26:38    1888670

I was standing on Aughnacloy Street in 2003 listening to a very young Sean Cavanagh being interviewed a few feet away from a lorry / stage that was built on the street to welcome Sam to Tyrone for the very first time. The person doing the interview suggested to him that given the fantastic game he had and his tender age (20) that he had an illustrious career ahead of him. A very shy young Cavanagh said with a big smile.. I don't know about that now.. Dident the person doing that interview get it so correct and I think it was BBC,. He has to be one of the best and all because he was a star at such a young age.

border Gael (Monaghan) - Posts: 894 - 23/07/2016 19:41:32    1888687

He is certainly well up there.

realdub (Dublin) - Posts: 8592 - 23/07/2016 19:46:41    1888697

He's the best footballer of the 21st century in my opinion.

The complete player and he gave one of the all time great performances in the 2008 all ireland final and his year in 2008 was one of the all time great seasons for a player.

uibhfhaili1986 (Offaly) - Posts: 1296 - 23/07/2016 20:39:41    1888751

Hes a great player no denying that..but to suggest hes the greatest of the modern era..i dont think so.. diarmud connelly on form is the best player of the modern era .

GGdub (Dublin) - Posts: 260 - 23/07/2016 20:42:20    1888759