Ulster’s All-Star nominations

Shaun Casey takes a look at the nine players from the province who have been nominated for All-Stars

Rory Beggan (Monaghan)

It’s incredible that the Scotstown shot stopper only has one All-Star award to his name, winning it way back in 2018. Beggan has been one of the best, if not the best, goalkeeper in Ireland for the last few years. This is his eighth time being shortlisted and the Monaghan man is in with a great chance of picking up his second individual award after delivering another brilliant year between the sticks, although he missed the Louth quarter-final through injury.

Jarly Óg Burns (Armagh)

It’s the fourth time Jarly Óg Burns has been nominated for an official All-Star, but he has yet to get his hand on an award (he was previously nominated in 2019, 2022 and 2025). The Silverbridge name was superb for the Orchard County as they retained their Division One status and won the Ulster Championship. Between playing at wing back and midfield, Burns excelled wherever he lined out.

Conn Kilpatrick (Tyrone)

From the very first day out in the championship against Armagh, Kilpatrick was absolutely superb. He dominated the centre of the field in the majority of Tyrone games this season and was no stranger to getting on the scoresheet as well. The big Edendork man was previously shortlisted for back in 2021 when Tyrone last got their hands on the Sam Maguire.

Michael Langan (Donegal)

Langan has grown into perhaps the most important player that Donegal have. His presence was sorely missed during the first round of the Ulster Championship, which he missed out through injury and Jim McGuinness’ men crashed out at the hands of Down. The St Michael’s man is a two-point specialist, and he won his first All-Star award last season when Donegal reached the All-Ireland final.

Tiernan Kelly (Armagh)

It’s a very first All-Star nomination for Clann Éireann clubman Kelly. His 2026 campaign will best be remembered for the outstanding goal he scored against Derry in the opening round of the All-Ireland series at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds. He also rattled the back of the net in the Ulster final, which helped Kieran McGeeney’s men overcome Monaghan and end an 18-year wait for the Anglo Celt.

Dylan Byrne (Monaghan)

Byrne, who was just called into the Monaghan squad last year, had a marvellous season in the blue and white in 2026. He was one of the designated man-markers at the back, picking up the likes of Oisin Conaty and Kobe McDonald throughout the season and he did fairly well in most of those duals. It’s a first All-Star nomination for the Magheracloone defender, who has a bright future ahead of him.

Niall Devlin (Tyrone)

Devlin has been one of the unsung heroes of in the Red Hand County over the last few years and again he was brilliant throughout 2026. The Coalisland clubman was also shortlisted for the individual honour last year and he was brilliant at the back for Malachy O’Rourke’s men as they reached the final eight in the race for Sam Maguire, pushing Kerry all the way in the quarter-finals.

Oisín Conaty (Armagh)

Conaty has been a regular among the All-Star nominations over the last number of years, winning awards in 2024 and 2025. The Tir na nOg man, Young Footballer of the Year in 2024, was again superb this season, leading the way for the Orchard County. If he’s named on the Team of the Year for the third season in a row, he’ll join Kieran McGeeney and Steven McDonnell as Armagh’s only three-time winners.

Stephen O’Hanlon (Monaghan)

O’Hanlon has been nominated in the forward line (his first All-Star nomination) but in truth, he could have been shortlisted anywhere. The Carrickmacross speedster was so important for Gabriel Bannigan’s side in the half forward line, but it was some of his defensive duties, particularly the man-marking roles he picked up throughout the course of the championship, that deserve special recognition.