One Laois player has been named on the 2023 Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year.
Clough-Ballacolla’s Stephen Maher, who was Laois player of the year last year, has been selected at wing forward.
He is the only Laois player selected on a list that is dominated by the finalists – Carlow and Offaly.
Champions Carlow have seven while Offaly have five – with Kerry, Laois and Down getting one each.
Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy said: “This year’s Carlow-Offaly Joe McDonagh Cup final was an exceptional match and a fitting finale to what was yet another exciting campaign.
“My congratulations to those players who have been selected in recognition of their outstanding displays and I know these awards will be an honour that is celebrated by your families and clubs.”
Tom Parsons, GPA CEO, said: “The difference between winning and losing in sport can come down to the smallest of differences.
“Carlow’s triumph in this season’s Joe McDonagh Cup is proof of this again, if proof were needed. Two draws in the round robin stages were followed by a one-point win in the final after extra-time. Fine margins can make a massive difference.
“Big performances from individual players can also make a big difference when the pressure is on. To their peers and to the selection committee seven Carlow men came up with those big moments when it mattered most.
“To them, and to their fellow winners from Offaly, Kerry, Down and Laois, congratulations on all you have achieved for yourselves, your teams, your clubs, your counties and your supporters in 2023.”
Players from the Joe McDonagh Cup were asked to nominate outstanding performers in the competition, with an independent selection committee adjudicating on the final team based on player performances, supported by video footage and county nominations.
The awards will be presented at a gala black-tie function in Croke Park this Friday night.
The show will be streamed live on gaa.ie from 7pm and will also feature the awards for the Ring, Rackard and Meagher Champion 15 Team of the Year and the Tailteann Cup Team of the Year – as well as the presentation of the overall Players of the Year in these championships.
Tomorrow will see the Tailteann Cup team of the year announced.
Joe McDonagh TOTY Selection – Carlow (7) Offaly (5) Kerry (1) Laois (1) Down (1)
- Brian Tracey (Carlow)
- Jack McCullagh (Carlow)
- Ciarán Burke (Offaly)
- Ben Conneely (Offaly)
- Jason Sampson (Offaly)
- Fionán Mackessy (Kerry)
- Diarmuid Byrne (Carlow)
- James Doyle (Carlow)
- David Nally (Offaly)
- Stephen Maher (Laois)
- Chris Nolan (Carlow)
- Pearse Óg McCrickard (Down)
- Paddy Boland (Carlow)
- Martin Kavanagh (Carlow)
- Eoghan Cahill (Offaly)
SEE ALSO – Maher, Hassett and Dunne confirmed as top scorers in 2023 hurling championships
