2026 Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year

Laois are saluting their very own magnificent seven who headline the 2026 Joe McDonagh Cup team of the year, announced today.

After a season of redemption that saw the O’Moore County hurlers atone for defeat in the finals in 2024 and 2025, Laois players are the dominant presence in a final 15 spread across four counties.

Ian Shanahan and Padraig Delaney man the full back line, the hard-work-ing Fiachra Culliton-Fennell is on the half back line, and David Dooley’s in-spirational captaincy is recognised in midfield. In attack, veteran Stephen Maher and the influential Aaron Dunphy are on the half forward line after their massive contributions, and up-front Cillian Dunne, scorer of 1-6 from play in the final at Croke Park, is named full-forward.

Beaten finalists Carlow have five on the team after themselves and Laois topped the round robin section before producing an entertaining decider.

Brian Tracey saw off strong competition to be selected in goal after his contributions, defenders Pual Doyle and Fiachra Fitzpatrick have had their seasons’ work duly recognised and in attack, the sharp shooting of James Doyle and Martin Kavanagh could not be overlooked.

It was another hard-fought McDonagh Cup campaign. And this is reflected in the pivotal centre back and midfield berths which are captured by Down duo Caolán Taggart and Dónal Hughes.

Antrim, meanwhile, have their rampaging Ryan McCambridge included in attack.

Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “Congratulations to all of those se-lected on the Joe McDonagh Cup team of the year. It is a fiercely contested championship every year and this carries through to the challenge of nam-ing an overall team of the campaign. This is a huge honour for the players who have been singled out for their lasting contributions, and I am de-lighted for them, their families and clubs.”

Tom Parsons, CEO of the GPA, added: “The Joe McDonagh Cup has proven again this year what a competitive and important championship it is, and the 15 players named on this Team of the Year have earned their place among the very best who have played in it. Congratulations to each of them.

“Laois arrived at Croke Park in June carrying the memory of two final de-feats, and they answered that with a performance of real conviction. It is fitting that seven of their players are recognised today, and I wish them well as they take their place in the Leinster Championship next year. Car-low, who led the way through the round robin, are rewarded with five selec-tions, while Down and Antrim also have players honoured. My thanks to the squad reps and to the selection committee for their careful work in choosing this team.”

The Joe McDonagh Cup team of the year was selected by a panel of Gaelic games correspondents with nominations provided by GPA players’ repre-sentatives. The winners will be honoured at a special banquet at Croke Park this Friday evening. Additional guests of honour will be the Champion 15 winners and the Tailteann Cup football team of the year which will be announced tomorrow morning. Friday night’s celebration will also see the overall hurlers and footballers of the year announced.

Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year 2026

1. Brian Tracey - Carlow

2. Ian Shanahan - Laois

3. Pádraig Delaney - Laois

4. Paul Doyle - Carlow

5. Fiachra C-Fennell - Laois

6. Caolán Taggart - Down

7. Fiachra Fitzpatrick - Carlow

8. David Dooley - Laois

9. Dónal Hughes - Down

10. Ryan McCambridge - Antrim

11. Stephen Maher - Laois

12. Aaron Dunphy - Laois

13. James Doyle - Carlow

14. Cillian Dunne - Laois

15. Martin Kavanagh - Carlow