The 2026 PwC Football Team of the Year has been announced, and Mayo’s remarkable All-Ireland campaign is reflected in a selection spanning eight counties. With 11 players collecting their first All-Star award, this year’s list underlines the depth and drama of an exceptional Gaelic football championship.
The team was revealed ahead of Friday night’s gala ceremony in Dublin, where the Footballer of the Year, Young Footballer of the Year and hurling All-Stars will also be confirmed. The televised ceremony begins at 7.30pm on RTÉ One.
Mayo’s All-Ireland triumph earns six places
All-Ireland champions Mayo provide six members of the 2026 team: Sam Callinan, Enda Hession, Jack Carney, Ryan O’Donoghue, Darragh Beirne and Kobe McDonald. Their representation reflects the county’s influence throughout a championship widely regarded as one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Kerry also feature strongly, with Shane Murphy, Jason Foley and David Clifford included. Dublin’s Niall Scully, Monaghan’s Stephen O’Hanlon and Tyrone’s Conn Kilpatrick complete a selection that recognises outstanding performances beyond the final’s leading contenders.
Westmeath and Louth celebrate historic recognition
There are significant milestones for Westmeath and Louth. Ronan Wallace becomes Westmeath’s first All-Star since John Keane received the honour in 2008, while Dara McDonnell gives Louth representation in the final team.
Stephen O’Hanlon is another notable first-time winner after an outstanding season for Monaghan. His inclusion came ahead of several high-profile contenders, including Paudie Clifford and Jordan Flynn.
Eleven first-time winners highlight changing landscape
The 2026 selection includes first-time All-Stars from Mayo, Kerry, Westmeath, Louth, Armagh, Tyrone, Monaghan and Dublin. Armagh’s Jarlath Óg Burns is the county’s sole representative and earns his first award after a memorable campaign.
All three nominees for Young Footballer of the Year have also been selected. Kobe McDonald, Darragh Beirne and Dara McDonnell will now wait for the live ceremony to discover who takes the individual prize.
The full team is:
- 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
- Kobe McDonald — Mayo
A special moment for the Burns family
GAA president Jarlath Burns removed himself from the panel discussion concerning the All-Star backs because his son, Jarly Óg Burns, was in contention. The Armagh defender subsequently claimed his first award, creating a special moment for Silverbridge and the Burns family.
Burns said the selection captured a season filled with memorable twists and praised the competitiveness of the modern game. He also highlighted the importance of the awards to clubs and communities across Ireland.
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What happens next?
The next major moment comes on Friday evening, when the remaining individual awards and hurling All-Stars are announced live. For Mayo, the ceremony will provide another opportunity to celebrate a championship-winning team; for the 11 first-time recipients, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in their inter-county careers.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie