Table of Content
Mayo have secured six selections in the 2026 All-Stars following their historic triumph that ended a 75-year wait for All-Ireland glory. The squad features eight different counties—the most since 2010—along with 11 first-time winners, marking the highest number since 2022.
Mayo Standouts and Award Nominees
Defenders Sam Callinan and Enda Hession are joined by forwards Darragh Beirne and Kobe McDonald among the Mayo honourees. They are selected alongside Footballer of the Year nominees Jack Carney and Ryan O’Donoghue, with O’Donoghue also capturing his second All-Star following a previous win in 2021.
McDonald, who has transitioned to an Australian Football League career, and Beirne are both nominated for the Young Footballer of the Year accolade alongside Louth’s Dara McDonnell.
Kerry Success and Broad Representation
Kerry star David Clifford earns his seventh All-Star award, placing him level with Kerry great Mikey Sheehy and moving him closer to the records of Colm Cooper with eight and Pat Spillane with nine. Clifford is joined by Kingdom team-mates Jason Foley—who claims his third All-Star—and goalkeeper Shane Murphy. Clifford is also competing for his fourth Footballer of the Year title against Mayo’s Carney and O’Donoghue.
Ulster counties contribute three first-time inclusions: Armagh wing-back Jarly Óg Burns, Tyrone midfielder Conn Kilpatrick, and Monaghan wing-forward Stephen O’Hanlon. Burns played a key role in helping Armagh end an 18-year wait for an Ulster title, while Kilpatrick excelled for Tyrone before helping his club Edendork secure their first county championship.
Westmeath captain Ronan Wallace is recognised after leading the Lake County to their first Leinster Senior Football Championship title in 22 years. Louth’s Dara McDonnell is named at centre-back after starring in the Wee County’s run to the All-Ireland semi-finals, while Niall Scully represents Dublin as their sole inclusion, picking up his second All-Star following his first in 2020.
GAA President’s Reaction and Ceremony Details
Reflecting on the selections, GAA president Jarlath Burns described the campaign as an unforgettable football season filled with memorable moments that highlight the sport’s high level of competitiveness. He noted that clubs across Ireland will share in the news, particularly highlighting the pride of presenting an award to his own club’s first-ever recipient.
The 2026 All-Stars ceremony, where the Footballer of the Year will be officially crowned, takes place at Dublin’s RDS Centre on Friday evening.
