After their epic final meeting last June, finalists Offaly and Laois are the dominant presence on the Joe McDonagh Cup 2024 Team of the Year announced today.
First time winners Offaly were pushed all the way by 2019 champions Laois with the Faithful County surviving a dramatic O’Moore comeback before edging a great game 2-23 to 0-26 at Croke Park. Both sides have six players each who have been selected on the Team of the Year.
The rest of the star-studded 15 are representatives from Kerry, Westmeath and Down.
The Joe McDonagh Cup honours Galway’s former hurling All-Star, All-Ireland winner and GAA President from 1997-2000, who passed away in 2016, aged 63.
GAA President Jarlath Burns said: “As the man who was Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael at the start of the new millennium, Joe McDonagh was fiercely dedicated to the promotion of hurling and the spreading of its gospel. The cup that bears his name continues that mission and players like these ambassadors announced today do his legacy great justice.
“This is a fantastic competition and the prize for the Joe McDonagh champions of elevation into the ranks of Liam MacCarthy status is reflected in the high standards that are on view, year after year, and 2024 was no different.
“This team is a who’s who of hurling stars who have been leading lights for their county teams this season and in many cases for several seasons, and I know that this recognition for their contribution to a memorable Joe McDonagh Cup campaign will be proudly welcomed by their families and clubs.”
Gaelic Players Association CEO Tom Parsons said: “To the players selected, I want to send heartiest congratulations. Your performances during what was a very exciting Joe McDonagh Cup championship stood out and have been recognised by your fellow players who voted for a longlist, that was then whittled down by the selection committee. You’ve been acknowledged therefore by both your peers and an expert panel.
“I hope that you and all hurling people in Laois, Offaly, Kerry, Westmeath and Down take great pride in your selection to this team. Finally, thank you to the selectors under the chairmanship of Pat Daly.”
The Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year will be guests of honour at a gala black-tie event hosted at Croke Park this Friday night which will also honour the Champion 15 team announced yesterday and the Tailteann Cup Team of the Year which will be announced tomorrow. The event will be streamed live by the GAA on YouTube from 7pm.
Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year 2024
- Enda Rowland (Laois)
- Diarmuid Conway (Laois)
- Ciarán Burke (Offaly)
- Ben Conneely (Offaly)
- Pádraig Delaney (Laois)
- Cillian Kiely (Offaly)
- Fionán Mackessy (Kerry)
- Paddy Purcell (Laois)
- Aidan Corby (Laois)
- Aaron Dunphy (Laois)
- Killian Doyle (Westmeath)
- Killian Sampson (Offaly)
- Charlie Mitchell (Offaly)
- Brian Duignan (Offaly)
- Daithí Sands (Down)
