An annual grievance with the All-Stars is the recency bias that ensures the final couple of games are prioritised over earlier rounds. This often leads to more consistent performers being forgotten. With that in mind, the rolling All-Stars are a measure that allows for a direct comparison week-by-week. Already this Championship we've had New York come close to a historic win only for a late Leitrim rally in extra-time, Wicklow secured their first Leinster championship win in five years and Mayo fell at the first hurdle once again.
Each round we'll consider the best performers and whether there showing is enough to eliminate the all-star in their position. For example, Donegal's Paddy McBrearty was good this week, but was he good enough to knock out Sligo's Adrian Marren from the opening weekend? After seven games, here are the first balls.ie rolling All-Stars.
1. Mark Jackson
Wandering Graham Brody is a tad unlucky but Jackson scored a remarkable seven points and saved a penalty as Wicklow beat Offaly after extra-time.
2. Eoghan Ban Gallagher
A strong win for Donegal at MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey with their young stars in particular excelling. Gallagher's constant runs from deep are central to Donegal's style under Declan Bonner.
3. Sean Andy O Ceallaigh
The Leitir Mór fullback's debut has been eagerly anticipated for quite some time now after O Ceallaigh choose to head stateside last year. He is at home at the edge of the square, ferocious in the tackle and strong in the air.
4. Gareth Dillion
Donie Shanley thought he landed the winning point for Wexford when he elected to go for a point from the penalty spot but five minutes into extra-time it was Dillion who stood up and landed a late equaliser for Laois to force extra-time. Laois went on to win by six points.
5. Stephen Attride
Another Laois inclusion after the thriller in O'Moore Park. Will lead his county out against Westmeath in two weeks.
6. Dean Healy
The Wicklow defender took his point well and could have had a goal if not for a great Alan Mulhall save.
7. Shane Quinn
A key man in Brendan Guckian's side, including two crucial points in their win against the Exiles. Holds down the wing-back position after that performance.
8. Ciaran Duggan
Man of the match for Galway on his senior Championship debut. More than held his own against Aidan O'Shea and Tom Parsons.
9. Michael Murphy
The Donegal talisman looked out of form during his league return but was back to his best on Sunday. Murphy was everywhere, but gets the nod in middle after his strong early showing alongside McFadden. Gearóid McKiernan unlucky to miss out.
10. Ciaran Thompson
Thompson gets threw a trojan amount of work for Donegal and has an absolute gem of a left foot.
What a score from Ciaran Thompson! pic.twitter.com/HEcl8AOcan
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 13, 2018
11. Donie Kingston
Laois were ten points down at half-time only to fight back and secure victory after extra-time. At the heart of that fightback was Kingston, with a remarkable 1-06.
12. Kevin McLoughlin
Miss-hit an early free which clipped the post and put another wide but responded superbly. The wing-forward doesn't do ordinary scores and ran all day. Finished with 0-2.
Kevin McLoughlin with a beautiful score for Mayo! pic.twitter.com/u9YRTr71Um
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 13, 2018
13. Adrian Marren
1-6 on the way to Sligo's victory away to London in the Connacht Championship opener. 33 and only getting better.
14. Paul Broderick
Kicked on from his league form to steer Carlow to a huge win over Louth. Off left or right, Broderick is deadly and crucial to his county's chances against Kildare.
15. Jamie Clarke
New York may have fallen short but it wasn't for lack of trying from Armagh's Jamie Clarke. Five points, including three from play. Off either foot, Clarke is a fantastic sharpshooter and it's only a shame we won't see more of him this year.
