RTE’s Des Cahill sparks shock among GAA fans after spotting surprising trend in 2024 All-Stars

DES Cahill was one of the first to note that there was not a single representative from Dublin or Kerry on this year’s All-Stars team.

It radiates real freshness this year’s selection as there are 14 new recipients.

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The RTE Sport veteran commented: “GAA FOOTBALL ALL-STARS NAMED…

“No Dublin or Kerry player for the first time in 21 years. Six from Armagh.

‘Five from Galway. Two from Donegal. One of Louth and Tyrone…’

While it’s a notable aspect surrounding the lineup, neither of the two traditional powers will have much reason to complain.

Dublin finally were eliminated against injury-plagued Galway in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Kerry were deservedly dumped in the last four by an Armagh team that showed greater cohesion and grit throughout. their extra-time fight.

Armagh hadn’t won an All-Star since Ronan Clarke in 2008, but now has a player on each outfield line.

Orchard stopper Blaine Hughes was just pushed aside by Tyrone’s Niall Morgan, who got the nod in goal.

The Red Hands failed to reach the last eight, but their number 1 impressed with his kickouts and open play.

Before him lies Armagh Barry McCambridge is chosen at fullback and is on the verge of being crowned Footballer of the Year after going 2-5 out of the game this summer.

Teammate Aaron McKay missed despite hitting the net in their 1-11 to 0-13 final victory over Galway.

Captain Aidan Forker then also got the nod for the Ulstermen a season of outstanding leadership and plundering raids.

Teammate Ben Crealey is chosen in midfield. He fired 0-2 in their eventual All-Ireland win and laid the ball across Stefan Campbell in the lead-up to McKay’s goal.

Midfield partner Niall Grimley was unlucky to lose, but their insiders Rían O’Neill, Oisín Conaty and Conor Turbitt are all honoured.

O’Neill was a colossus in attack and was man of the match against the Kingdom.

Conaty won the same gong after a marauding 0-3 draw in the Sam Maguire decider and is a firm favorite to be named Young Footballer of the Year at the RDS tomorrow night.

‘Turbo’ Turbitt scored 0-5 against the Kingdom and collected a total of 3-22 in the championship.

Second Galway have made five All-Stars.

Johnny McGrath, nominated for Young Footballer of the Year, was a certificate after his brilliant performances at cornerback.

The Caherlistrane clubman teased Derry’s Shane McGuigan, Dublin star Cormac Costello and Donegal hotshot Oisín Gallen en route and kept Turbitt scoreless in the decider.

Dylan McHugh was unlucky to miss out on the FOTY shortlist but collects his first All-Star.

McHugh was ruthless in the Tribe’s defense and attack and stood out in their victory over Dublin and last four defeat of Donegal.

LONG COMES

Galway stalwart Paul Conroy, 35, was never in doubt to secure a place in this season’s star XV in what is stunningly his first All-Star success.

The St James man went 2-16 in play throughout the summer and scored two big points at the start of each half in the final, which also earned him a nomination for Footballer of the Year.

His fellow tribesman John Maher is chosen in the front line because of his powerful performances.

The Salthill-Knocknacarra star terrorized the defense and was a big target for Conor Gleeson’s booming kickouts.

Robert Finnerty completed Galway’s attack and was their best performer in their line of fire after Shane Walsh and Damien Comer had mixed campaigns.

The hurling panel and Player of the Year winners in both codes will be revealed at tomorrow night’s gala event.