Cavan full back Padraig Faulkner says it came as "a massive shock" to him when he heard the news he had won an All-Star.

The Kingscourt Stars clubman was one of three players from the Ulster champions selected on the 2020 PwC Football All-Stars team alongside goalkeeper Raymond Galligan and midfielder Thomas Galligan. The Breffni Blues had only ever claimed two All-Star awards in their history before this year.

"It's a great achievement for myself, Raymond and Thomas," Faulkner told BBC Sport's Thomas Niblock.

"But there's 20 odd Cavan lads and a full panel after that that got us over the line, we're just the ones that are receiving the credit for it. I only found out on Thursday night at about half eight when someone from the Cavan county board rang me.

"Because it was so late and so close to the time, I kind of had it in my head that if I hadn't heard by now then I definitely haven't got it. So it just came as a massive shock."

Faulkner admits that he was not keen on the 2020 championship taking place in the face of the threat posed by Covid-19. However, it worked out well for Cavan in the end as they ended a 23-year wait for Anglo-Celt Cup honours.

"I was the first one to hold my hands up and say I didn't really want it to go ahead, I was constantly thinking of everyone's safety," he continued.

"But it went ahead and in a very safe fashion and I can't believe that we've gotten this far."

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