After another big weekend of GAA action, the 16 teams that will compete in the 2024 Sam Maguire have finally been confirmed. Prior to the introduction of the Tailteann Cup in the GAA Championship, many counties knew that once they were knocked out of the 'back door' system, their season was over, but now the new system adds a bit more jeopardy to the league and provincial competitions.
While a host of the country's elite are readying themselves for All-Ireland action, some of Ireland's most historically successful counties could have dropped into the Tailteann Cup depending on results elsewhere.
Much of it came down to this afternoon's Leinster semi-finals, where the results would determine which counties would be competing for the Sam Maguire later this summer.
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GAA Championship: All 16 teams confirmed for Sam Maguire
Prior to today's action, 14 teams had already booked their place in the All-Ireland season.
After Down's loss to Armagh yesterday, the remaining spots would depend on how the Leinster semi-finals played out. Wins for Kildare, Louth, or Offaly would ensure their place in the Sam Maguire round robin, with Westmeath also in the race.
Kildare and Offaly knew a Leinster semi-final be would needed in order to avoid the Tailteann Cup. Louth would reach the All-Ireland series if they beat Kildare, or if they lost and Offaly also lost to Dublin.
As for Westmeath, they would miss out if one of Kildare or Offaly was able to win today.
However, after Louth beat Kildare and Dublin defeated Offaly, the final two spots have now been sealed. Louth and Westmeath will join the 14 counties that had already qualified.
Here are the counties who have qualified for the Sam Maguire:
- Clare (Munster finalists)
- Kerry (Munster finalists)
- Galway (Connacht finalists)
- Mayo (Connacht finalists)
- Dublin (Leinster finalists)
- Louth (Leinster finalists)
- Donegal (Ulster finalists)
- Armagh (Ulster finalists)
- Meath (Tailteann Cup winners)
- Derry
- Cavan
- Tyrone
- Monaghan
- Roscommon
- Cork
- Westmeath
Kildare have been consigned to the Tailteann Cup thanks to their relegation to Division 3 of the league, while Down also miss out after their loss to Armagh yesterday.
It should be an exciting summer of action.
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