Champions Fermanagh and Leitrim lead the way on 2024 Teams of the TG4 All-Ireland Junior and Intermediate Championships

CHAMPIONS Fermanagh and Leitrim lead the way in the 2024 TG4 Teams of the All-Ireland Junior and Intermediate Championships.

These selections honour outstanding individual displays throughout the 2024 TG4 All-Ireland Championships in the Junior and Intermediate grades – with the winners set to receive their awards at a Croke Park function on Friday October 25.

Leitrim were crowned TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Champions on August 4, following victory in the Final over Tyrone, while the Junior silverware went to Fermanagh, who saw off the challenge of Louth.

The Teams of the Championships have now been selected by members of the LGFA’s All-Star committee – with Leitrim claiming seven slots on the Intermediate team, while Fermanagh have six players on the Junior XV.

The seven Leitrim winners are goalkeeper Michelle Monaghan, defenders Charlene Tyrell, Sarah Reynolds and Elise Bruen, and forward trio Laura O’Dowd, Ailbhe Clancy (Player of the Match in the TG4 All-Ireland Final) and captain Michelle Guckian.

Runners-up Tyrone have five players included, namely corner back Jayne Lyons, Meabh Corrigan at left-half back, captain and midfielder Aoibhinn McHugh, and forward pair Emma Jane Gervin and Aoife Horisk.

Beaten semi-finalists Down and Wexford are also acknowledged on the Team of the Championship.

Defender Erin Sands and forward Laoise Duffy are both included from Down, with Wexford’s Clara Donnelly also getting the nod at midfield.

On the TG4 Junior Team of the Championship, winners Fermanagh are represented by defenders Ciara Clarke, Molly McGloin, captain Shannan McQuade and Cadhla-Cara Bogue, while Bláithín Bogue and Eimear Smyth are both named in attack.

Smyth was Player of the Match in the All-Ireland Final victory over Louth and her high-scoring exploits throughout the season earned her the ZuCar Golden Boot award as leading scorer in the TG4 All-Ireland Championships.

Louth’s exploits in reaching the Final are rewarded by the inclusions of goalkeeper Rebecca Lambe Fagan, defenders Ceire Nolan and captain Áine Breen, midfielder Eimear Byrne, and forward star Niamh Rice.

Semi-finalists Limerick and Carlow both have two players included on the Team of the Championship.

From Carlow, forwards Rachel Sawyer and Clíodhna Ní Shé are listed in attack, while Limerick are represented by captain Róisín Ambrose at midfield and Deborah Murphy in the half-forward line.

Ladies Gaelic Football Association President, Mícheál Naughton, commented: “The 2024 TG4 All-Ireland Junior and Intermediate Championships produced brilliant football once again.

“We are delighted now to once again acknowledge the outstanding contributions of the competition’s leading players in the Junior and Intermediate Teams of the Championship.

“The Championships were packed with superb action, plenty of drama and numerous talking points.

“Our Junior Final saw Fermanagh regain Intermediate status with victory over Louth, as Leitrim edged out Tyrone in a thrilling Intermediate Final, to move up to the Senior Championship ranks in 2025.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all players across both grades for their efforts at inter-county level this year.

“We are blessed to have such terrific role models playing at an extremely high standard and we look forward to more thrilling fare next year.

“A special word of thanks, also, to TG4 for their continued and outstanding commitment to our sport.

“TG4 were alongside us throughout our 50^th Anniversary celebrations and I wish to put on the record my sincere thanks to TG4 Director General, Alan Esslemont, Head of Sport, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha, and the entire TG4 team for another outstanding summer of Championship coverage.”

Alan Esslemont, Ard-Stiúrthóir TG4, added: “Comhghairdeas ó chroí leis na himreoirí ar fad ón gCraobh Sóisearach agus Idirmheánach a ainmníodh inniu ag ócáid ‘Peil na mBan – Foirne na Bliana’. 

“Is iad Fear Manach, Lú, Liatroim agus Tír Eoghain a bhain Páirc an Chrócaigh amach do Cluichí Ceannais na hÉireann. Ní fhéadfadh ach buaiteoir amháin a bheith i ngach ceann dár gCluichí Ceannais agus is iad Fear Manach ag an leibhéal sóisearach agus Liatroim sa ghrád Idirmheánach a thug leo an bua.

“2024 was a very special year for all the levels of the LGFA. It is a great honour for TG4 to be able to support this sport which for many years now has led the charge in driving forward female participation in sport. 

“This year’s championships were testament to the fantastic quality of Ladies Gaelic Football which gives delight to so many people worldwide.  TG4 congratulates all those players from the Junior and Intermediate grades who have been chosen for the two Teams of the Year. Tréaslaíonn TG4 leis na himreoirí go léir.”

It has also been confirmed that the 2024 TG4 All-Star banquet will be held at Dublin’s Bonnington Hotel on Saturday, November 16.