Football

Down dominate Tailteann Cup team of the year while Antrim also feature

Champions secure five spots after won over Laois in Croke Park final in July

Down celebrate lifting the cup during Saturday’s Tailteann Final at Croke Park in Dublin. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Down celebrate lifting the cup during Saturday’s Tailteann Final at Croke Park in Dublin. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN

Champions Down have been rewarded with five slots on the 2024 Tailteann Cup Team of the Year which has been announced today.

Conor Laverty’s Mournemen followed up their Allianz League Division Three promotion with a Tailteann Cup triumph when outgunning Laois in the final and have defenders Pierce Laverty, Ryan McEvoy and Daniel McGuinness included, alongside midfielder Odhran Murdock and inside forward Pat Havern.

Laois are represented by sharp shooting goalkeeper Killian Roche who amassed 0-13 in the campaign, as well as half back Brian Byrne, and key forwards Mark Barry and Evan O’Carroll.

There are six counties represented on the Team of the Year in what was the third year of the Tailteann Cup football championship.

Rising Antrim star Kavan Keelan, Limerick midfielder Emmet Rigter and Naas and Kildare star forward Darragh Kirwan join the impressive Sligo contingent of Evan Lyons, Seán Carrabine and Niall Murphy.

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GAA President Jarlath Burns said: “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.

Antrim V Down at Corrigan Park. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN
Antrim's Kavan Keenan (right) has been named on the Tailteann Cup team of the year PICTURE: MAL MCCANN (Mal McCann)

“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.”

Gaelic Players’ Association CEO Tom Parsons said: “It is unsurprising to see the Tailteann Cup finalists take the lion’s share of positions on the team of the year and the nine players from those two counties selected are very well merited. It follows success already this week for Laois and Down in the Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year, so it’s been a good couple of days for both.

“Congratulations also to the three Sligo men who have made the cut alongside one player each from Antrim, Limerick and Kildare. 

The Tailteann Cup is now firmly established as a prestigious championship and that hasn’t happened by accident.  The buy-in from the players, managers, county boards and supporters has been hugely significant and shows what can be achieved in a relatively short period of time when we are all pulling in the one direction.

“Thank you to all involved and to the selection committee who deliberated on this final 15.”

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)