It all started in the cold, dark and unforgiving nights of winter, but in the coming weeks, the county season reaches its climax.
Not only does that mean the handing out of silverware, but it is also the time when Irish News readers get to choose their best performers from across all four Gaelic Games codes – men’s and ladies’ football, hurling and camogie.
In a few days, voting will open for the 2026 Irish News Ulster All-Stars. As well as bringing you top quality GAA content, our sports team have been busy shortlisting names for each of the four teams and now it it’s over to you.
Voting will open on Wednesday for this year’s awards and once again, players across all four codes have staked their claim for inclusion.
Armagh and Donegal have dominated the men’s football selections in recent years, but Tyrone and Monaghan have had some joy in the Championship this season. Will that be reflected in your selection?
The Orchard men finally ended their 18-year wait for an Ulster title in 2026, but their All-Ireland dream was halted by Kerry. Tyrone pushed Kerry to the pin of their collars while Monaghan’s never-say-die attitude won them many fans.
In ladies’ football, Fermanagh continued their remarkable rise and will contest the All-Ireland intermediate final next weekend while Armagh reached the senior semi-final with some eye-catching display with some younger players emerging alongside their established stars.
Tyrone reached the Ulster senior final a year after their All-Ireland intermediate triumph while Cavan, Monaghan and Down all made strides at intermediate level.
Antrim will be hoping to overcome to make up for the disappointment of their All-Ireland junior final loss last year when they return to Croke Park this weekend.
In hurling, Antrim struggled but maintained their Division 1A and Joe McDonagh Cup status. Down scored two memorable wins over their neighbours in league and championship and many of their players will be in the running for recognition.
Derry’s win in the Christy Ring Cup final has pushed some of their players to fore while Tyrone had some eye-catching displays on their way to the Nicky Rackard Cup final.
The All-Ireland camogie finals in a fortnight’s time will have an Ulster flavour. The junior decider will be an all-Ulster affair between Armagh and Cavan while Antrim will take on surprise package Laois in the intermediate final.
And so, as the curtain comes down on another memorable county season, the focus will turn to celebrate our fantastic athletes later in the year.
For more than 30 years, The Irish News Ulster All-Stars have honoured the outstanding GAA stars of the province, bringing together the biggest names in Gaelic Games for one of the most prestigious nights of the year.
Selections are made through a combination of public vote and an expert judging panel — and voting opens on Wednesday, July 29. Supporters can cast their votes at irishnews.com/allstars.
This year’s gala event takes place on Friday, October 9 at ICC Belfast, with seats and tables now on sale. The awards are proudly supported by title sponsor Kingsbridge Private Hospital Group, alongside Louis Boyd Menswear, SPAR NI, O’Neills Sportswear, Options Technology, Jack Murphy Jewellers and Centum Engineering.
With Ulster teams shining across every code, the 2026 All-Stars promises to be a celebration worthy of a remarkable year.
