The curtain has come down to mark the end of the inter-county football season and picking this seasons best 15 always causes debate amongst GAA fans. Following Armagh's triumph in Sunday's decider, RTE's Sunday Sport team had the task of putting together a team of this years best performers.
Deservedly, newly crowned All-Ireland champions Armagh make up the bulk of the team with six players selected. Runners-up Galway aren't far behind with 5 along with semi finalists and Ulster Champions Donegal with two alongside one each from both Kerry and Louth.
As the Sunday Game team of the year caused many GAA supporters to complain regarding the inclusion of only three counties, the spread of five separate counties being represented in this team will surely please many.
There were no players included from reigning All-Ireland champions Dublin after an early quarter-final exit. Ben Creally, Liam Silke, Michael Langan and Cillian McDaid all got a mention but were very unlucky to miss out.
That was the year that was. @MickFoley76 reflects on the highs, lows, flaws and beauty of the 2024 football championship #RTEgaa pic.twitter.com/UVC6L93oSU
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 28, 2024
There were a number of positions debated in-depth by Des Cahill and the panel of Andy Moran, Conor McManus, Mark McHugh and Kyle Coney but ultimately the 15 they agreed on were:
RTÉ radio 1 Sunday Sport - Team of the year
1 Blaine Hughes (Armagh)
2 Johnny McGrath (Galway)
29 June 2024; Johnny McGrath of Galway during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship quarter-final match between Dublin and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
3 Barry McCambridge (Armagh)
4 Tom O'Sullivan (Kerry)
5 Dylan McHugh (Galway)
6 Aidan Forker (Armagh)
7 Peader Mogan (Donegal)
8 Paul Conroy (Galway)
9 Rian O'Neill (Armagh)
28 July 2024; Rian O'Neill of Armagh during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Armagh and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
10 Sam Mulroy (Louth)
11 John Maher (Galway)
12 Oisin Conaty (Armagh)
13 Oisin Gallen (Donegal)
14 July 2024; Oisin Gallen of Donegal during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final match between Donegal and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
