Tyrone's Conn Kilpatrick selected on PwC Football All-Stars team
Tyrone’s Conn Kilpatrick added another accolade to an outstanding season with selection on the PwC Football All-Stars team
TYRONE’S Conn Kilpatrick added another accolade to an outstanding season with selection on the PwC Football All-Stars team.
Kilpatrick was the Red Hands’ stand-out performer this year, bringing his game to new heights with a string of powerhouse midfield displays.
He also helped Edendork to a first ever Tyrone Senior Championship title, bringing his spectacular form from the inter-county scene to a memorable club campaign for the St Malachy’s.
He was one of two Tyrone players nominated for an All-Star award, with Niall Devlin of Coalisland also making the shortlist.
“A new chapter in an already remarkable story,” said a tribute from Tyrone GAA.
“Years of dedication, sacrifice and relentless hard work have led to this moment for Conn, who has earned his first-ever GAA/GPA All-Star award.
“A special achievement for an exceptional talent, and a proud moment for Conn, his family, his club and everyone associated with Tyrone GAA. King Conn. All-Star.
All-Ireland champions Mayo secured six places on the PwC Football All-Star team for 2026, and which is spread across eight different counties.
It is the first time since 2010 that there has been such an extensive breakdown on the distinguished final 15, and there are 11 first-time winners of a precious All-Star, the biggest number of debutantes since 2022.
GAA president Jarlath Burns said: “An incredible football season that was crammed full of memorable twists and turns has a legacy in this All-Star football team, one that reflects just how competitive our game is now.
“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.
“The All-Stars are the pinnacle in individual achievement, and we are enormously thankful to PwC for their continued support of this great institution in Irish sport.”
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.
Tom Parsons, CEO of the Gaelic Players’ Association, added: “As a Mayo man, this year holds particular significance. A historic season for Mayo is capped off with six players being named on the PwC All-Stars Football Team.
“This young team carried the weight of 75 years with courage and belief. Congratulations to each member of the squad who has been selected. To have Sam Maguire and a PwC All-Star award to your name for 2026 is something to be very proud of.
“Kerry, as defending champions, pushed Mayo all the way in the final and are rightly recognised with three players awarded, reflecting another outstanding season for the Kingdom.
“It is also encouraging to see Westmeath, Louth, Armagh, Tyrone, Dublin and Monaghan represented, which demonstrates the strength of the game across the country.
“Congratulations to all 15 players selected for this year’s PwC All-Star team. In such a highly competitive championship, this recognition is a testament to the quality, commitment and consistency you have shown throughout 2026.
“While our games are built on collective effort, these awards provide a special opportunity to celebrate the individual performances that have helped shape the season.
“Your inclusion is very well merited. Finally, I would like to thank PwC and the GAA for their continued partnership in these awards.”
Enda McDonagh, Managing Partner, PwC Ireland: "Congratulations to the players selected on the 2026 PwC All-Star Football Team. Being recognised among the top 15 footballers in the country is a fantastic achievement and reflects the exceptional performances, commitment and consistency they have shown throughout the season.
“We are delighted to celebrate their achievements and recognise the contribution each of them has made to a very memorable year for Gaelic football, when the new rules really came into their own.”
Part of the GAA landscape since 1971, the All-Stars were chosen by a panel of Gaelic Games correspondents from across print, radio, TV and digital media. The PwC awards were presented at a special black-tie function in Dublin’s RDS on Friday night.
PwC All-Stars Football 2026 (*previous winning years in brackets)
1. Shane Murphy (Kerry)
2. Sam Callinan (Mayo)
3. Jason Foley (Kerry) (2022, 2025)
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) (2020)
11. Ryan O’Donoghue (Mayo) (2021)
12. Stephen O’Hanlon (Monaghan)
13. Darragh Beirne (Mayo)
14. David Clifford (Kerry) (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025)
15. Kobe McDonald (Mayo)