Finalists Down and Laois dominate Tailteann Cup team of the year

The pair of counties account for nine of the 15 players named. 

INCLUDED: Odhran Murdock of Down with Ikem Ugweru and Emmet McMahon of Clare. Pic: Andrew Paton/Inpho

Champions Down and runners-up Laois have dominated the 2024 Tailteann Cup team of the year, with the pair of counties accounting for nine of the 15 players named. 

Conor Laverty’s Mourne men followed up their Allianz League Division 3 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 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.

Antrim's 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.

Uachtarán CLG 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.

“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.” 

The Tailteann Cup team of the year was decided by a selection committee chaired by Pat Daly, and he winners will be presented with their awards tomorrow night at at Croke Park alongside the Champion 15 and Joe McDonagh award winners.

Tailteann Cup TOTY: K. Roche (Laois); P. Laverty (Down), R. McEvoy (Down), K. Keenan (Antrim); D. Guinness (Down), B. Byrne (Laois), E. Lyons (Sligo); E. Rigter (Limerick), O. Murdock (Down); M. Barry (Laois), D. Kirwan (Kildare), S. Carrabine (Sligo); N. Murphy (Sligo), E. O’Carroll (Laois), P. Havern (Down).