The All-Stars seem like a lifetime ago now, but we decided to take a look back and highlight some of the players who didn't make the cut, and create our own starting XV of the under appreciated.
As is the case every season, there were a few debatable decisions in the official All-Star team that some people were not happy with, but that is just the nature of the beast, there are only 15 places to give out, and that's the way it is.
However, there were some players in 2024, who were magnificent, and certainly deserve a little more recognition at least, so with the stipulation being that they can't have won an All-Star this year, here is our under appreciated starting XV of 2024.
1. Blaine Hughes (Armagh)
Niall Morgan got the nod ahead of contenders like Blaine Hughes, Conor Gleeson and Sean Patton.
However, considering that Hughes was the goalkeeper that won the All-Ireland, he is more than worthy of a place on this team.
The Orchard keeper even picked up a serious knee injury during the warm-up before the final and was still able to be effective in the kick outs and keep a clean sheet in the process.
2. Paddy Burns (Armagh)
The sticky corner back has been a regular under Kieran McGeeney in recent years, but even though he actually lost his place at one stage in the season, he put his shoulder to the wheel and regained it in time for the All-Ireland final.
The Armagh star plays his club football for Down’s Burren and played a role in helping them reach the county final this year as well, so wherever Burns goes, success usually follows.
3. Aaron McKay (Armagh)
We are aware that it is only Armagh stars mentioned so far, but only six of them actually made the All-Star team, and they are the All-Ireland champions, and a big reason behind that was Aaron McKay.
Not only was the full back solid in defence, but he also scored the goal in the final that proved to make all the difference.
4. Brian Stack (Roscommon)
Roscommon had a disappointing league campaign and things didn’t get much better in the provincial championship, but they found new life in the group stages.
Brian Stack is one of the main leaders in that team, and was pivotal when the Rossies’ pulled off an unlikely win against Tyrone in the preliminary quarter finals, eliminating the 2021 All-Ireland champions in the process.
5. Ryan McHugh (Donegal)
After taking a year out in 2023, Ryan McHugh returned to Donegal and hit the ground running, returning to the brilliant levels that he reached in his breakthrough season 10 years ago in 2014.
The flying wing back was relentless in every game, and alongside Paeder Mogen, Donegal’s best offense, was their defence, who loved to bomb forward and make things happen.
6. Brendan McCole (Donegal)
We had to do a bit of shuffling around, but if Brendan McCole missed out on an All-Star this year, there was no way he was not going to make this list, because he was brilliant for Jim McGuinness.
Donegal put so much emphasis on their defenders getting the ball forward, so it is vital that they have backs who can still tackle, mark and make crucial blocks when they matter most, and that was what McCole did all season.
7. Liam Silke (Galway)
Versatile, dynamic, and reliable, Galway’s Liam Silke probably would have gotten an All-Star if the Tribesmen beat Armagh in the final, it was that close.
However, he makes this team with relative ease, and after a brilliant season, Galway will be hoping to see more of his fine form in 2025.
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8. Niall Grimley (Armagh)
After a torturous time with injuries, Niall Grimly managed to get his body right, and waited for his opportunity to shine.
That chance came against Derry in the group stages, where he was thrust into the team, put in a Man of the Match performance, and was never dropped again.
9. Michael Langan (Donegal)
A throwback midfielder who likes to win high balls, take the ball in his stride, and take on defenders while eating up the space in front of him - Michael Langan is like Anthony Tohill when he is on form.
Even when Donegal were struggling in recent years, Langan always seemed to be performing.
10. Cillian McDaid (Galway)
Three points in the All-Ireland tells you exactly how pivotal Cillian McDaid is to this Galway team.
Also capable of playing in midfield, the Tribesmens star came back from injury to enjoy a terrific 2024.
11. Sam Mulroy (Louth)
Mr Louth himself, Sam Mulroy captained his county to their first All-Ireland quarter final, and was brilliant in the Leinster final that saw them push Dublin right to the edge.
One of the top shooters in the modern game, Mulroy can count himself unlucky not to have picked up an All-Star this year.
12. Rory Grugan (Armagh)
One of the veterans of the team, Rory grugan was putting in top performances when Armagh could not manage a single win the Ulster championship, and on their route to All-Ireland glory, he was still reaching those top levels.
Undoubtedly one of the leaders of the team, Grugan never let standards slipped, and always stood up to take responsibility when called upon.
13. Ryan O’Donoghue (Mayo)
Mayo may have been eliminated from the championship as early as the preliminary quarter final stages, but Ryan O’Donoghue still managed to finish the season as the championship’s top scorer.
The flying forward was unplayable at times during the league and championship, and with Cillian O’Connor stepping away in 2025, Mayo fans will be hoping that he stays injury free.
14. Shane Walsh (Galway)
Those with short memories will only remember the All-Ireland final, and how Shane Walsh didn’t perform on the day, but if you cast your memory back just a few short weeks before that you can clearly see how important he was to the team.
Walsh kicked seven points against Dublin to knock out the reigning All-Ireland champions, he came off the bench in the Connacht final to score three points in a one-point win, and he scored a late goal against Westmeath to ensure they qualified from the group stages and avoid the dreaded preliminary round, which proved to be their undoing the previous year.
15. Stefan Campbell (Armagh)
How Stefan Campbell didn’t even get an All-Star nomination is hard to understand, but he definitely makes his way onto this team.
Although an impact sub in the latter matches of the season, he would literally change the game when he was introduced, and his performance against Kerry in the All-Ireland final was one for the ages.
