Derry duo named on 2023 Ring, Rackard, Meagher Champion Team of the Year

Kevin Lynch’s player Mullan and Slaughtneil’s O’Doherty were superb as the county’s hurlers belied negative pre-season predictions to make the Christy Ring Final against Meath where Johnny McGarvey’s men produced an epic fightback from 13 points down to draw within a single point of the Royals before Jack Regan’s late score pushed his team over the line. O’Doherty hit 1-14 in that Croke Park decider while it was at the other end where Mullan made his impact at sweeper in a season that gives Derry hurling plenty of reason for optimism heading into 2024.

Meath meanwhile lead the way in the ‘Champion 15’, claiming an impressive five spots on a team that sees six counties represented. The Royal contingent is made up of defenders Sean Geraghty, Simon Ennis, and James Toher, as well as forwards Regan and Éamon Óg Ó Donnchadha.

Nicky Rackard Cup victors, Wicklow, claimed three places with the full back jersey going to Andrew Kavanagh, while Christy Moorehouse and Andy O’Brien make up a lethal full-forward line. Runners-up Donegal are represented by Luke White at No. 1 and wing-back Danny Cullen.

Monaghan’s Lory Meagher Cup success is reflected in the shape of Niall Garland and forward Niall Arthur while remaining slot goes to Lancashire forward Conor Madden at wing forward.

Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy said: “These awards are dedicated to those players who go above and beyond in the pursuit of excellence and are for players who represent the cream of the crop. The Champion 15 selection covers the keenly contested Ring, Rickard and Meagher Cups which makes selection all the more notable and distinguished. Congratulations to all of those honoured.”

Tom Parsons, GPA CEO, said: “Compiling a team across three different competitions is very tricky, but nobody can argue the 15 players chosen are not worthy of the recognition. Their performances were outstanding and I want to congratulate them.

“I also hope those who put their hearts and souls into hurling in Meath, Wicklow, Derry, Donegal, Monaghan and Lancashire will all bask in the reflected glory. In the past, players from these competitions didn’t get their moment in the spotlight when it came to awards season and I’m delighted this has been rectified.”

Players were asked to nominate outstanding performers in their competitions, with an independent selection committee adjudicating on the final team based on player performances, supported by video footage and county nominations. The awards will be presented at a gala black-tie function in Croke Park this Friday. The show will be streamed live on gaa.ie from 7pm and will also feature the awards for the Joe McDonagh and the Tailteann Cup ‘Teams of the Year’ - as well as the presentation of the overall Players of the Year in these championships.

Champion 15 Team of the Year 2023

1 Luke White (Donegal)

2 Seán Geraghty (Meath)

3 Andrew Kavanagh (Wicklow)

4 Simon Ennis (Meath)

5 Richie Mullan (Derry)

6 James Toher (Meath)

7 Danny Cullen (Donegal)

8 Cormac O’Doherty (Derry)

9 Niall Garland (Monaghan)

10 Conor Madden (Lancashire)

11 Jack Regan (Meath)

12 Éamon Óg Ó Donnchadha (Meath)

13 Christy Moorehouse (Wicklow)

14 Andy O’Brien (Wicklow)

15 Niall Arthur (Monaghan)