2024 Minor Hurling Championship Team of the Season
Glen Rovers' Michael T Brosnan, pictured here holding off Douglas' Donnacha McPhaidin scored a staggering 3-17 from play. Picture: Jim Coughlan.
After another thrilling season in the Premier 1 Minor Hurling Championship that saw Glen Rovers win back to back titles, it’s only fitting to go back and give credit to the players who gave it all for their clubs.
It was incredibly tough to pick – but credit here has to go to Éamonn Murphy, who watched many of the games I couldn’t. It wouldn’t have been possible without his input.
So here it is – the 2024 Minor Hurling Championship Team of the Season.
Fifteen starters, eight substitutes – all names that you’ll hear throughout Cork hurling for years to come.
Goulding was superb throughout the entire campaign, and made a crucial save to deny Barry O’Flynn early in their final with Sars. They went on to win by just one, but his consistent performances all year played an integral role.
Another defensive star for the northsiders, Murphy was excellent at corner-back, though he played the final at half-back. He was so reliable throughout and his superb defending often went under the radar.
A rock at the back for Sars, Barry had an excellent campaign and starred in the final. Overall was one of their best players and delivered when it mattered most. He was impenetrable against Ballincollig in the semi, with a composed and confident performance.
While David played at centre-back and was Ballincollig’s most notable performer throughout, he couldn’t be left out of this team. When Ballincollig played well, it was because O’Leary dictated the game from the defence. The Cork U20 has a bright future.
Without a doubt Midleton’s best player. Dunlea made so many tackles and interceptions – but it was his ball distribution that really caught the eye this season. An outstanding defender, as cool as you like under pressure.
No centre back comes remotely close. McCarthy was incredible last year and better again this year. Top class distribution, positioning and defending. His scoring tally is outrageous too. One of the best among an exceptional Glen side.
The Cork minor was denied an opportunity to shine at inter-county level with injury, but did it anyway with his club. An outstanding season and a player of great quality, his size and the distance on his strikes make Higgins a true powerhouse.
The player of the season without question, it’s hard to believe he’s U16. Scored 1-2 in the semi-final against Midleton at U16, and did the same thing in their minor fixture two nights later. Played the majority of his hurling from midfield, yet came away with 3-17.
That’s all from play.
The sky is quite literally the limit for Michael Tadhg.
The benchmark for a consistent and reliable midfielder – Bracken gives you a 7.5/10 every game. He may not have featured on the scoreboard much, but you can be sure that Sars would have missed him dearly. Keep an eye out for that blue and yellow Cooper.
Another incredible U16 talent for the Glen, O’Callaghan has it. His agility and shooting accuracy stand out most, but his ability to find an angle from anywhere has and will continue to serve the northsiders.
That scoring tally needs no introduction.
Granted, the Glen played six games, but 4-12 from play is incredible, and that’s without taking into account his marksmanship from frees. The star of the show in last year’s final, he delivered once again. Two MHC finals, five goals. A player for the big occasion, and one to look out for.
Missing for their defeat to Ballincollig, Dooley helped his side bounce back, scoring a staggering 3-14 from just three games. Only Michael T hit more, and that’s with three additional games. Easily the southsiders’ best player, Dooley has serious potential. Look out for him on the Cork U20 squad again next year.
The Magpies’ best forward, Barrett was consistent throughout and has some outstanding performances. Reliable from frees and able to pop up with points from anywhere, Peter always seemed to be the outlet when Midleton needed a score. Gave an exhibition in their league final win over Sars.
An outstanding season that was interrupted by a football injury, O’Flynn always had an eye for goal and got scores when the Riverstown side needed them. Scored in every game and did the same after coming back from injury. There’s a reason he’s a Cork U20.
Another exceptional U16 talent, this time for Sars. It’s bizarre to see an U16 play corner-forward at minor and centre-back on his own age, but the fact Dunlea has been trusted with frees tells all. Stole the show against Ballincollig in the semi-final and impressed all year. If Sars are to bounce back and win it next year – Adam will be at the centre of it.
Daniel O’Connell (Ballincollig)
David Enright (Inniscarra) 0-1
Jack Huggins (Sarsfields)
Matthew McSweeney (Midleton)
Ben Walsh (Killeagh) 0-3 (0-1 65)
Eoin Dwyer (Ballincollig) 1-48 (0-34 f, 0-2 65)
Cian Stack (Midleton) 2-9
Evan McGuckin (Glen Rovers) 1-12
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