Laois dominate the Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year

Laois captain David Dooley raises the Joe McDonagh Cup ©INPHO/Tom O'Hanlon

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. 

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 Culliton 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