PEARSE Óg McCrickard is the sole representative from Down to be selected on the 2023 Joe McDonagh team of the year with finalists Carlow and Offaly occupying 12 berths.
McCrickard’s inclusion at number 12 is no mean feat given that the Down hurlers found the going tough in last season’s second tier championship.
A raft of injuries to key personnel didn’t help their cause but they pulled out all the stops to beat Kildare away to save themselves from relegation.
McCrickard of Liatroim Fontenoys was a regular scorer for Ronan Sheehan’s men all season, and when they needed that final day win over the Lilywhites, McCrickard stood tall by hitting a magnificent 15 points in an eight-point victory.
“It’s well-deserved recognition for an outstanding hurler,” said county boss Sheehan on McCrickard’s inclusion.
“Pearse demonstrated throughout the year the quality he always had, so I’m absolutely delighted for him and his late grandfather [Joe McCrickard and a contemporary of Sheehan’s father] would be very proud man looking down.”
Carlow, who defeated Offaly in a brilliant McDonagh decider in Croke Park on May 27, have seven players among the Allstar selection.
Goalkeeper Brian Tracey, defenders Jack McCullagh and Diarmuid Byrne in defence, the prolific James Doyle in midfield, and attackers Chris Nolan, Paddy Boland, and Martin Kavanagh all gained favour.
Runners-up Offaly are well represented with five on the team, including captain Jason Sampson, Ciarán Burke, Ben Conneely, David Nally and the high-scoring Eoghan Cahill.
Kerry man Fionán Mackessy picks up his fourth consecutive award and Stephen Maher of Laois is named at number 10.
GAA President Larry McCarthy said: “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 chief, 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.
“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.”
The awards will be presented at a gala black-tie function in Croke Park on Friday night.
The show will be streamed live on gaa.ie from 7pm and will also feature the awards for the Ring, Rackard and Meagher Champion 15 Team of the Year and the Tailteann Cup Team of the Year - as well as the presentation of the overall Players of the Year in these championships.
Joe McDonagh Team of the Year 2023
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)
