Paddy Durcan is one of the most respected wing-backs in the country

THE Connaught Telegraph’s Young Sports Stars of the Year 2015 award winners (in association with Baxter Healthcare).

Number 13: Paddy Durcan (Gaelic football)

THE march of Castlebar Mitchels to Mayo and Connaught titles in 2015 has certainly brought renewed hope that the club can land an All-Ireland crown in 2016.

While Castlebar Mitchels’ success has been based on their efforts as a team with a strong work ethic, there is no escaping the fact that Durcan has produced the quality and the inspiration that was needed at times as Castlebar not only took the Mayo title in style, but dethroned the reigning Connaught champions in the provincial decider as well.

Not only is the Castlebar man playing well for his club, but he is also an integral part of the Mayo senior football team and a player we are likely to hear a lot more of in 2016 as his pace and power makes him one of the most feared and respected wing-backs in the country.