9.
10: Right half forward – Dan Bourke (Ballinamere) Dan Bourke was one of the Ballinamere players who looked tired in the early stages after a long county season but he got better and better as the year progressed. His movement and class just takes the breath away, and he was a major factor in Ballinamere going so close in the final. Leigh Kavanagh had some great games for K-K but Bourke is worth his place on this team every day of the week. Birr's Eoghan Cahill was a real contender and the quality of his free taking, his ability to convert long range ones, had to be seen to be believed.
10.
11: Centre half forward - Conor Mahon (Kilcormac-Killoughey) Another of Kilcormac-Killoughey's vastly experienced statesmen, Conor Mahon had another terrific year. A fantastic leader, he got great scores and drove everyone else on. He showed his value to K-K late on in the county final when he went in full forward, made two spectacular catches and immediately fed Adam Screeney for two crucial points. A near automatic choice.
11.
12: Left half forward - DJ McLoughlin (Shinrone) It didn't quite happen for Shinrone in 2024. They never fully got going, just about did enough to make the quarter-finals and were well beaten by Coolderry. Even then, DJ McLoughlin was one of their players who provided the greatest resistance, scoring 1-3. He got excellent scores throughout the campaign and it was easily his best season in the Shinrone jersey. His performances on a struggling team warrant selection.A special mention must be made here of Ballinamere's Aaron Maher. He struggled to varying degrees in the group but kept working, trying to improve and it paid off in the knockout stages. He had a terrific game in the semi-final win over St Rynagh's and also went well in the final, getting fine scores and putting in the hard yards. With so many forwards performing well, he doesn't make the final cut but he was a great example of a player playing to ability.
12.
13: Right corner forward - Charlie Mitchell (Kilcormac-Killoughey) The full forward line more or less picks itself, even though St Rynagh's Luke O'Connor and Shinrone's Jason Sampson were among the players who staked strong claims for inclusion. O'Connor was particularly close to making the cut as he had a couple of outstanding games for St Rynagh's in the knockout stages, terrorising defences with his speed and eye for goal. The quality of options for the full forward line augurs well for Offaly hurling and O'Connor just loses out.Charlie Mitchell has stepped things up to another level this year and he was outstanding for K-K. Even in the final when he wasn't fully on, he still scored a breathtaking point and had a few very important assists. A wonderfully skilful player. K-K's Daniel Hand also had some great games for them and settled in very well in his first year at this level.