
The GAA have announced the AIB GAA Football Club Championship Team of the Year.
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.
Club Football Team of the Year
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)
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