Dungannon's Fionn Devlin named in hurling 'Team of the Year'

TYRONE’S Fionn Devlin has been honoured with inclusion in the cream of the crop that make up the 2026 Champion 15 hurling team of the year.

An eight-county spread represents the star-studded selection, which acknowledges the standout performers across the Christy Ring, Nickey Rackard and Lory Meagher Cup competitions.

Eoghan Ruadh star Fionn delivered a string of stand-out performances at the heart of the defence during Tyrone’s run to this year’s Nickey Rackard Cup final.

It has been quite a year for the 24-year-old, who also helped his Dungannon club to a first Tyrone Senior Hurling Championship triumph in six years, halting Eire Og’s bid for a seventh successive success.

And as a talented dual player, he also starred in Edendork’s run to a first ever Tyrone Senior Championship final.

The players were honoured at a special awards ceremony at Croke Park on Friday evening.

GAA president Jarlath Burns, said: “I want to congratulate the players selected on this year’s Champion 15.

“To be recognised as a leading light from across three championships is a serious achievement and reflective of the lasting impression made by your endeavours.

“I know this recognition will be well received by your families and clubs and am delighted that this night in our calendar allows us to pay tribute to these stars.”

GPA CEO Tom Parsons, added: "The Champion 15 Team of the Year brings together the best individual players across the Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher Cups.

“It's been a memorable season at this level, with Derry, New York and Longford all lifting silverware, and it's no surprise to see so many of their players, along with the other finalists, well represented on the team.

“Mayo's Cormac Phillips and Sligo's Andrew Kilcullen deserve special mention for making the cut from outside of those sides. Congratulations to all 15 players. Standing out across the three different tiers is no easy task, and being selected is a real reflection of your performances this year.

“Awards like this show the quality of hurling across all levels of the game, and you've each played a big part in that.”

The Champion 15 team was selected by an independent panel of Gaelic games correspondents with nominations submitted by GPA player representatives.

Christy Ring Cup champions Derry are represented by goalkeeper Seán Kelly, defenders Patrick Turner and Conor Coyle, midfield engine Cormac O’Doherty and forwards Deaglán Foley and Shea Cassidy.

New York’s second straight piece of silverware after adding the Nickey Rackard to the Meagher Cup won in 2025 is recognised with spots for the rampaging forward AJ Wills and defender and former Tipp footballer Bill Maher.