Westmeath secure six places in Tailteann team selection

Inaugural champions Westmeath have claimed six slots on the first ever Tailteann Cup Team of the Year.

Five counties make up the Tailteann Cup XV after the staging of the new football championship in 2022 for teams competing in Divisions 3 and 4 who did not make their provincial final.

The semi-finals and finals were played at Croke Park with Westmeath seeing off Cavan to claim the new cup and guaranteeing a place in the Sam Maguire Championship in 2023 in the process.

The Lake County captured six positions led by veteran star John Heslin, who over the course of the campaign became their all-time top scorer.

Joining him are defenders Jack Smith, Kevin Maguire and Ronan Wallace, with midfielder Sam McCartan acknowledged and influential centre forward Ronan O’Toole completing their haul.

Cavan stalwarts Killian Clarke and Gearóid McKiernan lead the Breffni contingent with Jason McLoughlin and Gerard Smith joining them.

Aidan Devaney’s consistency and his shot stopping heroics that saw him save three penalty kicks gives him the nod for in goal and he is joined by county men Evan Lyons and Seán Carrabine.

Offaly star Anton Sullivan and razor-sharp Leitrim attacker Keith Beirne complete the selection.

GAA president Larry McCarthy said: "The Tailteann Cup was an excellent addition to the calendar and produced the competitive matches and entertaining football that we had hoped for.

"Westmeath and Cavan were worthy finalists, and this team is a reflection of the players who delivered exceptional performances over the campaign.

"To be part of the history making first ever selection is special and I congratulate the players honoured here and salute all of those who played a role in making the Tailteann Cup such a great success in 2022,