Contenders for GAA Player of the Year Awards Announced

David Clifford of Kerry, the recipient of the 2023 Footballer of the Year award, has not received a nomination for this year’s accolade. The GAA’s award season is underway, with the Footballer and Hurler of the Year recipients scheduled to be announced at a banquet held at the RDS this Friday. BBC Sport NI presents an overview of the contenders for these significant 2024 awards. Armagh defender Barry McCambridge successfully contained prominent players such as Shane McGuigan, David Clifford, and Shane Walsh throughout Armagh’s triumphant All-Ireland campaign. His contributions included two goals, notably a pivotal score that shifted momentum in the semi-final victory against Kerry. Barry McCambridge played a crucial role in Kieran McGeeney’s Armagh team, which secured the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time since 2002. Operating in the Orchard County’s defensive line, the Clann Eireann player was tasked with neutralizing key opponents like Shane McGuigan, David Clifford, and Shane Walsh, a responsibility he fulfilled effectively in every instance. He also demonstrated a knack for scoring significant goals, most notably against Roscommon and during the semi-final win against Kerry. Galway midfielder Paul Conroy delivered an outstanding season, highlighted by his contribution of three points from play in the All-Ireland Final loss to Armagh. Paul Conroy, a seasoned midfielder who first appeared for Galway’s senior team in 2008, once again emerged as a key performer for the Tribesmen in 2024. The St James’ club member earned Player of the Match honors in his county’s All-Ireland series victories against Derry and Monaghan, subsequently adding three points from play in the final match where they were defeated by Armagh. At 35 years old, Padraic Joyce anticipates Conroy will continue to be a vital presence in the Galway midfield for several more seasons. John Maher’s strong-running style was a crucial factor in Galway’s advancement to the All-Ireland decider, contributing to his brilliant campaign for the county. Much like Armagh’s McCambridge, John Maher was not a widely recognized name at the start of the season. Following several years of intermittent involvement with the panel, he appeared to have solidified his position in the Galway midfield by the conclusion of the previous year’s championship. However, this season saw him become a significant figure for the county, with his powerful running establishing him as one of the championship’s most impactful players. Shane O’Donnell provided the assist for the Clare goal that brought the Bannermen back into contention in the All-Ireland decider, following Cork’s early seven-point advantage. Eleven years after his memorable debut performance of 3-3 in an All-Ireland final replay victory against Cork, O’Donnell guided the Banner county to another Liam McCarthy Cup. Despite managing a hamstring injury, the 30-year-old player was instrumental in his team’s comeback before being forced off with cramp during extra-time. He has since verified his return to the panel for 2025, though it is suggested this might be his final season representing the saffron and blue. Darragh Fitzgibbon had an outstanding season for Cork, a campaign that saw them come very close to securing their first All-Ireland title since 2005. Darragh Fitzgibbon was essential in guiding Cork to their second All-Ireland final appearance in four years. With eight seasons now completed, the Charleville club player offered a crucial creative dimension to Cork’s midfield. His display in the semi-final against Limerick stood out as a particular highlight of his season. Fitzgibbon and his Cork teammates appeared poised to claim the county’s first All-Ireland title since 2005, having established an early seven-point lead. However, Clare mounted a comeback, securing a dramatic one-point win in extra-time. Despite Kyle Hayes’ exceptional performance for the Treaty County, Limerick’s aspirations of securing a record fifth consecutive All-Ireland Hurling title were not realized. Limerick did not achieve a historic fifth consecutive All-Ireland title, yet Kyle Hayes maintained his central role for the Treaty County. He was prominent in Limerick’s sixth successive Munster title win, delivering standout performances against Waterford and Tipperary in the provincial championship, and was exceptional in the final match against Clare. Nevertheless, in the All-Ireland semi-finals against Cork, the Rebel County focused considerable effort on neutralizing Hayes’ influence during their 1-28 to 0-29 victory.