Laois GAA hurler named in Joe McDonagh Team of the Year as neighbouring counties dominate

Laois and Clough-Ballacolla star Stephen 'Picky' Maher has been named in this year's Joe McDonagh Team of the Year. Maher is named at number 10 in the team alongside seven players from Carlow, five from Offaly while Down and Kerry have one player each represented.

The O'Moore County had a season to forget this year as they got relegated from Division 1 of the Allianz Leagues before failing to even reach the final of the Joe McDonagh. The defeat to Offaly coupled with a draw to Carlow saw Laois finish in third place behind their two neighbours. Carlow ended up lifting the Joe McDonagh as they defeated Offaly in the final game to reach the decider before matching that result to climb the steps of the Hogan Stand.

With Willie Maher set to remain as Laois manager for another year, his first job will be trying to get Laois back into Division 1 and then aim to win the Joe McDonagh and get back into the Leinster Championship.

See the full team below:

Following the announcment, Uachtarán CLG 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.” 

Tom Parsons, GPA CEO, said: “The difference between winning and losing in sport can come  down to the smallest of differences. Carlow’s triumph in this season’s Joe McDonagh Cup is proof of this again, if proof were needed. Two draws in the round robin stages were followed by a one-point win in the final after extra-time. Fine margins can make a massive  difference. 

“Big performances from individual players can also make a big difference when the pressure  is on. To their peers and to the selection committee seven Carlow men came up with those  big moments when it mattered most. To them, and to their fellow winners from Offaly,  Kerry, Down and Laois, congratulations on all you have achieved for yourselves, your teams, your clubs, your counties and your supporters in 2023.”