STAR TURNS OF THE CENTURY

PART ONE

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TODAY we start the countdown to our Gaelic Football Team of the Century, by selecting the goalkeeper and fullback line.

There were contenders galore across the last 25 years for the three defensive positions on offer, although the goalkeeper pretty much picked himself.

Tomorrow we'll select our halfback line, with the midfield on Wednesday, half-forward line on Thursday and full-forward line on Friday.

It all starts today with some difficult choices for KARL O’KANE.

Ó Sé was consistently Kerry's go to man for the opposition’s most dangerous player and he rarely disappointed.

He has admitted that Dublin's Bernard Brogan gave him problems, but problems to Ó Sé meant three points from play, with opponents rarely managing to slip him for goals.

Ó Sé went where Kerry's need was greatest, particularly after the retirement of Seamus Moynihan, but the feeling in the county and beyond is that he could have been a devastating wing back or centre half back.

The 45 year old played for 15 seasons for Kerry, making his debut under his uncle Páidí Ó Sé. He went on to win five All-Ireland titles and three All Stars, establishing himself as one of the top defenders in the game.

Some of the other players in contention for corner back spots included Mayo’ Keith Higgins, Tyrone’s Ryan McMenamin, Westmeaths John Keane and Dublin duo Philly McMahon and Michael Fitzsimons, with O'Se just getting the nod ahead of Fitzsimons.

3. SEAMUS MOYNIHAN (Kerry)

Rather than pick three specialist man markers or corner-backs we wanted someone who played at No.3.

The late Cormac McAnallen looked set for a long career at fullback before he tragically passed away in 2004, while Fermanagh’s Barry Owens was an outstanding No.3, winning two All Stars in his time with the Erne County.