The Tailteann Cup Team of the Year for 2024 has been announced, and some big calls had to be made as Down dominate the selection.
The Ulster side beat Laois in the final, and were awarded with five spots on the team, while Laois picked up four, Sligo with three, and Antrim, Kildare and Limerick all got one.
Unlike the All-Stars which are predominately made up of the two teams that made the final, with the winners normally getting seven or eight spots, this selection is much more spread out.
It looks like a much better representation of the players who truly stood out this year with magnificent performances, even if their teams didn't enjoy the best season.
The likes of Darragh Kirwan for example was exceptional, desfpitethe fact that Kildare were enduring one of their most difficult seasons in recent memory.
GAA President Jarlath Burns commends the second tier competition, and hopes to see its prestige continue to rise.
🚨 We’re pleased to announce the Tailteann Cup Team of the Year!
Congratulations to all the players recognised for their outstanding performances this season 👏 pic.twitter.com/zSaDI0VerW
— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 10, 2024
“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.”
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The Tailteann Cup Team of the Year was decided by a selection committee chaired by Pat Daly. The winners will be presented with their awards tomorrow night at a special black-tie event at Croke Park where they will be guests of honour alongside the Champion 15 and Joe McDonagh Team of the Year members. The event will be streamed live by the GAA on YouTube form 7pm.
Tailteann Cup 2024 Team of the Year
1. Killian Roche (Laois)
2. Pierce Laverty (Down)
3. Ryan McEvoy (Down)
4. Kavan Keenan (Antrim)
5. Daniel Guinness (Down)
6. Brian Byrne (Laois)
7. Evan Lyons (Sligo)
8. Emmet Rigter (Limerick)
9. Odhran Murdock (Down)
10. Mark Barry (Laois)
11. Darragh Kirwan (Kildare)
12. Sean Carrabine (Sligo)
13. Niall Murphy (Sligo)
14. Evan O’Carroll (Laois)
15. Pat Havern (Down)
