Six of the team that helped Mayo end their 75-year wait for All-Ireland glory have earned inclusion in the 2026 All-Star football team.
Defenders Sam Callinan and Enda Hession and forwards Darragh Beirne and Kobe McDonald have been selected alongside Footballer of the Year nominees Jack Carney and Ryan O’Donoghue, who also won an All-Star in 2021.
Advertisement
McDonald – who has since embarked on his Australian Football League career – and Beirne are also nominated for Young Footballer of the year.
Kerry superstar David Clifford – who is also competing for his fourth Footballer of the Year title – picks up his seventh award alongside Kingdom team-mates Jason Foley and Shane Murphy.
Clifford’s seventh All-Star brings him alongside Kerry great Mikey Sheehy and closer to Colm Cooper (eight) and Pat Spillane (nine).
There are eight different counties represented – the most since 2010 – and 11 first-time winners, the most since 2022.
There are three first-time inclusions from Ulster counties: dynamic Armagh wing-back Jarly Og Burns, totemic Tyrone midfielder Conn Kilpatrick and skilful Monaghan wing-forward Stephen O’Hanlon.
Advertisement
Westmeath captain Ronan Wallace is recognised after helping the Lake County win their first Leinster SFC title in 22 years, while Louth’s Dara McDonnell is included at centre-back after starring in the Wee County’s run to the All-Ireland semi-finals.
McDonnell is also up for Young Footballer of the Year against McDonald and Beirne.
Niall Scully is Dublin’s sole inclusion, his second All-Star after picking up his first in 2020.
“An incredible football season that was crammed full of memorable twists and turns has a legacy in this All-Star football team, one that reflects just how competitive our game is now,” said GAA president Jarlath Burns.
Advertisement
“Mayo have had their season rightly rewarded, and with eight counties represented and 11 first-time winners, there will be clubs all over Ireland that wake up and share in this fantastic news and feel that they have played a part in this success.
“It will be an extraordinary honour and privilege to be able to present my own club’s first-ever All-Star award to Jarly Óg and Silverbridge.”
The 2026 All-Stars ceremony – where the Footballer of the Year will be crowned – takes place on Friday evening.
1. Shane Murphy (Kerry)
Advertisement
2. Sam Callinan (Mayo)
3. Jason Foley (Kerry) (2022, 2025)
4. Enda Hession (Mayo)
5. Ronan Wallace (Westmeath)
6. Dara McDonnell (Louth)
7. Jarlath Óg Burns (Armagh)
8. Conn Kilpatrick (Tyrone)
9. Jack Carney (Mayo)
10. Niall Scully (Dublin) (2020)
11. Ryan O’Donoghue (Mayo) (2021)
12. Stephen O’Hanlon (Monaghan)
13. Darragh Beirne (Mayo)
14. David Clifford (Kerry) (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025)
15. Kobe McDonald (Mayo)
1. David Clifford (Fossa, Kerry)
2. Ryan O’Donoghue (Belmullet, Mayo)
3. Jack Carney (Kilmeena, Mayo)
1. Darragh Beirne (Claremorris, Mayo)
2. Kobe McDonald (Crossmolina Deel Rovers, Mayo)
3. Dara McDonnell (Naomh Máirtín, Louth)
