Laois dominate 2026 Joe McDonagh team of year
Laois players lead the 2026 Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year, reflecting their triumphant return after previous final losses. The squad features 15 players from Laois, Carlow, Down, and Antrim, showcasing the depth of talent across the championship.
Source:
GAA News
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⏱️ 2 min read
Laois are celebrating a remarkable achievement as seven of their players headline the 2026 Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year, announced today. This recognition follows a stirring season of redemption, where the O’Moore County hurlers overcame defeats in the 2024 and 2025 finals to reclaim their pride.
The team selection highlights Laois’s dominance with Ian Shanahan and Padraig Delaney anchoring the full back line, Fiachra Culliton-Fennell energising the half back line, and captain David Dooley honoured for his inspirational leadership in midfield. In attack, veterans Stephen Maher and Aaron Dunphy earned their places on the half forward line thanks to their significant contributions, while Cillian Dunne, who scored an impressive 1-6 from play in the final at Croke Park, was named full-forward.
Carlow, runners-up in the final, claimed five spots on the team, reflecting their strong round robin performance and thrilling championship run. Brian Tracey was selected as goalkeeper, with defenders Pual Doyle and Fiachra Fitzpatrick recognised for their solid seasons. James Doyle and Martin Kavanagh’s sharp shooting secured their places in the forward line. The pivotal centre back and midfield positions went to Down’s Caolán Taggart and Dónal Hughes, underscoring the competitive nature of the campaign. Antrim’s Ryan McCambridge also earned a place in attack for his dynamic displays.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns congratulated the players, emphasising the fierce competition and honour associated with making the team. Tom Parsons, CEO of the GPA, praised the championship’s intensity and the deserving nature of the selections, noting Laois’s determined response to past final defeats and their promising prospects in the upcoming Leinster Championship. He also thanked the squad representatives and the selection committee for their diligent work in assembling the team.
The team selection highlights Laois’s dominance with Ian Shanahan and Padraig Delaney anchoring the full back line, Fiachra Culliton-Fennell energising the half back line, and captain David Dooley honoured for his inspirational leadership in midfield. In attack, veterans Stephen Maher and Aaron Dunphy earned their places on the half forward line thanks to their significant contributions, while Cillian Dunne, who scored an impressive 1-6 from play in the final at Croke Park, was named full-forward.
Carlow, runners-up in the final, claimed five spots on the team, reflecting their strong round robin performance and thrilling championship run. Brian Tracey was selected as goalkeeper, with defenders Pual Doyle and Fiachra Fitzpatrick recognised for their solid seasons. James Doyle and Martin Kavanagh’s sharp shooting secured their places in the forward line. The pivotal centre back and midfield positions went to Down’s Caolán Taggart and Dónal Hughes, underscoring the competitive nature of the campaign. Antrim’s Ryan McCambridge also earned a place in attack for his dynamic displays.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns congratulated the players, emphasising the fierce competition and honour associated with making the team. Tom Parsons, CEO of the GPA, praised the championship’s intensity and the deserving nature of the selections, noting Laois’s determined response to past final defeats and their promising prospects in the upcoming Leinster Championship. He also thanked the squad representatives and the selection committee for their diligent work in assembling the team.
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