Pat Spillane admits his All-Star selection has ‘the weakest forward line ever’

The All-Stars have sparked great debate among GAA fans since its conception, as the subjective nature of its selection always leaves a section of the population unhappy.

Typically, the team is made up mainly of those who appeared in the All-Ireland final, with the winners getting the lion’s share of nominations.

Provincial championship and National League exploits are rarely noticed, and if you’ve had an average season but managed a Man of the Match performance in the semi-final or final, then you’re almost certain to get a place.

In typical Pat Spillane fashion, the Kerry legend went a little left with some of his choices and made some changes when it came to the nominations.

Write in your weekly Sunday World In his article, the eight-time All-Ireland winner even claimed that the lackluster forward line “will probably be the weakest of any team ever selected”.

“The full forward line will probably be the weakest of any team ever selected, and this is all down to compact defenses rather than how good or bad the contenders are.

“One point from the play of the respective forward lines in the All-Ireland final says it all.

“For me, the main player of the year award should go to Paul Conroy with Johnny McGrath as young player of the year for his consistency throughout 2024 – but with Armagh being All-Ireland champions, that doesn’t ‘won’t happen.’

Many people will, however, agree with Spillane’s player selection, including a “wild card” that was chosen due to the player’s impressive scoring ratio.

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Pat Spillane’s 2024 All-Star Team

1. Blaine Hughes, Armagh (17 matches, 14 clean sheets)

2. Aaron McKay, Armagh (Armagh’s best defender all year)

3. Barry McCambridge, Armagh (brilliant scorer – also scored 2-5; that goal against Kerry was the icing on the cake)

4. Johnny McGrath, Galway (the most consistent defender in the league and championship)

5. Peadar Mogan, Donegal (attacking winger who scored 0-13 in this year’s championship)

6. Aidan Forker, Armagh (A true inspirational leader)

7. Dylan McHugh, Galway (Mr. Consistency, but a lackluster finish could cost him player of the year)

8. Paul Conroy, Galway (Inspiring for a 35-year-old, scored 2-16 from the game)

9. Ben Crealey, Armagh (Campbell’s assist for McKay’s goal and that vital late turnover on Cillian McDaid)

10. Sam Mulroy, Louth (Ma wild card, second highest scorer in the championship with 3-43)

11. John Maher, Galway (strong, powerful runner – great year)

12. OisÍn Conaty, Armagh (Man of the match in final with 0-3, 0-13 in the league – good pace)

13. OisÍn Gallen, Donegal (Third top scorer in the championship with 2-33, 1-15 from play)

14. Rian O’Neill, Armagh (came in good on the business side and such a versatile player)

15. Conor Turbitt, Armagh (Until the final he was in player of the year form, scored 3-22)

Donegal fans might feel a little short of changes with Ryan McHugh having a brilliant season, but otherwise the only player who didn’t make Spillane’s squad from Sunday Game selection earlier in the summer was Rob Finnerty, who was replaced by Sam. Mulroy.

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