Seven of the University of Limerick’s Sigerson Cup-winning side have been named on the Electric Ireland Higher Education Rising Stars Football Team of the Year.
Tristan O’Callaghan, Charlie King, Conal Dawson, Seán Morohan, Brian McNamara (C), Cathal Brosnan, and Cian McHale all feature from UL, who defeated UCC in the decider in February.
The runners-up make up four of the XV, while semi-finalists Queen’s University Belfast and University of Galway contribute two players each.
It was a historic year for the competition, with this year’s edition the first to be played under the new rules. It was also the first time in over 40 years that the final was played in Croke Park.
A rollercoaster ride is how UL’s maiden Sigerson Cup glory can be described, which required extra-time in their quarter-final and semi-final to reach Croke Park alone.
Cathal Brosnan at the death. Keeps @ul_gaa in the Sigerson Cup and sends it to extra-time.
UL go on to defeat Queen’s University Belfast 3-23 to 2-21 (AET) and are off to Croker for the Sigerson Cup Final. #GAA pic.twitter.com/F53YyuyXC5
— Andrew Moynihan (@AndrewMoy23) February 6, 2026
A composed performance in the decider saw David Power’s side complete a league-championship double, a first for the University.
The team in full is as follows:
1 Tristan O’Callaghan (UL and St. Breckan’s, Clare)
2. Dan Peet (UCC and Clonakilty, Cork)
3. Liam Evans (UCC and Keel, Kerry)
4. Charlie King (UL and Ballina, Tipperary)
5. Conal Dawson (UL and Westport, Mayo)
6. Seán Morahan (UL and Castlebar Mitchels, Mayo)
7. Canice Mulligan (University of Galway and St. Patrick’s, Sligo)
8. Brian McNamara (UL and Cooraclare, Clare)
9. Conor O’Neill (Queen’s and Donaghmore, Tyrone)
10. Ruairí Murphy (UCC and Listry, Kerry)
11. Cathal Brosnan (UL and Currow, Kerry)
12. Eoin Colleran (University of Galway and Pádraig Pearses, Roscommon)
13. Ryan McQuillan (Queen’s and Con Magees Glenravel, Antrim)
14. Cian McHale (UL and Moy Davitts, Mayo)
15. Ciaran Santry (UCC and Carbery Rangers, Cork)
The Electric Ireland Rising Star Football Player of the Year will be announced at the Higher Education Awards Ceremony at the end of the month.
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