Cork dominates the Electric Ireland Minor Football Team of the Year
The 2026 Minor Football team of the year has been named, with Cork dominating the panel with seven inclusions, closely followed by fellow finalists Tyrone with six. The remaining two spots on this year’s squad go to semi-finalists Kildare.
The semi-final stage of the championship saw two fascinating contests: Tyrone overcame the stern test of a gritty Kildare team. While in the other encounter, a talented Cork team powered past a strong Derry side despite the early scare of a couple of quick first-half goals.
This year’s final saw Cork claim their first title in seven years after a rollercoaster game against last year’s Champions Tyrone at St Conleth's Park, Newbridge.
Behind by 0-7 to 1-13 with 39 minutes on the clock, Cork rose to the occasion, scoring an unanswered 1-5 with thanks to an Eoghan Ahern goal, which rounded off a stellar comeback.
Electric Ireland has also announced Cork’s Joe Miskella as this year’s Electric Ireland Minor Star Football Player of the Year.
A key driver behind the county's All-Ireland triumph, the Ballincollig star led by example all season with his leadership and scoring ability. Miskella set the standard in the final with a vital pair of two-pointers, capping off a series of standout performances that propelled Cork to glory.
The 2026 Electric Ireland Football Minor Star Team of the Year are:
1. Rory Twohig (Cork and Kilmeen)
2. Aaron O’Sullivan (Cork and Glanmire)
3. James Maguire (Tyrone and Killyclogher St. Mary’s / Cappagh)
4. Liam Mescal (Kildare and Eadestown)
5. Aodhán Corry (Tyrone and Trillick St Macartan’s)
6. Tomás Gallen (Tyrone and Fintona Pearses)
7. Éanna Lynch (Cork and Ballincollig)
8. Kieran O’Shea (Cork and Urhan)
9. Charlie Meenan (Tyrone and Killyclogher St. Mary’s / Cappagh)
10. Eoghan Ahern (Cork and Carrigaline)
11. Matthew F Daly (Tyrone and Eglish St. Patrick’s)
12. Joe Miskella (Cork and Ballincollig)
13. Tom Whooley (Cork and Clonakilty)
14. Greg Kelly (Kildare and Castledermot)
15. Vincent Gormley (Tyrone and An Charraig Mhór Naomh Colmcille)
GAA president Jarlath Burns said: “It has been a true pleasure watching these athletes represent their counties with such pride, skill, and determination this year. A special word of praise goes to Cork’s Joe Miskella on being named Electric Ireland Minor Star Football Player of the Year, his outstanding leadership and talent were vital to his county's All-Ireland success.”
