Meath dominate with eight in Tailteann Cup Team of the Year

The Royals rule the roost in this year’s Tailteann Cup Team of the Year, with the reigning champions claiming a spectacular eight spots in this prestigious selection, which includes four from finalists Down, and one each from Antrim, Carlow, and Cavan.

Meath captain and veteran Donal Keogan is selected in the half-back line alongside the commanding Padraic Harnan, with their fellow county men Seán Brennan and Adam O’Neill taking up the number one and number two jerseys, respectively. It’s a midfield slot for U20 star Conor Gray, with Jack Flynn, Jordan Morris and the dangerous Mathew Costello rounding off the Meath places on this mouthwatering team.

The Mourne men are led by their captain Pierce Laverty, who takes the full-back spot, and he is joined in defence by Danny Magill, son of Down All-Ireland winner Miceal Magill. Down’s remaining inclusions come in the shape of the speedy Odhran Murdock in midfield and the goalscoring Liam Kerr at wing forward.

Cavan defender Padraig Faulkner becomes the first man in history to have been named on a Tailteann Cup Team of the Year, as well as a PwC All-Star Football Team of the Year, with his selection in the full-back line.

Antrim’s Ruairí McCann, and Carlow’s Ross Dunphy, take up the remaining two places on the Tailteann Cup team of the Year for 2023, rewarding them for their exceptional performances throughout the competition.

Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy said: “After its impressive debut season in 2022 it was encouraging to see the Tailteann Cup build on that strong start last summer – and is thanks to the skill and style of the players who spearheaded their county’s drive for success. I am delighted to see that talent being recognised in this selection and know that the achievement will be warmly received by your families and clubs and I congratulate you all.”

Tom Parsons, GPA CEO, said: “Is has been a great year for Meath across hurling and football and this week they top the charts with 13 individual award winners from the Champion 15 Team of the Year (5) and today’s Tailteann Cup Team of the Year (8). It is a noteworthy achievement from the Royal County to achieve this kind of success in the same year.

“Congratulations to all fifteen players named in the Tailteann Cup Team of the Year and thank you to all the players, managers, county board s and supporters who have given the competition their backing and seal of approval. Set aside the place up for grabs in the Sam Maguire group phase; it is a competition worth winning in its own right and that has been established in just two seasons due to the buy in of all involved.”

Players from the Tailteann Cup were asked to nominate outstanding performers in the competition, with an independent selection committee adjudicating on the final team based on player performances, supported by video footage and county nominations.

The awards will be presented at a gala black-tie function in Croke Park this Friday night. The show will be streamed live on gaa.ie from 7pm and will also feature the awards for the Ring, Rackard and Meagher Champion 15 Team of the Year and the Joe McDonagh Team of the Year – as well as the presentation of the overall Players of the Year in these championships.

Tailteann Cup Team of the Year 2023

1 Seán Brennan (Meath)

2 Adam O’Neill (Meath)

3 Pierce Laverty (Down)

4 Padraig Faulkner (Cavan)

5 Donal Keogan (Meath)

6 Padraic Harnan (Meath)

7 Danny Magill (Down)

8 Odhran Murdock (Down)

9 Conor Gray (Meath)

10 Jack Flynn (Meath)

11 Ross Dunphy (Carlow)