2024 Premier 1 Minor Football Championship Team of the Season

It was another magnificent season in the Rebel Óg Premier 1 MFC that saw Ballincollig win the title for the first time since 2011.

The Village had to do it the hard way after losing to neighbours Éire Óg in the final group game, which forced them into a quarter-final rather than a semi-final. Con O'Connell's side took down Douglas and then St Finbarr's after penalties, before defeating Mallow by three points in the final.

Mallow were beaten in the decider, but they should be proud of their efforts this season. They wouldn't have been one of the fancied teams before the start of the campaign.

So here it is – the 2024 Premier 1 MFC Team of the Season.

Fifteen starters – five from Ballincollig, four each from Mallow and St Finbarr’s and one each from Bishopstown and Douglas.

Goalkeeper: Devin Frey (Mallow)

The netminder was superb throughout the entire campaign and made a few crucial saves most notably in the semi-final win over Bishopstown to deny Jack Tompkins and Neil Crowley goals. He kept three clean sheets in five championship games.

Corner-back: Ethan Donovan (Ballincollig)

A defensive star for the champions. Donovan was excellent at corner-back but he also wasn’t afraid to venture forward. His two levelling points, both with the outside of the boot, in the semi-final win over St Finbarr’s was simply stunning.

Full-back: David O’Kelly (St Finbarr’s)

A rock at the back for Kevin Kelleher’s team. The tall and physical player was key in St Finbarr’s keeping two clean sheets in their three group games as they won all three matches. He had a great battle with Ballincollig’s Charlie Murphy in the semi-final. The Barrs didn’t concede a goal in normal time or extra time, in the end losing 4-1 on penalties.

Corner-back: Joe Mouret (Douglas)

Douglas’ three-in-a-row bid came to an end at the quarter-final stage, but Cork minor footballer Mouret stood out for the city club. He added defensive solidity.

Half-back: Gearóid Daly (Mallow)

An outstanding campaign on a personal level and for the team as Mallow reached the decider. Daly was a real driving force behind Mallow’s impressive campaign even if it ended in disappointment in the final. His ball distribution really caught the eye. One to watch going forward.

Centre-back: Matthew Ahern (St Finbarr’s)

The best centre-back in the championship. Ahern was number 6 for the last two seasons and despite St Finbarr’s losing in the semi-final this year, the Cork minor footballer was a key cog in the machine.

Half-back: Cillian Power (Ballincollig)

One of the Ballincollig players that went under the radar this year, but he was absolutely brilliant. Power has a lot to his game, pace, power and can land a point from long range too as seen in the final. He really kicked on this year.

Midfielder: George Howard (Ballincollig)

A real powerhouse in Con O’Connell’s team and deservedly slots into midfield. His endless running and ability to create attacks were a key feature to his game. Another player that went under the radar for the Collig this season.

Midfielder: David O’Leary (Ballincollig)

Last year’s Cork minor dual star joint-captained the Collig to glory this season and the versatile player was at the heart of everything that Ballincollig did well. He was consistent, with his display first day out against Douglas a standout.

Half-forward: Danny Miskella (Ballincollig)

The Player of the Season in this championship without a doubt. Son of former Cork footballer, John, the forward hit 1-31 (0-9 f) in five championship games. The top scorer. He was on the Rebels minor football team this year. His performance against Bishopstown in the second group game was certainly one of his best, hitting 0-8 (0-4 f).

Centre-forward: Rickey Barrett (St Finbarr’s)

Barrett landed 0-13 in four championship games, including 0-4 in the semi-final against Ballincollig, and all of his scores came from play. Impressive. He was unable to find a goal, but he was a big player for the Barrs and led by example up front.

Half-forward: Gary Holland (Bishopstown)

One of the classy footballers in this grade and the sky is definitely the limit for Holland. He kicked 2-11 (0-4 f) in four championship games including 2-2 first day out against Éire Óg. He brings that bit of X Factor to a game.

Corner-forward: Cathal Mullins (Mallow)

Mullins was consistent throughout and had some outstanding performances. Reliable from frees and able to pop up with points from anywhere. His display against Nemo Rangers in the first game was awesome, landing 0-3, all from play, in a memorable 2-11 to 0-13 victory. He got 1-3 in the semi-final win over Bishopstown as it finished 2-11 to 0-16.

Full-forward: Ben O’Shea (Mallow)

O'Shea might have ended with a tally of 1-13 from five championship games, but it was just more than his scores though. He dovetailed well with fellow forward Cathal Mullins and played a part in the majority of Mallow's scores.

Corner-forward: Cian O’Sullivan (St Finbarr’s)

O’Sullivan’s display in the semi-final against Ballincollig will live long in the memory. He kicked 1-4, all from play. Very unlucky to finish on the losing side after it went to penalties. He was one of the Barrs chief scorers all year.

Substitutes:

Caolán Lordan-Walsh (Ballincollig)

Cian O’Connor (Ballincollig)

Darragh Clifford (Éire Óg)

Bill Cahill (Bishopstown)

Pádraig McGrath (Douglas)

Cian Ahern (Ballincollig)

Daniel Burke (St Finbarr's)

Peter Rose (Ballincollig)

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