COMMENT: Disappointment as NO Longford minor player selected on Electric Ireland Team of the Year

Disappointment is the only word with no members of the magnificent Longford U-17  team selected on the Electric Ireland Minor Star Football Team of the Year.

What seldom is wonderful but the fantastic achievement by the county minors in winning the Leinster Minor Championship title for the first time since 2010 has drifted past the attention of the wise people who were part of the adjudication panel.

Who will forget that memorable night in O’Connor Park in Tullamore when ‘little’ Longford sprang a major shock to defeat Dublin in the provincial final after extra-time. 

Proving that the same result over the illustrious opposition in the group stage was no fluke, the midlanders were crowned Leinster champions - much to the sheer delight of their enthusiastic supporters who were like an extra man.

Spurred on by inspirational manager Enda McGahern with the captain and commanding centre-half-back Mark Cooney (Clonguish) producing a man of the match performance, Longford came out on top in a tremendous success that captured the attention of GAA followers all over the country.

While they were subsequently well beaten by the Ulster runners-up Armagh in the All-Ireland quarter-final at Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan, the general opinion was that Longford were in a strong position to receive recognition on the Electric Ireland Minor Team of the Year.

Unfortunately, it was not to be with Armagh (4) along with obviously exceptional players from the other three provincial title winners Derry (5), Kerry (3) and Mayo (3) accounting for the other awards winners.  

 Electric Ireland, proud sponsor of the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Championships, reflects on their 13th year in partnership with the GAA and stated that the 2024 Championship was a season that saw big provincial wins, tightly fought extra-time, tough defeats, a new generation of talent coming through and many moments across minor that will last the players’ lifetime.

It was an all-Ulster title decider with Derry overcoming Armagh to win back-to-back Electric Ireland GAA Minor Football Finals. 

The sponsors also announced this year’s Electric Ireland Minor Star Football Player of the Year: Derry’s James Sargent. The midfielder and captain of his county was a standout player throughout this campaign, scoring a goal in the All-Ireland final as well as being awarded player of the match on the day.

With Sargent’s exceptional skill and talent highlighted in this year’s championship, it is no surprise that he also featured in last year’s Electric Ireland Minor Star Football Team of the Year and makes him a back-to-back Minor champion.

 2024 Electric Ireland Football Minor Star Team of the Year

1.         Kacper Robak (Kerry and Dr. Crokes)
2.         Tom Hession (Mayo and Eastern Gaels)
3.         Ronan Canavan (Derry and Brian Ógs Steelstown)
4.         Conall Wilson (Armagh and St Peter’s)
5.         Luke Grant (Derry and Greenlough)
6.         Ben Murphy (Kerry and Austin Stacks)
7.         Diarmaid O’Rourke (Armagh and St Patrick's Dromintee)
8.         James Sargent (Derry and Lavey)
9.         Dáithí O’Callaghan (Armagh and Carrickcruppen St Patricks GAA)
10.     Eamon Young (Derry and Newbridge)
11.     Kobe McDonald (Mayo and Crossmolina Deel Rovers)
12.     Gearóid White (Kerry and John Mitchels)
13.     Eoin Duffy (Armagh and Culloville Blues GAC)
14.     Oisín Deane (Mayo and Crossmolina Deel Rovers)
15.     Dylan Rocks (Derry and Loup)

GAA President Jarlath Burns, said: “I am delighted to congratulate the players selected in this year’s Electric Ireland Minor Star Football Team of the Year. Watching the games this season has been thrilling and the showcase of talent at each stage of the championship has been extremely impressive, culminating in an incredibly exciting all-Ulster final. A bright future lies ahead for these players, and I look forward to seeing their development in the GAA over the coming years.”