Four Cavan players chosen on Tailteann 'All-Stars'

GAA news

Four Cavan senior footballers have been rewarded for their outstanding performances in the inaugural Tailteann Cup by being selected on the first-ever Tailteann Cup Champion 15.

Jason McLoughlin (Shannon Gaels), Killian Clarke (Shercock), Gearoid McKiernan (Cavan Gaels) and Gerard Smith (Lavey) all made the final cut. The quartet will be presented with their awards at a ceremony in Croke Park tonight (Friday).

In all, players from five counties were chosen for the ‘All-Star’ selection. Cavan defeated Down, Fermanagh and Sligo to make the final at Croke Park, where they fell short against Westmeath.

The champions have six players on the final 15, led by veteran star John Heslin, who over the course of the campaign became Westmeath’s all-time top scorer.

Joining him are defenders Jack Smith, Kevin Maguire and Ronan Wallace, with midfielder Sam McCartan acknowledged and influential centre forward Ronan O’Toole completing their haul.

Aidan Devaney’s consistency and his shot stopping heroics that saw him save three penalty kicks gives him the nod for in goal and he is joined by county men Evan Lyons and Seán Carrabine.

Offaly star Anton Sullivan and razor-sharp Leitrim attacker Keith Beirne complete the selection.

Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy congratulated the winners and said: “The Tailteann Cup was an excellent addition to the calendar and produced the competitive matches and entertaining football that we had hoped for.

“Westmeath and Cavan were worthy finalists, and this Team of the Year is a reflection of the players who delivered exceptional performances over the campaign.

“To be part of the history making first ever selection is special and I congratulate the players honoured here and salute all of those who played a role in making the Tailteann Cup such a great success in 2022, something which we will build on in the coming years.”

An independent selection committee decided the final 15 who will be presented with their awards at a special black-tie function in Croke Park. The event will be streamed live on gaa.ie from 7pm and also feature the awards for the Ring, Rackard and Meagher and Joe McDonagh Teams of the Year as well as the overall Players of the Year in the three championships.

Tailteann Cup TOTY Selection:

1. Aidan Devaney (Sligo)

2. Jack Smith (Westmeath)

3. Kevin Maguire (Westmeath)

4. Evan Lyons (Sligo)

5. Jason McLoughlin (Cavan)

6. Ronan Wallace (Westmeath)

7. Killian Clarke (Cavan)

8. Sam McCartan (Westmeath)

9. Seán Carrabine (Sligo)

10. Gearóid McKiernan (Cavan)

11. Ronan O’Toole (Westmeath)

12. Anton Sullivan (Offaly)

13. Gerard Smith (Cavan)

14. John Heslin (Westmeath)

15. Keith Beirne (Leitrim)