Mayo’s historic 2025 All-Ireland triumph has translated into a dominant showing at the 2026 All-Stars, with six members of the winning squad receiving individual recognition. The selection highlights the depth of the team that ended the county’s 75-year drought, featuring defenders Sam Callinan and Enda Hession alongside forwards Darragh Beirne and Kobe McDonald. The group is capped by Footballer of the Year nominees Jack Carney and Ryan O’Donoghue, both of whom previously secured an All-Star in 2021.
Historic haul for the 2025 champions as Clifford claims seventh honor
The award ceremony also marked a significant milestone for Kerry’s David Clifford, who claimed his seventh All-Star to join the ranks of legendary Mikey Sheehy. Clifford, who is competing for his fourth Footballer of the Year title, was joined on the podium by Kingdom teammates Jason Foley and Shane Murphy. His achievement places him within striking distance of Colm Cooper’s eight awards and Pat Spillane’s record nine, cementing his status as one of the modern era’s most decorated players.
The 2026 class reflects a broader resurgence in GAA talent, with eight different counties represented—the highest number since 2010. A record-breaking 11 first-time winners were selected, the most since 2022, signaling a new wave of emerging stars. Notably, both Beirne and McDonald, who has since transitioned to the Australian Football League, are nominated for Young Footballer of the Year, underscoring the long-term impact of Mayo’s recent success on the next generation of players.
Source: Yahoo Sports
