Mayo Claims Six All Star Football Awards
The 2026 selection includes players from eight counties, a distribution not seen since 1971, with 18-year-old Kobe McDonald joining the elite group.
By Abigail Brooks ·
Mayo has received six All Star awards in the 2026 GAA Football selection, the highest number for any single county. The group of 15 winners includes players from eight different counties, marking the widest geographic spread for the honor since 1971.
Kobe McDonald, an 18-year-old, has become only the third player of that age in history to be selected for the football team of the year. The inclusion of the young forward adds to the historical significance of the current class, which is being recognized following the 2026 All-Ireland Championship.
The selection process has drawn attention to the depth of talent across the country, with the 15 honorees representing a broad cross-section of the sport. The distribution of awards contrasts with previous years where a smaller number of counties typically dominated the list. This year's lineup reflects a more competitive balance among provincial teams.
Observers have noted that the omission of Paudie Clifford from the final group is likely to generate debate among supporters. The decision to leave out the player has already sparked discussion, with many fans questioning the criteria used for the final cuts. The reaction highlights the high stakes associated with the annual recognition.
The All Star awards remain the premier individual honor in Gaelic football. The 2026 selection committee chose the 15 players based on their performances throughout the season. The list includes a mix of veterans and emerging talents, with the majority of awards going to members of the Mayo and Dublin squads.
The ceremony will formally present the stars to the 15 selected players. The event serves as a capstone to the competitive season, celebrating the individual achievements that contributed to the national championship results. The 2026 class joins a long list of recipients who have been recognized for their skill and contribution to the game.
The wide spread of counties in this year's selection underscores the competitive nature of the 2026 campaign. Eight counties were represented, a figure that had not been reached in over five decades. This breadth of recognition provides a snapshot of the current state of the sport across the island.
The 15 winners will now join the ranks of previous All Stars. The awards are voted on by a panel of judges who assess player performance across all competitions. The 2026 selection concludes the individual recognition phase of the GAA calendar, setting the stage for the upcoming winter break and pre-season preparations.
Source: The Irish Times
