Mayo Dominate 2026 PwC Football All-Stars with Six Selections

Mayo claims six selections as 2026 Football All-Stars span eight counties

All-Ireland champions Mayo lead the selection for the 2026 PwC Football All-Star team with six players named to the final 15, while eight different counties are represented across the lineup. It marks the most extensive distribution across counties since 2010. The selection also features 11 first-time winners, which represents the highest number of debutants since 2022.

The announcement was confirmed ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled at Dublin’s RDS. Beaten finalists Kerry secured three places, while six other counties divided the remaining selections. The wide geographical spread reflects a competitive landscape acknowledged by GAA President Jarlath Burns, who noted that clubs across Ireland will share in the recognition.

Defensive anchors and historical milestones

Mayo’s representation is anchored by defensive stalwarts Sam Callinan and Enda Hession. Kerry’s three inclusions feature Jason Foley earning his All-Star at full-back, alongside goalkeeper Shane Murphy. Murphy steps into the position held previously by injured teammate Shane Ryan, marking a unique instance where the All-Star goalkeeper spot remains within the same county while changing players. At 33 years old, Murphy becomes Kerry’s oldest first-time All-Star since Mick O’Connell received the honor in 1972.

Ryan O'Donoghue and Kobe McDonald are among the six Mayo players included in the 2026 All Star Football Team of the Year — Photo: The Irish Times

Westmeath captain Ronan Wallace earns his first Football All-Star at wing-back, adding to the Tailteann Cup Team of the Year award he secured in 2022. Louth’s Dara McDonnell is named at centre-back following a standout quarter-final performance against Monaghan. Armagh’s Jarlath Óg Burns takes the wing-back position, securing the first-ever All-Star for the Silverbridge club after contributing 0-15 from play throughout the championship.

Midfield battles and forward firepower

Tyrone’s Conn Kilpatrick is recognized for his contributions in midfield, while Dublin’s Niall Scully collects his second All-Star following a 2020 selection. Monaghan’s Stephen O’Hanlon rounds out the half-forward line at wing-forward.

Mayo Dominate 2026 PwC Football All-Stars with Six Selections — Photo: Gaa.ie

Kerry’s David Clifford claims his seventh All-Star award, matching the career total of Mikey Sheehy. Clifford sits behind only Colm Cooper with eight and Pat Spillane with nine. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Kobe McDonald makes history for Mayo. McDonald is just the third 18-year-old to win the award, following Dermot McNicholl of Derry in 1984 and Maurice Fitzgerald of Kerry in 1988.

Player of the year and young player nominees

The nominees for the PwC GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year include Mayo’s Jack Carney and Ryan O’Donoghue alongside Kerry’s David Clifford. The Young Footballer of the Year category features a shortlist of Mayo’s Darragh Beirne and Kobe McDonald, alongside Louth’s Dara McDonnell.

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The full 2026 PwC Football All-Star team comprises Shane Murphy (Kerry); Sam Callinan (Mayo), Jason Foley (Kerry), Enda Hession (Mayo); Ronan Wallace (Westmeath), Dara McDonnell (Louth), Jarlath Óg Burns (Armagh); Conn Kilpatrick (Tyrone), Jack Carney (Mayo); Niall Scully (Dublin), Ryan O’Donoghue (Mayo), Stephen O’Hanlon (Monaghan); Darragh Beirne (Mayo), David Clifford (Kerry), and Kobe McDonald (Mayo).

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