Armagh secured their first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship title in 22 years by beating Galway today and the Orchard County's triumph has been recognised on The Sunday Game's Team of the Year.
Eight of Kieran McGeeney's men have been named on the selection, which was chosen by The Sunday Game panel. That includes Barry McCambridge, named the panel's Footballer of the Year.
Runners-up Galway have five representatives while beaten semi-finalists Donegal complete the team with two.
Goalkeeper
Blaine Hughes (Armagh)
A superb season for the man who wasn't even on the Armagh panel in 2023, stepping away to focus on a new business after losing his place to converted outfielder Ethan Rafferty the previous season. The 30-year-old was asked back this year as Rafferty was recovering from injury and held onto the number one spot throughout the summer, even after his rival's return to fitness. A more traditional netminder than 'sweeper keeper' Rafferty, his accuracy from kickouts gave the Orchard men a great platform - particularly in the semi-final against Kerry - and he also made big saves in several games.
Full-back line
Johnny McGrath (Galway)
The 23-year-old corner-back from Caherlistrane contained forwards of the class of Ryan O'Donoghue, Shane McGuigan, and Cormac Costello over the course of the championship and kept Conor Turbitt, one of Armagh's key weapons, scoreless in what was his first All-Ireland SFC appearance.
Aaron McKay (Armagh)
Wears three on his jersey and marked Sean O'Shea in the semi-final but often plays the sweeper role in the Orchard County defence. In the final, he got forward to palm Stefan Campbell's centre to the Galway net, which was the crucial score in Armagh's victory.
Barry McCambridge (Armagh)
Scored 2-05 in the championship from corner-back, including 0-01 in the final and the goal that sparked the semi-final comeback against Kerry. Held both Kerry's David Clifford and Shane Walsh to just one point from play each. The 25-year-old teacher from the Clann Éireann club in Lurgan was man of the match in the quarter-final win over Roscommon and is The Sunday Game's Footballer of the Year.
Half-back line
Dylan McHugh (Galway)
Final didn't go to plan but the Corofin man was just the width of a post away from forcing extra-time. He was a player of the year candidate before today on the strength of his consistent creativity and running from half-back. Scored points in five games, including two in the semi-final win over Donegal when he was man of the match, and created many more.
Aidan Forker (Armagh)
The Armagh captain led by example on the biggest stage, marking Damien Comer out of the game and getting forward to score a point. Scored eight over the course of the campaign, two of which came against Kerry. The 32-year-old considered a soccer career as teenager but decided to focus on Gaelic football after watching Armagh win the 2009 minor title and got to lift Sam Maguire in what is his 13th inter-county season.
Peadar Mogan (Donegal)
Won the player of the month awards for both May and June after starring in Donegal's march to the All-Ireland semi-finals. The lightning quick wing-back from Mountcharles scored 0-13 from play in nine games, racking up 0-05 and taking the man of the match award in the quarter-final win over Louth as Donegal exceeded expectations in Jim McGuinness' first season after returning as manager.
Midfield
Paul Conroy (Galway)
A second All-Ireland final defeat for the man who turned 35 in May but he was arguably Galway's best player, scoring three long-range points. The 6'3 St James' man finished his championship with 2-18 to his name. Would be a surprise if he's not back for a 17th inter-county season next year.
Ben Crealey (Armagh)
The 6'5 former rally driver has been excellent in the air and at winning possession over the course of the season. Scored two points in the first half of the final and won a crucial late turnover on Cillian McDaid when Galway were looking for a leveller. Also bagged a brace in the Ulster final and scored against Derry and the Tribesmen in the group stages.
Half-forward line
John Maher (Galway)
Scored a point in five matches, including his first All-Ireland final, but it's his work around the middle that stands out. He helped to limit Brian Fenton's influence in the quarter-final. The 25-year-old is now a nailed-on starter having only made his Galway debut last season.
Rian O'Neill (Armagh)
Didn't hit top form in every game but when he did, Armagh won. The playmaker who makes them tick. Bagged 1-14 (1-12 from play) in the championship and another score today. His best season of a career disrupted by injury since his debut seven years ago.
Oisín Conaty (Armagh)
The 20-year-old former Northern Ireland U19 international was Armagh's top-scorer in the final, kicking three excellent points from play to earn the man of the match award. He racked up 0-13 over the summer and the marking job he did on Ryan McHugh in the Ulster final typified his defensive dilligence.
Full-forward line
Rob Finnerty (Galway)
Scored one free in the final before it sadly ended for him after just 10 minutes due to a knee injury. Shane Walsh then had to take all of the frees but missed three so Finnerty might have proved the difference. Scored 1-33 overall and was particularly effective against Donegal.
Oisín Gallen (Donegal)
One of the championship's top scorers with 2-33 (1-18f). Scored six points in the Ulster final before the penalty shootout victory, four of which came from play. 'Farrah' excelled this year having managed to stay injury free for a second successive season, having thought he might have to stop playing in 2022.
Conor Turbitt (Armagh)
Had a final to forget, including missing a close-range free, and was taken off after 46 minutes but 'Turbo' was sensational otherwise throughout the year, scoring 3-22 (3-12 from play). Scored four points in the Ulster final and five in the semis.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
