Six Offaly hurlers named on Joe McDonagh Cup team of the Year

SIX Offaly hurlers have been named on the Joe McDonagh Cup team of the Year 2024.

Three players have been selected in defence and three more in attack on the side that is dominated by the two teams which reached the Joe McDonagh Cup Final in June, where Offaly defeated Laois by 2-23 to 0-26 after an epic game. Laois also have six players chosen on the side with the other three players being one each from Kerry, Westmeath and Down.

Offaly have two players chosen on the full back line, Ciarán Burke and Ben Conneely while Cillian Kiely is named at centre half back.

In attack Killian Sampson is chosen at left half forward with Charlie Mitchell at right corner forward and Brian Duignan at full forward completing the Offaly sextet.

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 (Tuesday) and the Tailteann Cup Team of the Year which will be announced tomorrow (Thursday). The event will be streamed live by the GAA on Youtube from 7pm.

The Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year 2024 in full is: 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).