Six members of Mayo's squad that ended a 75-year drought to claim All-Ireland football glory have been selected for the 2026 All-Star team, according to BBC Sport. The recognition reflects a landmark season for the county, which saw them defeat Kerry in the All-Ireland final after a historic campaign.
Defenders Sam Callinan and Enda Hession, alongside forwards Darragh Beirne and Kobe McDonald, have earned selection. They join Footballer of the Year nominees Jack Carney and Ryan O'Donoghue in the 22-strong team. The three Footballer of the Year nominees are David Clifford of Fossa in Kerry, Ryan O'Donoghue of Belmullet in Mayo and Jack Carney of Kilmeena in Mayo.
The All-Star selections showcase the depth of talent across Irish football this year. Eight different counties are represented—the highest number since 2010—while 11 players receive their first All-Star award, matching the record set in 2022. This distribution underscores how competitive the sport has become at the highest level.
Kerry's Clifford reaches historic milestone
Kerry superstar David Clifford has claimed his seventh All-Star award, placing him alongside Kerry legend Mikey Sheehy and moving him closer to Colm Cooper's eight and Pat Spillane's nine. Clifford's fellow Kingdom players Jason Foley and Shane Murphy also feature in the team. Foley's 2026 selection marks his third All-Star, following previous awards in 2022 and 2025.
Who else has been recognised?
Three players from Ulster counties have earned inclusion. Armagh's Jarly Og Burns, a dynamic wing-back, receives recognition alongside Tyrone midfielder Conn Kilpatrick of Edendork St Malachy's and Monaghan's skilful wing-forward Stephen O'Hanlon. Westmeath captain Ronan Wallace of Multyfarnham has been honoured after leading the Lake County to their first Leinster SFC title in 22 years. Louth's Dara McDonnell, who starred in the Wee County's run to the All-Ireland semi-finals, earns selection at centre-back and becomes Louth's fourth All-Star.
Dublin's representation is limited to Niall Scully, who claims his second All-Star award after his first in 2020.
Young talent recognised
The Young Footballer of the Year nominees include Darragh Beirne of Claremorris in Mayo, Kobe McDonald of Crossmolina Deel Rovers in Mayo and Dara McDonnell of Naomh Máirtín in Louth. McDonald's selection carries particular significance, as he has been reported as the youngest-ever recipient of a Football All-Star award.
What the GAA president said
GAA president Jarlath Burns praised the quality of the season and the breadth of the awards.
An incredible football season that was crammed full of memorable twists and turns has a legacy in this All-Star football team, one that reflects just how competitive our game is now. Mayo have had their season rightly rewarded, and with eight counties represented and 11 first-time winners, there will be clubs all over Ireland that wake up and share in this fantastic news and feel that they have played a part in this success. It will be an extraordinary honour and privilege to be able to present my own club's first-ever All-Star award to Jarly Óg and Silverbridge.
Burns's remarks emphasised how the All-Star selections extend recognition beyond the winning counties, with clubs across the country sharing in the achievements of their representatives.
Context of Mayo's triumph
Mayo's All-Ireland victory came after a dominant campaign. Manager Andy Moran guided the team to a 17-point semi-final victory over Louth, securing their first All-Ireland final appearance in five years. The final itself saw Mayo overcome Kerry, a result that held particular meaning for some players. Ryan O'Donoghue reflected on redemption after the All-Ireland win, ending the pain of his 2021 final penalty miss. Jack Carney, meanwhile, reflected on 'imposter syndrome' after earning a Footballer of the Year nomination following the historic triumph.
What happens next
The All-Star awards ceremony, where the Footballer of the Year will be crowned, takes place on Friday, 30 October at the RDS in Dublin. The hurling All-Stars will also be announced at the same event.
