Mayo’s epic and triumphant first All-Ireland senior football success in 75 years is reflected in the PwC Football All-Star team for 2026, with six of Andy Moran’s team honoured.

Defensive rocks Sam Callinan and Enda Hession are selected along with dynamic young forwards Darragh Beirne and Kobe McDonald, with Footballer of the Year contenders Jack Carney and Ryan O’Donoghue completing their line-up.

That the champions didn’t win more is reflective of a thrilling championship, full of upsets and comebacks, with eight different counties covered in the final 15 selection.

rte ryan o'donoghue mayo
Ryan O’Donoghue of Mayo lifts the Sam Maguire Cup. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

It is the first time since 2010 that there has been such an extensive breakdown, and there are 11 first-time winners of a prestigious All-Star, the biggest number of debutants since 2022.

Another notable highlight is a seventh award for Kerry talisman David Clifford, equalling the haul amassed by fellow Kingdom great Mikey Sheehy. Only Colm Cooper (eight) and Pat Spillane (nine) have won more in their Kerry careers, with time still very much on the Fossa favourites side.

Another notable inclusion is Armagh’s Jarly Óg Burns, son of current GAA president Jarlath, who brings a first-ever All-Star back to his club, Silverbridge, in South Armagh.

All-Stars
Jarly Og Burns of Armagh makes his way out. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

And Burns said: ‘Mayo have had their season rightly rewarded, and with eight counties represented and 11 first-time winners, there will be clubs all over Ireland that wake up and share in this fantastic news and feel that they have played a part in this success.

‘It will be an extraordinary honour and privilege to be able to present my own club’s first-ever All-Star award to Jarly Óg and Silverbridge.’

Football All-Stars Football 2026:  
1 Shane Murphy (Kerry)
2 Sam Callinan (Mayo)
3 Jason Foley (Kerry)
4.     Enda Hession (Mayo)
5.     Ronan Wallace (Westmeath)
6.     Dara McDonnell (Louth)
7.     Jarlath Óg Burns (Armagh)
8.     Conn Kilpatrick (Tyrone)
9.     Jack Carney (Mayo)
10. Niall Scully (Dublin)
11. Ryan O’Donoghue (Mayo)
12. Stephen O’Hanlon (Monaghan)
13. Darragh Beirne (Mayo)
14. David Clifford (Kerry)
15. Kobe McDonald (Mayo)