GAA Hurling Team of the Year

The 2024 Hurling Championship was once again the highlight of our GAA summer.

Many players starred as Clare emerged the 2024 All-Ireland Champions. Below, we have listed the fifteen players who shone brightest in what was an unforgettable 2024 hurling Championship.

1. Nickie Quaid (Limerick)

The seven-time Munster Hurling champion returned to his best form in 2024 as Limerick failed to win the Liam McCarthy for the first time since 2019. He was brilliant as John Kiely’s men won Munster and stepped up even as his county fell short against Cork in the semi-final.

2. Adam Hogan (Clare)

The Feakle defender has already established himself as one of the best corner backs in the country. His aggressive in your face style saw him put in a wonderful 2nd half against Kilkenny and an even better Final, despite picking up an early booking.

3. Eoin Downey (Cork)

One of the finds of 2024, Downey had made just one Championship appearance before this year, but his performances saw him nail down the No 3 jersey and is surely now the Cork full back for many years to come.

4. Conor Leen (Clare)

A stalwart for Clare all year the Corofin defender was exemplary in the final as the Clare full back line got to grips with the dangerous Cork full-forward line. He only made his debut in February and an All-Ireland winner within 6 months.

5. David McInerney (Clare)

One of the leaders of this Clare team for many years, he is one of four to feature in both the 2013 and 2024 All Ireland victories over Cork. He was exceptional in their semi-final win over Kilkenny, winning the Man of the Match award for his efforts.

6. Robert Downey (Cork)

Full back on the 2021 All-Ireland losing team the older Downey brother has found a new home at No 6 for the Rebels this year. Cork’s defensive spine seems well stocked for many years to come with the Downey brothers in position, and no one will ever forget that goal in this year’s Final.

7. Kyle Hayes (Limerick)

Despite Limerick not hitting the heights during their failed drive for five this year, the talismanic half back was once again one of the top performers in the country. A testament to his importance is that Cork’s tactics during their semi-final seemed to involve keeping the ball away from him as much as possible.

8. Daragh Fitzgibbon (Cork)

The Charleville clubman, an all-star in 2018, is surely a nailed on one again in 2024. His rampaging runs saw the exceptionally talented midfielder pitch in with 0-24 points throughout the season, his finest one to date in a Cork jersey.

9. Tony Kelly (Clare)

Kelly was hurler of the year and young hurler of the year the last time Clare won the All-Ireland in 2013, and quite simply, in 2024, he is the reason the Banner are All-Ireland champions once again. An unforgettable final performance in which he hit 1-04 from play, including one of the greatest goals ever seen in Croke Park.

10. David Fitzgerald (Clare)

A great year for the rangy wing forward in which he was a consistent source of scores for the Banner on their way to All-Ireland glory. He has an All-Star from 2022 and will more than likely add a deserved second gong to his collection later in the year.

11. Shane Barrett (Cork)

Barrett had a fast start to the Final, hitting two early scores before fading. Overall, more than justifies his selection however, due to his performances in the semi-final and those tricky matches Cork had in the Prelim and quarter final.

12. Seamus Harnedy (Cork)

A legend of Cork hurling over the last decade Harnedy must have thought 2024 would be the year he finally collected that All-Ireland medal. He was inspirational at the start of the Final, hitting three wondrous points and was even more to the fore during the semi-final against Limerick, hitting four points.

13. Mark Rodgers (Clare)

Rodgers calmed Clare’s nerves in the Final with a point after Cork’s fast start before finishing the game with 1-03, including a fine solo goal in the 2nd half as he signed off on a stellar 2024 where he was among Clare’s most consistent and creative performers.

14. Shane O’ Donnell (Clare)

The 2024 Hurler of the Year in waiting, O’ Donnell, had a phenomenal Championship after missing Clare’s League campaign. His ability to create scoring chances for himself and others with his positioning and fielding is unrivalled by any other forward in the country. He hit two points in the final as he collected a second All-Ireland medal to go with his 2013 success.

15. Brian Hayes (Cork)

Hayes was instrumental in Cork ending Limerick’s All Ireland hopes for 2024, hitting 1-04 in a Man of the Match display. He had a quieter final against Clare’s ferocious full back line, but he still pitched in 0-02 points and looks a cert for an All-Star.

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