The Carlow hurlers are the dominant force in the 2023 Joe McDonagh Team of the Year, with the two-time victors claiming seven spots in the selection.
Five counties are represented in total.
The Dolmen County are represented in every line of the team, with goalkeeper Brian Tracey joined by the Jack McCullagh and Diarmuid Byrne in defence, the point scoring James Doyle in midfield, and forwards Chris Nolan, Paddy Boland, and Martin Kavanagh.
Runners-up Offaly take up five places on the team, with their captain Jason Sampson being joined by Ciarán Burke and Ben Conneely in defence, with David Nally in midfield and Eoghan Cahill named among the forwards.
Kerryman Fionán Mackessy picks up his fourth consecutive award, having also claimed the M. Donnelly Poc fada All-Ireland title this year, along with playing a starring role in Ireland's recent triumph over Scotland in the revived Hurling-Shinty international.
Laois forward Stephen Maher is named in the number ten jersey, while Down's Pearse Óg McCrickard is named on the other wing.
GAA president Larry McCarthy said: "This year's Carlow-Offaly Joe McDonagh Cup final was an exceptional match and a fitting finale to what was yet another exciting campaign. My congratulations to those players who have been selected in recognition of their outstanding displays and I know these awards will be an honour that is celebrated by your families and clubs."
Players from the Joe McDonagh Cup were asked to nominate outstanding performers in the competition, 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 in Croke Park this Friday night.
Joe McDonagh team of the year:
- 1 Brian Tracey (Carlow)
- 2 Jack McCullagh (Carlow)
- 3 Ciarán Burke (Offaly)
- 4 Ben Conneely (Offaly)
- 5 Jason Sampson (Offaly)
- 6 Fionán Mackessy (Kerry)
- 7 Diarmuid Byrne (Carlow)
- 8 James Doyle (Carlow)
- 9 David Nally (Offaly)
- 10 Stephen Maher (Laois)
- 11 Chris Nolan (Carlow)
- 12 Pearse Óg McCrickard (Down)
- 13 Paddy Boland (Carlow)
- 14 Martin Kavanagh (Carlow)
- 15 Eoghan Cahill (Offaly)
