Stephen Gillespie, Gerard Gilmore and Liam McKinney all make 'Champion 15' side

Donegal hurling has three representatives in the 2024 Champion 15  team - a selection of the top hurlers in this year’s Christy Ring, Nickey Rackard and Lory Meagher Cups.

Stephen Gillespie, Gerard Gilmore and Liam McKinney have all made the prestigious cut with eight counties in total represented. 

Burt centurion Gillespie crowns a brilliant season that saw him make his 100th appearance for his county as they lifted the Nicky Rackard Cup and he takes a spot at corner back.

Gerard Gilmore of Setanta lines up at midfield while another Burt man, Liam McKinney is selected at wing half-forward.  

Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “The longer the Ring, Rackard and Meagher Cups go on the more impressive the foresight and inspiration that sparked their inauguration. 

“They are an integral part of the hurling calendar and a key part of the Association’s commitment to hurling. 

“Through all the plans and hopes that we have for the future of hurling, let us not forget the  outstanding hurlers and ambassadors for the game that are in our midst right now. 

“I salute those who have been selected on this distinguished Champion 15 and thank them for the extraordinary dedication they make”. 

Players from the Ring, Rackard, and Meagher were asked to nominate outstanding performers in their competitions, with an independent selection committee adjudicating on the final team based on player performances, supported by video footage and county nominations. 

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The awards will be presented at a gala black-tie function in Croke Park this Friday night. The  award show will be streamed live on the GAA Youtube channel from 7pm. 

It will also feature the awards for the Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year and the Tailteann Cup Team of the Year. 

The presentation of the overall Players of the Year in these championships will also be handed out. 

Champion 15: Paddy McKenna (Kildare- Christy Ring); Rian Boran (Kildare – Christy Ring),  Mark Craig (Derry -Christy Ring), Stephen Gillespie (Donegal – Nickey Rackard); Conan Boran (Kildare – Christy Ring), David Kenny (Mayo – Nickey Rackard), Ryan Bogue (Fermanagh – Lory Meagher); Gerard Gilmore (Donegal – Nickey Rackard), Simon Leacy (Kildare – Christy Ring); Liam McKinney (Donegal – Nickey Rackard), Jack Sheridan (Kildare – Christy Ring), Shane Boland (Mayo – Nickey Rackard); Nicky Kenny (Cavan – Lory Meagher), Jack Goulding (London – Christy Ring), Cian Darcy (Longford – Lory Meagher)