Down and Antrim represented on Joe McDonagh Cup selection

DOWN and Antrim have had players named on the Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year 2026.

Laois lead thew way with seven after they lifted the title.

Ian Shanahan and Padraig Delaney man the full back line, the hard-working Fiachra Culliton-Fennell is on the half back line, and David Dooley’s i 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 Paul 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 team of the year was selected by a panel of Gaelic games correspondents with nominations provided by GPA players’ representatives.

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 on Thursday 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