So Week 1 of the Allianz Football Leagues 2024 is in the books, and while there were fantastic displays put in by many players across the country, here at Balls.ie we have compiled a list of five players who really went above and beyond for their counties in Round 1.
Stephen O’Hanlon (Monaghan)
The obvious place to start. On Saturday night, Stephen O’Hanlon lit up Croke Park. His pace and skill have been apparent to all ever since he soared over Johnny Cooper to catch and score Monaghan’s crucial goal to beat Dublin in the opening round of the 2019 Allianz League. However, this night stood out for something different - his leadership.
He was Monaghan’s go-to player when they needed a score, and his goal to send the sides in level at half-time was a rocket past David O’Hanlon, and a truly impressive showcasing of his abilities. Vincent Corey has an absolute gem in Stephen O’Hanlon.
32 nóim #DUBvMON@DubGAAOfficial 1-05@monaghangaa 2-02
Cúl eile do Mhúineachan! 'Beagnach briseann sé an líontán' 🤯
Stephen O'Hanlon fires home a superb goal for @monaghangaa to level the sides!
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV 📺#AllianzLeagues #GAABeo pic.twitter.com/xWZrYfgPvj— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 27, 2024
Fergal Boland (Mayo)
Dropped out of the Mayo squad in 2023, Fergal Boland’s time with Mayo seemed like it could have reached its end. However, he has since returned to the squad under Kevin McStay, and he was named in the starting lineup against rivals Galway. In his big return, in the dreadful conditions of Pearse Stadium, the Aghamore man was a ray of sunshine, and many people's Man of the Match.
Nice dummy and score from Fergal Boland to open @MayoGAA's account in the second half #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/KWVjBmNCLB
— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 28, 2024
He kicked three gorgeous points from play and operated with the utmost confidence in the Mayo team, and with retirements to the likes of Jason Doherty and Kevin McLoughlin, performances like that could well see Fergal Boland staple his name to Mayo’s number 10 slot.
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Dominic McEnhill (Antrim)
On a weekend where Antrim pulled off a statement 7 point victory away against Limerick, it was Dominic McEnhill who led the way for Andy McEntee’s side. He chipped in with 1-6, his converted penalty in the first half left the Saffrons 1-7 0-4 ahead at the interval.
28 January 2024; Peter Nash of Limerick is tackled by Dominic McEnhill of Antrim during the Allianz Football League Division 3 match between Limerick and Antrim at Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale, Limerick. Photo by Tom Beary/Sportsfile
When Limerick inevitably fought back in the second half, McEnhill remained as a guiding light for Antrim towards an impressive opening day victory.
Killian Roche (Laois)
In an era where goalkeepers are becoming more and more adventurous. Killian Roche of Laois produced ant outrageous example of his scoring prowess in Laois's League opener Saturday night.
He finished the game with 0-5 points for the O’Moore county, including three points from play. He was also a constant presence in their attack throughout the game, and the game finished with Laois taking what feels like a giant step towards promotion under the returning Justin McNulty, as they defeated the back-to-back O’Byrne Cup champions Longford, a side who will undoubtedly have their eyes on promotion as well.
Darragh Rooney (Leitrim)
Leitrim have a major point to prove in their league campaign this year. After failing to get out of Division 4 last year, and then being on the receiving end of New York’s first ever Championship victory in Connacht, there was a lot of criticism aimed at Andy Moran’s side.
Their first assignment was an away trip to Waterford in Fraher Field, a game people would expect them to win, but one that could also be a potential banana skin should they take it lightly.
One man that didn’t take it lightly was Darragh Rooney, hitting 0-10 for Leitrim as they kicked their league campaign off with a dominant 2-17 to 1-5 victory away from home.
