Kilkenny duo named on Fitzgibbon Cup hurling team of the year

The Kilkenny pair of Killian Doyle (DCU) and Denis Walsh (DCU) have been named on the  Electruc Ireland Higher Education Rising Stars Hurling Team of the Year.

Emeralds player Killian Doyle was part of the winning University of Limerick outfit as the star-studded Munster College captured the title for a second year on the trot while Dunnamaggin's Denis Walsh was a star turn in attack for Dublin City University before they lost out in the semi-finals to Mary I.

Croke Park, which had not hosted the competition for four decades, provided the iconic setting for the memorable final that brought a momentous hurling season to its conclusion. This historic occasion saw University of Limerick (UL) take on city rivals Mary Immaculate College Limerick (MICL) in an exciting, high-scoring and free flowing contest. UL's outstanding championship form proved decisive, as they secured their tenth overall Fitzgibbon Cup title. This triumph further cemented their legacy with an impressive fourth win in five seasons, and their second consecutive championship victory.

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UL’s championship pedigree shone brightly, dominating proceedings with a final score of 4-31 to MICL’s 3-21. UL’s victory was spearheaded by impressive individual displays, notably from Limerick’s Cathal O’Neill, who tallied seven points, Tipperary’s Darragh McCarthy with eight points, and Cork native Jack Leahy, who contributed a significant 1-5. Adam English and Jack O’Neill also found the net, showcasing the potency of UL’s attack. Despite a valiant effort from MICL, led superbly by Shane O’Brien with 1-12, UL’s clinical play and relentless attack proved decisive.

The 2026 Team of the Year highlights the exceptional standard of play showcased throughout the Higher Education Hurling Championship. Champions UL, reflecting their dominance, have seven players selected. Mary Immaculate College Limerick are strongly represented with four selections, while University of Galway and Dublin City University Dóchas Éireann each see two of their players included in the final line-up.

The 2026 Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Hurling Team of the Year:

1. Liam Hoare, University of Galway and Carrig & Riverstown, Offaly
2. Cian Scully, Mary Immaculate College Limerick and Dromin Athlacca, Limerick
3. Mark Fitzgerald, University of Limerick and Passage, Waterford
4. Daniel O'Meara, Dublin City University Dóchas Éireann and Maynooth, Kildare
5. Killian Doyle, University of Limerick and Emeralds, Kilkenny
6. Colin Coughlan, University of Limerick and Ballybrown, Limerick
7. Jimmy Quilty, Mary Immaculate College Limerick and Blackrock, Limerick
8. Adam English, University of Limerick and Doon, Limerick
9. Jack O'Neill, University of Limerick and Clooney Quin, Clare
10. Sam O'Farrell, University of Galway and Nenagh Éire Óg, Tipperary
11. Aidan O'Connor, University of Limerick and Ballybrown, Limerick
12. Denis Walsh, Dublin City University Dóchas Éireann and Dunnamaggin, Kilkenny
13. Adam Screeney, University of Limerick and Kilcormac Killoughey, Offaly
14. Shane O'Brien, Mary Immaculate College Limerick and Kilmallock, Limerick
15. Oisín O'Farrell, Mary Immaculate College Limerick and Askeaton/Ballysteen/Kilcornan, Limerick

As part of their ongoing commitment to Camogie and GAA sponsorships, Electric Ireland has continued to champion sustainability, reflected in their ongoing use of sustainable awards. Throughout the season, 25 Player of the Match awards were distributed across all competitions, specifically including the Ashbourne, Sigerson, and Fitzgibbon Cups. Additionally, this year marks a key environmental step, as all Electric Ireland branded trophy ribbons are, for the very first time, crafted entirely from sustainable and recycled materials.

Each recipient of a Rising Star Team of the Year award will be presented with a unique award made from renewable Beechwood, matching the material used for the Player of the Match trophies and further showcasing Electric Ireland's dedication to sustainability. The Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup Player of the Year will be revealed during the awards event on Monday 30th of March.

The Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Football Team of the Year has been previously announced, on March 19th. On March 30th, the Football and Hurling Teams of the Year will be formally presented at an exclusive event, where the coveted titles of Player of the Year from each team will be announced. Following this, the Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Stars Team of the Year is set to be announced on Thursday, April 2^nd.