The short version
- Mayo received six awards, the highest number for any single county, reflecting their successful campaign to win the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship after a 75-year absence.
- Kerry forward David Clifford secured his seventh career All-Star, moving him closer to the all-time records held by Pat Spillane and Colm Cooper.
- The selection features players from eight different counties and includes eleven first-time winners, marking the most diverse representation since 2010.
The 2026 All-Star football team has been announced with a distinct emphasis on the historic achievements of Mayo, whose six selections underscore their successful conclusion to a long championship drought. The county, which recently ended a 75-year wait for an All-Ireland title, saw Ryan O’Donoghue and Jack Carney recognized as nominees for Footballer of the Year. Both players were part of the core group that secured the championship, with O’Donoghue adding to his previous award from 2021. Their inclusion highlights the depth of talent within a squad that has dominated recent national discourse.
Defensive solidity was also rewarded, with Sam Callinan and Enda Hession earning spots for their contributions throughout the season. On the forward line, Darragh Beirne and Kobe McDonald were selected, both of whom are also in contention for the Young Footballer of the Year award. McDonald’s selection is particularly notable given his recent transition to a professional career in the Australian Football League, bridging two distinct sporting cultures while maintaining his eligibility and recognition within the Gaelic Athletic Association framework.
Kerry continued its tradition of excellence with three selections, led by David Clifford, who claimed his seventh All-Star award. This latest honor places Clifford alongside Kerry legend Mikey Sheehy in terms of total awards and narrows the gap to Colm Cooper’s eight and Pat Spillane’s nine. Clifford is also competing for his fourth Footballer of the Year title, a testament to his sustained performance at the highest level. His teammates Jason Foley and Shane Murphy were also recognized, reinforcing Kerry’s status as a powerhouse despite not winning the ultimate prize this season.
The broader composition of the team reflects a significant shift toward geographic diversity across Ireland. Eight different counties are represented, the highest number since 2010, signaling a more competitive landscape in Gaelic football. This trend is further evidenced by the inclusion of eleven first-time winners, the most since 2022. Such distribution suggests that success is no longer confined to traditional strongholds but is emerging from various regions, bringing new faces and stories to the national stage.
Ulster contributed three newcomers to the list, each marking significant milestones for their respective counties. Jarly Og Burns of Armagh was selected after playing a pivotal role in ending his county’s 18-year wait for an Ulster title. His father, Jarlath Burns, currently serves as GAA president and expressed pride in presenting the award to his son and club, Silverbridge. Conn Kilpatrick from Tyrone was honored following a standout season that included helping his club, Edendork, secure their first county championship. Stephen O’Hanlon of Monaghan rounded out the Ulster selections, recognized for his skill on the wing.
Other notable inclusions highlight breakthroughs for counties outside the usual elite tier. Ronan Wallace of Westmeath was selected as captain after leading his team to its first Leinster Senior Football Championship title in 22 years. Dara McDonnell from Louth earned a spot at center-back, acknowledging his performance during his county’s run to the All-Ireland semi-finals. McDonnell is also among the nominees for Young Footballer of the Year, competing against McDonald and Beirne. These selections underscore the competitive nature of the current season, where underdog stories played a central role.
Dublin was represented by Niall Scully, who received his second All-Star award after his first in 2020. His inclusion provides continuity for the capital county, which has historically been a dominant force in Gaelic football. The overall selection process aims to reflect the memorable twists and turns of the season, as noted by GAA president Jarlath Burns. He emphasized that the team composition mirrors the increased competitiveness of the game, allowing clubs across Ireland to share in the success.
The official ceremony will take place at Dublin’s RDS Centre on Friday evening, where the Footballer of the Year award will be presented. The event serves as a culmination of the season’s achievements, celebrating individual excellence within the context of team success. With multiple nominees for key awards and a diverse range of counties represented, the 2026 All-Stars list captures a moment of transition and broadened participation in Irish sport.
The recognition of players from less traditional powerhouses indicates a shifting dynamic in Gaelic football. As counties like Armagh, Tyrone, Westmeath, and Louth gain prominence, the narrative around national success is expanding. This year’s selections not only honor individual talent but also reflect the structural changes and increased parity within the sport. The upcoming ceremony will further cement these achievements, providing a platform for emerging stars to join the ranks of established legends.
As the season concludes, the All-Star awards serve as a benchmark for performance and influence. The high number of first-time winners and the spread across eight counties suggest a healthy and competitive environment. For Mayo, the six awards validate their historic campaign, while for others, it marks the beginning of new eras. The intersection of tradition and emerging talent defines this year’s list, offering a comprehensive view of the current state of Gaelic football.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Mayo earn six All-Stars as 11 players win first award
