Aidan Forker, left, and Barry McCambridge of Armagh celebrate after the 2024 GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Armagh and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile
All-Ireland champions Armagh have landed six coveted slots on the PwC Football All-Star team for 2024 which is announced this morning.
All-Ireland winning captain Aidan Forker leads the contingent from the Orchard County where he is joined in defence by Barry McCambridge, midfielder Ben Crealey and forwards Rian O’Neill, Oisín Conaty and Conor Turbitt.
There are five counties in all represented, with a landmark selection for Louth wing back Craig Lennon. The St Mochta’s man scored 4-7 from play over the course of a memorable season for the Wee County and is Louth’s second-ever All-Star recipient.
Goalkeeper Niall Morgan is Tyrone’s only award winner and is the only one of the high calibre 15 to be a previous All-Star winner.
Connacht champions and All-Ireland finalists Galway have five players represented across defence, midfield and attack, while Ulster champions Donegal have Peadar Mogan and Oisín Gallen represented.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “To be included on the ultimate team of teams after what was a dramatic and memorable football season is a significant honour and I congratulate all of those who have been selected. We play a team game, but we have always reserved a special place for those Laochra Gael who cast a spell through the extraordinary heights and contributions that they make.
“For more than 50 years that is what the All-Stars have been about – recognising and celebrating those players who have been a cut above. Those of us from the Orchard County are still basking in the glow of our triumph of last summer and I know that the clubs who waken up today knowing they have All-Stars as well as All-Ireland medals in their ranks will be enormously proud – something that every club lucky enough to be represented will feel.
“Maintaining this institution in our calendar is a major commitment and something we are indebted to PwC for their backing and support and likewise the partnership we enjoy with the GPA.”
GPA CEO Tom Parsons said: “A remarkable year for Armagh is capped off with 6 players being named on the PwC All-Stars Football Team. Congratulations to each member of the Orchard County squad who have been selected. To have Sam Maguire and a PwC All-Star award to your name for 2024 is something to be very proud of.
"And Galway pushed them all the way once more with 5 players awarded. It reflects what was for them also a fantastic season.
“To all the players who made the final 15, well done. You were the best of the best this season. Our games are all about the team collective, but it is so important to mark outstanding individual performances. Your inclusion is very well merited. Finally, to thank PwC and the GAA for their continued partnership in these awards.”
Enda McDonagh, Managing Partner, PwC, said: "On behalf of everyone at PwC, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 PwC All-Star Football Team on their awards. Being selected as one of the top 15 players in the country is a remarkable achievement, and each of you should be incredibly proud.”
The PwC All-Stars were chosen by a panel of Gaelic Games correspondents from across print, radio, tv and digital media. The GAA All-Stars Awards date back to 1971 and were initiated by the Gaelic Games media led by Mick Dunne. The winning team will be presented with their awards at a black-tie banquet tomorrow night at the RDS, which will be shown live on RTÉ TV at 7pm. The PwC GAA/GPA Footballer and Hurler of the Year, and Young Players of the Year are chosen by the players directly and these awards, along with the PwC Hurling All-Stars, will all be announced live on the night.
PwC Football All-Stars 2024 (Previous winning All-Star year in brackets)
- Niall Morgan (Edendork St Malachy’s, Tyrone) (2021)
- Johnny McGrath (Caherlistrane, Galway)
- Barry McCambridge (Clann Éireann, Armagh)
- Peadar Mogan (Naomh Naille, Donegal)
- Dylan McHugh (Corofin, Galway)
- Aidan Forker (Maghery Seán MacDiarmada, Armagh)
- Craig Lennon (St Mochta’s, Louth)
- Paul Conroy (St James’s, Galway)
- Ben Crealey (Maghery Seán MacDiarmada, Armagh)
- Rian O’Neill (Crossmaglen Rangers, Armagh)
- John Maher (Salthill-Knocknacarra, Galway)
- Oisín Conaty (Tír na nÓg, Armagh)
- Rob Finnerty (Salthill-Knocknacarra, Galway)
- Oisín Gallen (Seán Mac Cumhaills, Donegal)
- Conor Turbitt (Clann Éireann, Armagh)