Laois Lead 2026 Joe McDonagh Team of the Year Selections After Croke Park Redemption
Champions Laois secured seven spots on the 2026 Joe McDonagh Team of the Year following a redemption season that erased consecutive final defeats in 2024 and 2025. The O’Moore County hurlers claimed the greatest representation on the 15-man selection spread across four counties after overcoming Carlow in the Croke Park decider and earning promotion to the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship.
Defensive and Midfield Backbone for Champions Laois
Laois anchored their championship-winning run with a strong spine recognized by the selection panel. Ian Shanahan and Pádraig Delaney hold down the full-back line, while Fiachra Culliton-Fennell features on the half-back line, as Gaa.ie detailed. Team captain David Dooley claims the midfield berth following his inspirational leadership throughout the campaign. Down duo Caolán Taggart at centre-back and Dónal Hughes in midfield round out the central defensive and middle-third representation from other counties, according to Laois Today.
Forwards Shine in Croke Park Decider
Attackers from both finalists dominate the forward lines after an entertaining round-robin campaign and final matchup. Veteran Stephen Maher and Aaron Dunphy man the half-forward line for Laois, while Cillian Dunne takes the full-forward spot after scoring 1-06 from play in the final at Croke Park, Irish Examiner reported. Beaten finalists Carlow contributed five players to the overall team, featuring Brian Tracey in goal alongside defenders Paul Doyle and Fiachra Fitzpatrick, and forwards James Doyle and Martin Kavanagh. Antrim’s Ryan McCambridge completes the forward selections.
Banquet Celebration Honors 2026 Selections
The successful players receive their awards at a special banquet at Croke Park on Friday evening. GAA President Jarlath Burns and GPA CEO Tom Parsons congratulated the 15 players for their contributions to a fiercely contested championship. Friday night’s celebration also features the announcements of the overall hurlers and footballers of the year alongside the Champion 15 winners and the Tailteann Cup Football Team of the Year.
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