GAA

Pat Havern named Tailteann Cup player of the year

Donegal’s Liam McKinney was also named as the Nicky Rackard Cup hurler of the year

Down’s Pat Havern scores a point  during Saturday’s Tailteann Final at Croke Park in Dublin.
PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Down’s Pat Havern scores a point during the Tailteann Final at Croke Park in Dublin. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN

DOWN’S Pat Havern has been named as the Tailteann Cup footballer of the year following his free-scoring displays in the Mournemen’s successful summer.

The Saval clubman hit 0-25 for Conor Laverty’s side as they claimed the second tier honours and earned a shot at the All-Ireland series next year.

Havern was one of five Down men named on the team of the year yesterday. His team-mates Pierce Laverty, Ryan McEvoy, Daniel Guinness and Odhran Murdock were also honoured at an event in Croke Park on Friday evening.

Laverty and Murdock had also been named on last season’s team of the year.

11 October 2024; Aidan and Liam McKinney, from Donegal, upon arrival at the GAA Champion 15 Awards ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
11 October 2024; Aidan and Liam McKinney, from Donegal, upon arrival at the GAA Champion 15 Awards ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile (Sam Barnes / SPORTSFILE/SPORTSFILE)

Donegal’s Liam McKinney was also named as the Nicky Rackard Cup hurler of the year.

The young Burt forward’s scoring prowess has really caught the eye in recent seasons. He hit a phenomenal 1-22 from play as Donegal claimed the title, turning in brilliant displays against Armagh and Roscommon.

Offaly’s Charlie Mitchell, who was man of the match in the final, was named Joe McDonagh Cup hurler of the year.

London’s Jack Goulding, a native of Kerry, and Longford’s Cian Darcy were given the rewards for the Christy Ring and Lory Meagher player of the year respectively.

11 October 2024; Barry and Annie Havern upon arrival at the GAA Champion 15 Awards ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
11 October 2024; Barry and Annie Havern upon arrival at the GAA Champion 15 Awards ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile (Sam Barnes / SPORTSFILE/SPORTSFILE)

The awards were determined by a selection committee of GAA media and presented at a special function in Croke Park which was streamed on the GAA Youtube channel.

The PwC All-Stars for the Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy Cup championships will be presented on Friday, November 1 in the RDS.