Five Down players in Tailteann Cup team of the year

Champions Down have been handed a total of five spots in the 2024 Tailteann Cup team of the year.

The Mourne County won the third edition of the competition at Croke Park in June, surviving a late Laois rally to eventually win out by a score of 0-14 to 2-06.

Odhran Murdock won player of the match on the day, and has been rewarded for his performances throughout the Tailteann Cup with a place in the team of the year.

Murdock's tally of three points in the final was matched by corner-forward Pat Havern, who is also included, along with defensive trio Pierce Laverty, Ryan McEvoy and Daniel Guinness.

Tailteann Cup final goal-scorer Mark Barry, has made the team, along with three of his Laois team-mates in fellow forward Evan O'Carroll, goalkeeper Killian Roche and half-back Brian Byrne.

Sligo have three entries in Evan Lyons, Seán Carrabine and Niall Murphy, while the other beaten semi-finalists, Antrim, are represented by full-back Kavan Keenan.

The remaining spots in the team are taken by Limerick midfielder Emmet Rigter and Kildare forward Darragh Kirwan.

"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," said GAA President Jarlath Burns.

"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 winners will be presented with their awards on Friday night at a special black-tie event at Croke Park, alongside members of the Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year, which was announced earlier in the week.

The event will be streamed live by the GAA on YouTube form 7pm.

2024 Tailteann Cup 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)