Some of the best games of football during the past year where at Under 16 level. Great skill, open play, attacking tactics and high scores are the norm for this grade. We take a look at what we think were some of the best players in 2011.

Neil Kane is one of the best up and coming players in the Royal County at the moment. Kane enjoyed great success in 2011. The Simonstown youngster gave a great display in the MFL Div 1 decider as the Proudstown road outfit defeated Donaghmore Ashbourne 0-12 to 1-6. Kane was also to the fore as Simonstown defeated St Colmcilles to win the U16 Div 2 championship.

Cian Farnan was outstanding for St Cuthberts right through 2011. St Cuthberts had another successful year and Farnan was central to it all. The minors were unluckey to lose out to Gaeil Colmcille in the MFL Div 6 decider but made amends by beating Drumconrath Meath Hill in the Shield final at a wet Pairc Tailteann. Farnan pulled off some excellent saves that night. Extra time was needed to separate St Cuthberts and St Pats in the U16 summer league final. Cuthberts eventual won 4-17 to 3-11 with Farnan producing a string of fine saves.

James McEntee was outstanding for St Vincents Curraha as they claimed the Meath MFL Div 3 title with a 4-9 to 1-10 win over St Patrick's. Although the combination side failed to reach any U16 deciders McEntee was intrumental in their path to the semi final of the Div 2 championship where Vincents Curraha lost out to eventual winners Simonstown.

Anthony Neary also had an outstanding 2011 for club and county. Neary was in fine form as Na Fianna minors defeated Bective 2-10 to 1-10 in the MFC Div 5 final. Neary scored a goal from the penalty spot that evening in Pairc Tailteann. This was Na Fianna's first major titlle at Meath headquarters. The Na Fianna youngster was one of the standout players for the Meath U16's all year.

One of the best individual performances at Pairc Tailteann all year came from Seneschalstown Niall Lyons. Under 16 in 2011 Lyons was brilliant for Seneschalstown as the defeated Moynalty 4-13 to 0-5 to win the MFC Div 4 title. Lyons was a handful for the Moynalty defence all night and scored an impressive eight points of his sides tally.

Navan O'Mahony's won the U16 Div 1 FL. Central to that achievement was full back James O'Malley. The O'Mahony's defender was brilliant in the decider against Donaghmore Ashbourne at Pairc Tailteann.

North Meath Gaels defeated Ballinlough to win the U16 Div 6 final at Pairc Tailteann. There were many great players on the field that night but North Meath Gaels' Shane McCabe stood head and shoulders above the rest. McCabe scored an imprerssive total of 1-9 and the combination side defeated Ballinlough 1-16 to 2-9.

Honourable mentions: Michael Lyness (Bective), Ricky McDermott (Ballinlough), Ruairi O'Coileann, Michael Deegan (Donaghmore Ashbourne), Richie Culhane (St Colmcilles), Nathan O'Brien (Simonstown Gaels), Harry Purcell (Trim), Darragh Roe (Kilkerley Emmets), Kevin Ryan (Summerhill).

Our award goes to Anthony Neary.

On Monday we pick our Best Camogie Player.

Our previous award winners

Awards: Best Senior Hurler

Awards: Unluckiest team

Awards: Best former county man still playing

Awards: Best Ladies Footballer

Awards: Best U21 Footballer

Awards: Best combination of referee and player

Awards: Best Minor Hurler

Awards: Best Intermediate Club Footballer

Awards: Best Club Grounds

Awards: Best Dual Player at Club Level

Awards: Club of the Year (on the playing field)

Awards: Best referee in a pressure situation

Awards: Best Intermediate Club Hurler

Awards: Senior Club Footballer of the Year

Awards: Best Junior Championship Player

Awards: Best Meath star in a club management role

Awards: Minor Footballer of the Year

Awards: Best comeback in a championship match

Awards: Best togged out team at adult level

Awards: Best display in a ladies football final

Awards: Most medals won Tweet

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