2024 football All-Stars could see host of first-time award winners
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For the first time since 2002, both All-Ireland finals will be contested by teams who weren’t involved the previous year. It’s almost certain to mean a whole lot of new All-Stars come autumn especially in football. Right now, ours has 11 first-timers:
Blaine Hughes is finishing this season like a train but the bank of work Morgan compiled up to the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final was considerable.
A buzzing support player in attack and a nuisance of a marker, McGrath has been given major tagging duties from Pádraic Joyce and more than held his own.
Donegal’s Brendan McCole presents strong opposition but McKay’s excellent form has been essential in Armagh being so mean across Ulster and the All-Ireland SFC.
He didn’t score in either of his last two games as Kerry’s season petered out but he was Kerry’s top championship performer up to that point. Ten points in total.
Galway’s leading candidate for footballer of the year, McHugh’s been exceptional. He backed up a huge display against Dublin with another versus Donegal.
The all-round game of the Clann Éireann man makes him such an asset for Kieran McGeeney. At ease in the full-back line too as he is in going forward.
A guaranteed All-Star on the back of some tremendous displays in Ulster and the All-Ireland series. Could yet be a footballer of the year contender.
A total of 2-13 from play is hard to ignore and that doesn’t take into account his assists, which are in double-digits. At 35, Conroy is getting the best out of himself.
Putting the breaks on Brian Fenton in the quarter-final was one thing but he continues to knit together attacks and times his runs perfectly for assists and scores.
Lennon might find himself being ousted but he is a nomination cert with team-mate Conor Grimes. Lightning quick, he scored four goals and was a delight to watch.
Brian Ó Beaglaoich had his best championship season but McHugh, even though he had a quiet semi-final, struck 1-9 on the journey to that point. As pacy as ever.
Outstanding point-taking in the All-Ireland quarter-final victory over Dublin and like that game he turned on the charm in the second half against Donegal.
The Seán MacCumhaills man has it all and is one of Donegal’s players comfortable kicking off both feet. He is good as things are but is only going to get better.
Rian O’Neill will probably be the moveable feast for the selectors as he can be justifiably selected in a host of positions. Making the most of his awesome talent.
Going off then coming back to make a difference was the latest chapter in a compelling read for Turbitt this season. A total of 3-14 from play in championship.