There has been a lot of talk surrounding retirements in Gaelic football right now, with superstars like Brian Fenton, James McCarthy, and Chrissy McKaigue all calling it a day.
However, there is never a shortage of upcoming talent to take their place, and there are some really exciting stars in the making that you haven't heard of yet, but will by the end of the season.
We have picked five prodigal sons that are looking to make 2025 the year that they really announce themselves on the big stage.
5. Kieran McArdle - Louth
Louth enjoyed a good year at senior and u20 level, with both sides reaching the Leinster final, and the former making the All-Ireland quarter-finals for the first time.
The wee county are enjoying their most successful period in a long time, so the fact that young stars such as Kieran McArdle are ready to come through, will hopefully keep the gravy train running.
Despite not making it to the final of the All-Ireland, McArdle still finished the campaign as the second top scorer in the championship, scoring four goals and 28 points.
Ger Brennan will be hoping that he can add some firepower to his already potent attack in 2025, so expect to this young man very soon.
4. Cormac Dillon - Kerry
Under the management of county legend Tomas O'Se, Kerry lifted the Munster title and marched all the way to the All-Ireland final in 2024.
Cormac Dillon was the star man up front for The Kingdom, consistently shinning throughout the entire championship campaign and coming up with some big scores in the process.
The final against Tyrone was a disappointing day for those in green and gold, but Dillon still managed to perform, scoring 1-05 in the game, and keeping the scoreline respectful, despite largely being outplayed by the Ulster side.
With Cillian Burke jetting off to Australia, Jack O'Connor will be more keen than ever to find new talent coming through to bolster his side as they prepare for the 2025 season, and Dillon will certainly have caught his eye.
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3. Eoin McElholm - Tyrone
After a stellar campaign that saw him become an u20 All-Ireland champion and lift the Man of the Match award in the final, Eoin McElholm became the talk of Tyrone, as the county were both excited about his future, and nervous about where it would lie.
The flying forward has been heavily linked with a move to the AFL, but thankfully for those in the Red Hand county, he has decided to stay put for the time being.
Remarkably, he still has another year at u20 level, so his appearances in the senior team might depend on how Paul Devlin's men perform in their championship, but you will certainly be seeing this rising star in Malachy O'Rourke's team at some stage in the new year.
2. Shane McGinley - Roscommon
In recent years Roscommon have seem to continuously produce top class inter-county forwards and it looks like they have found another one in Shane McGinley.
The sharp shooter finished the u20 season as the championship's top scorer, kicking an incredible four goals and 31 points in the process.
McGinley's scoring prowess helped his county become Connacht champions and reach the All-Ireland semi-final, so Davy Burke will be very keen to get the young forward involved in 2025.
1. Shea O'Hare - Tyrone
As Tyrone were crowned All-Ireland champions in emphatic fashion, it is only natural that they carry more than one prodigy in their squad, and Shea O'Hare is the stand-out for several reasons.
The dynamic defender is blessed with explosive speed, the kind that makes him irresistible to watch, and impossible to stop when he is in full flow.
The Ardboe native finished the season as an All-Ireland champion, and as the u20 Player of the Year - he even made his debut for the senior team.
With the half back position an area that Tyrone are currently a little light on having never really replaced the powerful running of the now retired Tiernan McCann, you can expect to see O'Hare thrust straight into the starting team in the National League, and if he performs anything like he has at u20 level, he could have a big say in this year's championship.
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