Three Mayo players on Sigerson Cup Team of the Year
Electric Ireland has picked 15 standout footballers from this year’s Higher Education Football Championship to reveal the 2026 Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Football Team of the Year.
The selection features three Mayo players, all members of the Sigerson Cup-winning University of Limerick team. They are: Conal Dawson, Seán Morahan and Cian McHale.
With this being the first year that the Sigerson Cup was played under the new rules, this year’s competition culminated with University of Limerick (UL) making history, securing their first-ever title by defeating Munster rivals University College Cork (UCC) by three points. This dramatic final marked the Sigerson Cup's return to Croke Park for the first time in over 40 years.
In what was a semi-final for the ages, UL defeated a relentless Queen's University Belfast (Queen's) side 3-23 to 2-21 after extra-time in an epic encounter at Abbottstown. On the other side of the draw, UCC overcame University of Galway in a tense affair at The Mardyke, eventually coming out on top 1-11 to 1-8.
After another of season of stellar performances showcasing the talent across the Higher Education Championships, champions UL dominate the 2026 Team of the Year with seven standout performers earning a spot. Runners-up UCC have earned four spaces, with semi-finalists University of Galway and Queen’s receiving two spots each on the team.
Notably, this year’s team contains players from the length and breadth of the country, with nine counties represented.
The team in full is as follows: Tristan O’Callaghan (UL and St. Breckan's, Clare); Dan Peet (UCC and Clonakilty, Cork), Liam Evans (UCC and Keel, Kerry), Charlie King (UL and Ballina, Tipperary); Conal Dawson (UL and Westport, Mayo), Seán Morahan (UL and Castlebar Mitchels, Mayo), Canice Mulligan (University of Galway and St. Patrick’s, Sligo); Brian McNamara (UL and Cooraclare, Clare), Conor O’Neill (Queen's and Donaghmore, Tyrone); Ruairí Murphy (UCC and Listry, Kerry), Cathal Brosnan (UL and Currow, Kerry), Eoin Colleran (University of Galway and Pádraig Pearses, Roscommon); Ryan McQuillan (Queen's and Con Magees Glenravel, Antrim), Cian McHale (UL and Moy Davitts, Mayo), Ciaran Santry (UCC and Carbery Rangers, Cork).
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “The 2026 Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup season was truly exceptional, culminating in a historic win for University of Limerick and a captivating final at Croke Park – a fitting return for the competition. The standard of football and the incredible skill on display throughout the championship were a testament to the talent within our higher education system.
“On behalf of the GAA, I extend my warmest congratulations to UL on their first-ever Sigerson title and to each of the 15 players selected for the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Football Team of the Year. These championships continue to play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of inter-county stars.”
Jillian Saunders, group sponsorship and PR manager, Electric Ireland, commented: “Electric Ireland is immensely proud to be the sponsor of the GAA Higher Education Championships, and this year's Sigerson Cup lived up to its billing, showcasing everything we love about Gaelic football. We are delighted to honour these 15 outstanding footballers who have been selected for the Rising Stars Football Team of the Year. Congratulations to UL and all the players recognised for their performances.”
The Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Hurling Teams of the Year will be announced on Thursday, March 26, with the Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Stars Team of the Year being announced on Thursday, April 2.