Seven Carlow players named on TG4 Junior Team of the Championship

Carlow may have lost out to Antrim in the most agonising circumstances possible in the TG4 All-Ireland Junior All-Ireland Final at Croke Park but they come out on top of their Ulster opponents in one area – players named on the Championship’s Team of the Year.

Ed Burke’s team were flawless in the run up to the final and had some outstanding individual contributions as they won 17 games in a row before losing the final to a winning score just 12 seconds before the final hooter.

Seven players have been recognised for their contributions, with another few certainly unlucky not to make the cut.

Goalkeeper Nicole Hanley, defenders Ruth Bermingham and Niamh Forde, midfielder Rósín Bailey, and forwards Clíodhna Ní Shé, Sara Doyle and Aibha Kiernan have all been named in the team.

Ladies Gaelic Football Association President, Trina Murray, commented: “The 2026 TG4 All-Ireland Junior and Intermediate Championships delivered brilliant football and unforgettable drama.

“The Championships concluded with our finals at Croke Park on Sunday August 2, where the honours went to Antrim in the Junior grade, and Roscommon at Intermediate level.

“Antrim’s win was one for the history books – a last-gasp winning point sealed a record-equalling fourth Junior title for the Saffrons, and sweet redemption after they’d fallen just short against Louth twelve months earlier. For Roscommon, it was a truly special occasion: their first return to Croke Park since 2001, and their first Intermediate crown since 2005, secured with a commanding display against Fermanagh.

“Antrim will now step up to the Intermediate Championship ranks for 2027, while Roscommon will operate at Senior level.

“Well done to both of our champions, and I also wish to acknowledge the outstanding efforts and contributions of all teams who competed in the 2026 Championships.

“A special word of thanks, also, to TG4 for their continued and outstanding commitment to our sport.

“I also wish to acknowledge TG4, our championship sponsors and official broadcast partner. TG4 have been with us for a quarter of a century now and we were delighted to announce an extension of our partnership this year that will bring us up to 2032.

“Our appreciation, as always, goes to TG4 Director General, Deirdre Ní Choistín, Head of Sport, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha, and the entire TG4 team for their outstanding commitment to our sport.

“On linear TV and across their various social media channels, TG4 worked incredibly hard to ensure that Ladies Gaelic Football was front and centre throughout the summer months. It was a wonderful season of coverage.” Deirdre Ní Choistín, Ard-Stiúrthóir TG4, added:

“TG4 is immensely proud to celebrate 25 years of our longstanding partnership with the LGFA in 2026. Over the past quarter of a century, we have been privileged to play a part in bringing Ladies Gaelic Football to audiences across Ireland and beyond, and in supporting the continued growth and visibility of the game. As we celebrate the 2026 TG4 Teams of the Championship, we recognise the exceptional achievements of the players and reaffirm our commitment to showcasing and promoting this wonderful sport. Having extended our partnership with the LGFA until 2032, we look forward with great excitement to continuing this journey together and to celebrating many more memorable years of Ladies Gaelic Football.” 

The winners will receive their awards at a Croke Park function on Friday October 9.

TG4 JUNIOR TEAM OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP 

1. Nicole Hanley (Carlow) 

2. Claire Dunne (Sligo) 

3. Maeve Blaney (Antrim) 

4. Maeve Mulholland (Antrim) 

5. Ruth Bermingham (Carlow) 

6. Niamh Forde (Carlow) 

7. Carla McKenna (Antrim) 

8. Lara Dahunsi (Antrim) 

9. Róisín Bailey (Carlow) 

10. Theresa Mellon (Antrim) 

11. Clíodhna Ní Shé (Carlow) 

12. Annie Ní Lochlainn (Derry) 

13. Sara Doyle (Carlow) 

14. Maria O’Neill (Antrim) 

15. Aibha Kiernan (Carlow)