Leitrim's magnificent seven on LGFA TG4 Team of the Intermediate Championship

Leitrim Ladies have a new magnificent seven as seven of the county's victorious All-Ireland winning team were named on the TG4 LGFA Team of the Intermediate Championship which was announced on Monday afternoon.

Keeper Michelle Monaghan, defenders Charlene Tyrell, Sarah Reynolds and Elise Bruen and forwards Laura O'Dowd, Ailbhe Clancy and Michelle Guckian have all been honoured on the Team of the Intermediate Championship and will receive their Awards at a special function in Croke Park on Friday October 25.

However, there will be some surprise in Leitrim circles with the omission of Glencar Manorhamilton's Muireann Devaney who played a crucial role in Leitrim's march to the Mary Quinn Cup this year, the dual sports star turning in eye catching displays in both the All-Ireland Semi-Final and Final.

St Mary's Kiltoghert have two players winning awards in Sarah Reynolds and Elise Bruen although the third member of the Leitrim half-back line Kasey Bruen, also from St Mary's, can consider herself very unlucky not to pick up an award.

Kiltubrid (Michelle Guckian), St Francis (Michelle Monaghan), Charlene Tyrelll (Mohill), Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins (Laura O'Dowd) and Glencar Manorhamilton (Ailbhe Clancy) also saw their players honoured, Clancy picking up the Player of the Match award in the All-Ireland Final.

The Teams of the Championships were selected by members of the LGFA’s All-Star committee with Leitrim claiming seven slots on the Intermediate team while Fermanagh have six players on the Junior XV. Runners-up Tyrone have five players included, namely corner-back Jayne Lyons, Meabh Corrigan at left-half back, captain and midfielder Aoibhinn McHugh, and forward pair Emma Jane Gervin and Aoife Horisk.

Beaten semi-finalists Down and Wexford are also acknowledged on the Team of the Championship. Defender Erin Sands and forward Laoise Duffy are both included from Down, with Wexford’s Clara Donnelly also getting the nod at midfield.

Ladies Gaelic Football Association President, Mícheál Naughton, commented "The 2024 TG4 All-Ireland Junior and Intermediate Championships produced brilliant football once again. We are delighted now to once again acknowledge the outstanding contributions of the competition’s leading players in the Junior and Intermediate Teams of the Championship. The Championships were packed with superb action, plenty of drama and numerous talking points.

"Our Junior Final saw Fermanagh regain Intermediate status with victory over Louth, as Leitrim edged out Tyrone in a thrilling Intermediate Final, to move up to the Senior Championship ranks in 2025. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all players across both grades for their efforts at inter-county level this year. We are blessed to have such terrific role models playing at an extremely high standard and we look forward to more thrilling fare next year.

"A special word of thanks, also, to TG4 for their continued and outstanding commitment to our sport."

“TG4 were alongside us throughout our 50th Anniversary celebrations and I wish to put on the record my sincere thanks to TG4 Director General, Alan Esslemont, Head of Sport, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha, and the entire TG4 team for another outstanding summer of Championship coverage.”

Alan Esslemont, Ard-Stiúrthóir TG4, added "2024 was a very special year for all the levels of the LGFA. It is a great honour for TG4 to be able to support this sport which for many years now has led the charge in driving forward female participation in sport. This year’s championships were testament to the fantastic quality of Ladies Gaelic Football which gives delight to so many people worldwide.  TG4 congratulates all those players from the Junior and Intermediate grades who have been chosen for the two Teams of the Year. Tréaslaíonn TG4 leis na himreoirí go léir."