Carlow footballer named on Tailteann Cup Team of the Year

The Royals rule the roost in this year's Tailteann Cup Team of the Year, with the reigning champions claiming eight spots in the prestigious selection, which includes four from finalists Down, and one each from Antrim, Carlow, and Cavan. 

Meath captain and veteran Donal Keogan is selected in the half back line alongside the commanding Padraic Harnan, with their fellow county men Seán Brennan and Adam O’Neill taking up the number one and number two jerseys respectively. It’s a midfield slot for U20 star Conor Gray, with Jack Flynn, Jordan Morris and the dangerous Mathew Costello rounding off the Meath places on this mouthwatering team. 

The Mourne men are led by their captain Pierce Laverty, who takes the full back spot, and he is joined in defence by Danny Magill, son of Down All-Ireland winner Miceal Magill. Down’s remaining inclusions come in the shape of the speedy Odhran Murdock in midfield and the goalscoring Liam Kerr at wing forward. 

Cavan defender Padraig Faulkner becomes the first man in history to have been named on a Tailteann Cup Team of the Year, as well as a PwC All-Star Football Team of the Year, with his selection in the full-back line. 

Antrim’s Ruairí McCann, and Carlow’s Ross Dunphy, take up the remaining two places on the Tailteann Cup Team of the Year for 2023, rewarding them for their exceptional performances throughout the competition. 

The awards will be presented at a gala black-tie function in Croke Park this Friday night. 

Tailteann Cup Team of the Year 2023:

1. Seán Brennan (Meath) 

2. Adam O’Neill (Meath) 

3. Pierce Laverty (Down) 

4. Padraig Faulkner (Cavan) 

5. Donal Keogan (Meath) 

6. Padraic Harnan (Meath) 

7. Danny Magill (Down) 

8. Odhran Murdock (Down) 

9. Conor Gray (Meath) 

10. Jack Flynn (Meath) 

*11. Ross Dunphy (Carlow) 

12. Liam Kerr (Down) 

13. Jordan Morris (Meath)

14. Mathew Costello (Meath) 

15. Ruairí McCann – (Antrim)