10 Laois players have been selected between the Tailteann Cup and Joe McDonagh Cup teams of the year.
Both teams reached the final of the respective competitions and have been recognised for their efforts.
The Joe McDonagh Cup and Tailteann Cup Teams of the Year will be guests of honour at a gala black-tie event hosted at Croke Park this Friday night.
In the Tailteann Cup, Justin McNulty’s men were edged out by Down in the final.
Sharp shooting goalkeeper Killian Roche, who amassed 0-13 in the campaign, is selected at number one.
Half back Brian Byrne, who scored two goals in the semi final win over Antrim is chosen.
While so too are key forwards Mark Barry and Evan O’Carroll in attack.
Champions Down lead the way five representative while four more counties have been rewarded.
Rising Antrim star Kavan Keelan, Limerick midfielder Emmet Rigter and Naas and Kildare star forward Darragh Kirwan join the impressive Sligo contingent of Evan Lyons, Seán Carrabine and Niall Murphy.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “In just three years we have seen the Tailteann Cup establish itself in our calendar as a fantastic competition which gives competitive championship football to its competing counties.
“Reaching the semi-final showdown at Croke Park is a realistic goal for the many and not the few, and the entertainment value of those games and that of the Tailteann Cup final between Down and Laois was exceptional.
“Congratulations to all of those who have been selected as having played an integral part in making the Tailteann Cup stand out and I know it is an honour that will be proudly shared by your families and clubs.”
2024 TAILTEANN CUP TEAM OF THE YEAR
- Killian Roche (Laois)
- Pierce Laverty (Down)
- Ryan McEvoy (Down)
- Kavan Keenan (Antrim)
- Daniel Guinness (Down)
- Brian Byrne (Laois)
- Evan Lyons (Sligo)
- Emmet Rigter (Limerick)
- Odhran Murdock (Down)
- Mark Barry (Laois)
- Darragh Kirwan (Kildare)
- Sean Carrabine (Sligo)
- Niall Murphy (Sligo)
- Evan O’Carroll (Laois)
- Pat Havern (Down)
After their epic final meeting last June, finalists Offaly and Laois are the dominant presence on the Joe McDonagh Cup 2024 Team of the Year.
First time winners Offaly were pushed all the way by 2019 champions Laois with the Faithful County surviving a dramatic O’Moore comeback before edging a great game 2-23 to 0-26 at Croke Park. Both sides have six players each who have been selected on the Team of the Year.
The rest of the star-studded 15 are representatives from Kerry, Westmeath and Down.
Goalkeeper Enda Rowland is chosen between the sticks with Diarmaid Conway and Podge Delaney selected in defence.
It is an all-Laois midfield as Clough-Ballacolla’s Aidan Corby is joined by Rathdowney-Errill’s Paddy Purcell.
While in attack, Laois captain Aaron Dunphy has been chosen at wing forward.
GAA President Jarlath Burns said: “As the man who was Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael at the start of the new millennium, Joe McDonagh was fiercely dedicated to the promotion of hurling and the spreading of its gospel.
“The cup that bears his name continues that mission and players like these ambassadors announced today do his legacy great justice.
“This is a fantastic competition and the prize for the Joe McDonagh champions of elevation into the ranks of Liam MacCarthy status is reflected in the high standards that are on view, year after year, and 2024 was no different.
“This team is a who’s who of hurling stars who have been leading lights for their county teams this season and in many cases for several seasons, and I know that this recognition for their contribution to a memorable Joe McDonagh Cup campaign will be proudly welcomed by their families and clubs.”
2024 JOE MCDONAGH CUP TEAM OF THE YEAR
- Enda Rowland (Laois)
- Diarmuid Conway (Laois)
- Ciarán Burke (Offaly)
- Ben Conneely (Offaly)
- Pádraig Delaney (Laois)
- Cillian Kiely (Offaly)
- Fionán Mackessy (Kerry)
- Paddy Purcell (Laois)
- Aidan Corby (Laois)
- Aaron Dunphy (Laois)
- Killian Doyle (Westmeath)
- Killian Sampson (Offaly)
- Charlie Mitchell (Offaly)
- Brian Duignan (Offaly)
- Daithí Sands (Down)
