Kildare dominate Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year after historic season

David Qualter makes the Team of the Year after finishing as the tournaments top scorer. Pic: John Sheridan/Sportsfile

Kildare claiming an impressive seven slots in the Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year, after securing their first-ever McDonagh Cup title this season.

It was a landmark season for Kildare hurling. Just a year after lifting their fifth Christy Ring Cup, the Lilywhites battled their way to Croke Park and overcame Laois to capture their maiden McDonagh Cup crown and earn promotion to the 2026 Leinster Senior Hurling Championship in the process.

Laois goalkeeper Cathal Dunne is a deserving inclusion following his stunning double save in the final aswell as a string of impressive performances throughout the campaign.

Kildare dominate the backline, with the Boran brothers anchoring the defence and Simon Leacy slotting in at corner-back. Laois defenders Pádraig Delaney and Diarmaid Conway also retain their spots from last year, while Carlow’s Paul Doyle earns his second such honour, having last featured in 2018.

Carlow's Paul Doyle makes the Team of the Year for the first time since 2018. Pic: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

In midfield, Kildare’s dynamic duo James Burke and Cathal McCabe are inseparable, taking the number eight and nine jerseys.

Laois captain Paddy Purcell makes it back-to-back selections, lining out on the half-forward line alongside teammate Tomás Keyes and Kildare’s David Qualter — the tournament’s top scorer.

The prolific full-forward line features Carlow’s Martin Kavanagh and Chris Nolan, who amassed a combined 11-55 between them, joined by Kildare’s Jack Sheridan, whose 5-7 tally included a standout 1-4 in the final.

The team will be honoured at a black-tie gala in Croke Park this Friday evening, alongside the forthcoming Tailteann Cup Team of the Year. The event will be streamed live on the GAA’s official YouTube channel from 7pm.

Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year: C Dunne (Laois); P Doyle (Carlow), R Boran (Kildare), S Leacy (Kildare); P Delaney (Laois), C Boran (Kildare), D Conway (Laois); J Burke (Kildare), C McCabe (Kildare); P Purcell (Laois), T Keyes (Laois), D Qualter (Kildare); M Kavanagh (Carlow), J Sheridan (Kildare), C Nolan (Carlow).