GAA to honour players who made mark but failed to win All-Ireland

GAA teams of the 1980s: All-Ireland tickets on offer to fans who match judges’ picks

GAA president Liam O’Neill: “We have a unique opportunity this year to acknowledge players in both football and hurling who made outstanding contributions to their chosen code. Photograph: Inpho
GAA president Liam O’Neill: “We have a unique opportunity this year to acknowledge players in both football and hurling who made outstanding contributions to their chosen code. Photograph: Inpho

As part of an initiative to temporarily replace the Jubilee Teams for 2013, the GAA will choose 15 players, from both hurling and football from the 1980s, who made unique contributions without winning an All-Ireland medal.

The selection committee is Seán Moran (Irish Times), Martin Breheny (Irish Independent), Michael Lyster (RTÉ television), Brian Carthy (RTÉ radio), Jim O'Sullivan (formerly Irish Examiner) and Mártan Ó Ciardha (formerly Raidió na Gaeltachta).

“We have a unique opportunity this year to acknowledge players in both football and hurling who made outstanding contributions to their chosen code and indeed the Association as a whole,” said GAA president Liam O’Neill. “We are asking GAA supporters to submit their teams numbered 1-15 and see how close they can get to the teams produced by our selection panel.”

All entries should be emailed to competitions@gaa.ie or posted to Stars of the 80s Competition, GAA Communications Department, Croke Park, Dublin 3.

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The closest or matching teams will win two All-Ireland final tickets for the code in question. The closing date for entries is Friday week. The players will be introduced to the crowd on All-Ireland final day.

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent