Kilkenny future star named in Team of Year
A Kilkenny minor hurler has been recognised for his performances in the championship with a place on the Team of the Year.
Joe Dowling was hailed for his on-field efforts when Electric Ireland, sponsor of the minor hurling championships, named the Dicksboro hurler as one of their 15 standout players from this season’s campaign.
The 2026 season produced a spectacular campaign of hurling, defined by high scoring, incredible drama and outstanding individual skill. The campaign culminated in a classic All-Ireland final at the TUS Gaelic Grounds, played in front of a passionate crowd of over 12,000 spectators, with Limerick claiming their first minor title since 1984 with a 2-12 to 1-14 win over Tipperary.
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The All-Ireland champions lead the way with seven representatives on the team. Finalists Tipperary boast five players, with Cork, Galway and Kilkenny taking one place apiece.
“These players have represented their clubs and counties with immense pride,” Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns. “They have a very bright future ahead of them.”
The 2026 Electric Ireland Hurling Minor Star Team of the Year is Sam Collins (Limerick and Crecora-Manister); Colm Ryan (Tipperary and Newport), Rowan Collins (Limerick and Adare), Conor Collins (Tipperary and Galtee Rovers-St. Pecaun's); John O'Riordan (Limerick and Bruff), James Finn (Tipperary and Golden-Kilfeacle), Eoin Hennessy (Limerick and Patrickswell); Shane Ryan (Tipperary and Borris-Ileigh), Xavier Neligan (Limerick and Kilmallock); Joe Dowling (Kilkenny and Dicksboro), Conall Morrisson (Tipperary and Moyle Rovers), Shane Waters (Limerick and Na Piarsaigh); Bobby Power (Cork and Ballincollig), Chris Dunne (Tipperary and Gortnahoe-Glengoole), Anthony Poniard (Galway and Athenry).