|
|
These All-stars are known as the 2005/6 Football All-stars and this is the 19th year of the Bank of Ireland Ulster Colleges’ All-star scheme. Players are selected over the course of two trial games, after being initially nominated by their own school to attend the trials. The scheme rewards excellence in skill and in sportsmanship and a player who has been sent off in any game between September 1st and the dates of the trials is ineligible for selection.
Players from 13 schools are included this year, making this selection the most cosmopolitan ever.
Eight of the team play at MacRory Cup level, while the other 7 are with schools that are graded to play in the MacLarnon Cup. There are two awards each for St. Louis Kilkeel and Abbey CBS Newry with one each from 11 other schools.
Although six of last year’s team were eligible again for selection, only Kevin McKiernan and Martin Clarke have made it through for a second successive award. Kevin was centre-half forward last year but moves to right-half forward this term, while Martin moves into the centre from left-half forward 12 months ago.
Abbey CBS pair both enjoyed success with their county minor teams last year. Kevin Dyas was the Armagh captain that lifted the Ulster title after defeating Down in the final in Croke Park, while Kevin McKernan was vice-captain of the Down side that picked themselves up after the defeat to collect the All-Ireland.
All Star Football Award 2005/06
Centre-half forward : Kevin McKernan School : Abbey CBS Newry Club : St. Mary's, Burren Kevin, winning his second successive All-star, was vice-captain of the Down minor side that won the All-Ireland title in September, his second season in the panel, having been a member of the Down Development squads since U-14 level. He has represented at his club at minor, U-21 and Senior level. He has won an U-21 South Down Championship and helped his club reserve team to a county championship title. He is also an U-14 South Down League winner. His father is Brendan McKernan, who was corner-back on the Down Senior All-Ireland winning team of 1991.All Star Football Award 2005/06
Centre-half forward : Kevin Dyas School : Abbey CBS Newry Club : St. Patrick's, Dromintee Kevin has represented Ireland against Australia at U-17 level in the International Rules series and has been an Armagh Minor for three seasons, winning the Ulster Minor League in 2003 and captaining them to the Ulster Championship title last July. With Dromintee, he has won Armagh Senior League and Reserve Championship medals last year, an U-21 Championship in 2003 as well as under 16 and minor league medals.This is the is the 19th year of the Bank of Ireland Ulster Colleges’ All-star scheme. The Abbey top the lead of the football awards chart with 40 awards over the 19 years.