Limerick claims nine awards as Hegarty wins second Hurler of the Year

Gearóid Hegarty stands in the center of a crowded stage at the RDS, holding a trophy aloft as the 2026 Hurler of the Year. It is his second time winning the award, following his first recognition six years ago. Hegarty had been the clear favorite for the prize since midsummer, a status cemented by Limerick’s dominant performance across the season.

The hurling champions from Limerick swept the ceremony, claiming nine of the available awards. The team’s dominance mirrors their on-field success, as they secured the All-Ireland, Munster, and National League titles. This marks the second time in club history that Limerick has collected nine awards, a figure only three lower than their all-time record of 12 set in 2023.

Ryan O’Donoghue of Mayo received the Footballer of the Year award, a decision that appears to have been a close call against David Clifford. O’Donoghue’s performance was instrumental in Mayo’s run to the All-Ireland final, where he delivered a standout display against Kerry. He becomes only the third Mayo player to receive this honor, following Andy Moran in 2017 and Lee Keegan in 2016.

The selection process for the hurling team resulted in only four counties being represented, a stark contrast to the eight counties featured in the football awards. Galway, the All-Ireland runners-up, secured three awards, while Cork received two and Clare one. No player from outside the All-Ireland semi-finalists was named, reflecting a season that lacked depth in the hurling code.

Seven players on the team are first-time winners, including Adam English, Aidan O’Connor, and Cathal O’Neill for Limerick. Jason Rabbitte of Galway also received his first award, becoming the youngest recipient since Mark Coleman in 2017. Rabbitte joins his father Joe, who won his first award 33 years ago, as the sixth father-and-son duo to be honored in the scheme.

Peter Duggan of Clare bridges an eight-year gap between his first and second awards. He shares the full-forward line with Brian Hayes, the only other player from last year’s selection to remain on the team. Hayes was also a nominee for Hurler of the Year. Niall O’Leary of Cork earned an award at cornerback after playing every minute of the championship campaign, where he was tasked with various man-marking duties.

Barry Nash picked up his third award at the other cornerback position. The half-back line is entirely composed of Limerick players: Diarmaid Byrnes, Will O’Donoghue, and Kyle Hayes. This is the second time in recent years that Limerick has occupied all three half-back spots. Kyle Hayes, with his sixth award, joins Joe McKenna as the most decorated Limerick player in the history of the awards, while Diarmaid Byrnes and Hegarty each claim their fifth.