Daingean Uí Chúis dominate AIB GAA Club Football Awards

The GAA and AIB are delighted to announce the AIB GAA Football Club Championship Team of the Year, following a captivating season that showcased exceptional individual and team performances. Since 1991, AIB has proudly sponsored the GAA Club Championships, highlighting its continued support for both the club players and the communities that nurture them, enabling their remarkable achievements on the pitch. The players will be honoured at the AIB GAA Club Player Awards, marking the second time that the four codes of – Football, Hurling, Camogie, and Ladies Football – are celebrated together.

After a landmark campaign that saw them bridge a 77-year gap for county glory and then win their first ever provincial and All-Ireland crowns, Daingean Uí Chúis are the dominant presence on the AIB GAA Club Players’ Awards for football 2026.

The crowning glory of a phenomenal run for Kerry club football that saw all three AIB club crowns return to the Kingdom, the senior champions top a list made up of five different clubs that reflects one of the most closely fought Andy Merrigan Cup campaigns in recent times.

Tom O’Sullivan and Conor Flannery star in defence, dual code superstar Mark O’Connor is named in midfield while sharp shooting cousins Dylan and Paul Geaney complete their contingent.

After playing their part in an epic All-Ireland final that required extra-time, Roscommon and Connacht champions St Brigid’s have Ruaidhrí Fallon collecting his second award in three years and is joined by Seán Trundle and Paul McGrath in defence and Conor Hand at centre forward.

Ballyboden St Enda’s, pipped by a dramatic last gasp shot by Paul Geaney in their semi-final clash, are represented by midfield powerhouse Céin D’Arcy and their ace forwards Ross McGarry and Ryan O’Dwyer.

Triumphant after an arduous path to the Ulster crown, Scotstown have goalkeeper and place-kicking king Rory Beggan collecting his second such award, with Damien McArdle joining him in defence.

Completing the line-up is St Finbarr’s outstanding attacker Steven Sherlock who was previously a winner in 2022.

The shortlist for AIB GAA Club Footballer of the Year features St Brigid’s Ruaidhrí Fallon and Daingean Uí Chúis’ Tom O’Sullivan – two defenders who gained notoriety for their attacking and scoring exploits and the contenders are completed by Dylan Geaney of Daingean Uí Chúis who was the fulcrum of the All-Ireland winning attack.

AIB has also established the first-ever 'Moments of the Championship' award this year, recognising unforgettable instances across the LGFA, Camogie, and GAA Club Championships, which will be presented at the ceremony. The nominees for this new award are: Muckalee LGFA, who remarkably triumphed against the odds to win the AIB LGFA Leinster Junior Championship, before going on to land the AIB All-Ireland Junior title; Katie Rogers of Knockbride LGFA, whose inspiring personal goal 'To Play in Croke Park' from her list of things to do before turning 30 became a reality; and Ballymacelligot GAA, who demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship by forming a guard of honour for their West Kerry neighbours, An Ghaeltacht, as they ran onto Croke Park ahead of the AIB GAA All-Ireland Intermediate Final.

Congratulating the winners, Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “The AIB GAA All-Ireland club championship crown is the holy grail of every player and since it was introduced in 1971 has been a magnificent addition to the GAA calendar. Since 2018 the outstanding players who light up the provincial and All-Ireland series have been acknowledged through these Player Awards, and I want to thank them for their effort and salute our partners in AIB for their support of this great institution.”

AIB Chief Customer Officer, Orlaith Ryan said: “This year’s AIB GAA Football Club Championships burst into life with incredible passion and fierce rivalry. From Daingean Uí Chúis electrifying comebacks to St Brigid’s relentless drive, the season delivered unforgettable moments that showcased the heartbeat of the club game. These players and their clubs are the driving force of their communities, and their impact is felt far beyond the pitch. Congratulations to everyone who was selected for the Team of the Year, and best of luck to the Player of the Year nominees. AIB is proud to celebrate their achievements in Croke Park on March 13.”

The team was selected by a panel of Gaelic games correspondents from across print, radio, tv and digital media, and the awards will be presented at a special function held at Croke Park on Friday, March 13^th. The AIB Club Players’ Awards will be a gala celebration of the club campaign across the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association and the overall players of the year will be announced live on the night.

AIB GAA CLUB PLAYERS AWARDS

FOOTBALL 25/26

1. Rory Beggan (Scotstown) (previous winner in 2024)
2. Damien McArdle (Scotstown)
3. Seán Trundle (St Brigid’s)
4. Tom O’Sullivan (Daingean Uí Chúis)
5. Ruaidhrí Fallon (St Brigids) (previous winner in 2024)
6. Conor Flannery (Daingean Uí Chúis)
7. Paul McGrath (St Brigid’s)
8. Mark O’Connor (Daingean Uí Chúis)
9. Céin D’Arcy (Ballyboden St Enda’s)
10. Ross McGarry (Ballyboden St Enda’s)
11. Conor Hand (St Brigid’s)
12. Dylan Geaney (Daingean Uí Chúis)
13. Ryan O’Dwyer (Ballyboden St Enda’s)
14. Paul Geaney (Daingean Uí Chúis)
15. Steven Sherlock (St Finbarr’s) (previous winner in 2022)

AIB GAA Club Footballer of the Year Nominees

Ruaidhrí Fallon (St Brigid’s)

Dylan Geaney (Daingean Uí Chúis)

Tom O’Sullivan (Daingean Uí Chúis)

For further information – communications@gaa.ie