THE 2026 AIG HEC All-Star and Rising Stars teams have been announced.
These selections honour the very best performers from the recent AIG HEC Championships.
The 2026 competitions concluded at Dublin City University over the weekend of Friday-Saturday March 13-14.
Seven pieces of silverware were handed out across two memorable days, with TU Dublin making history by claiming the flagship AIG O’Connor Cup for the very first time.
And it’s TU Dublin who lead the way on the AIG HEC All-Star team, with six players included.
Defenders Gráinne Gavin, Aisling Nyhan and Niamh Divilly are joined on the selection by Ciara Smyth, Player of the Match in the final victory over DCU Dóchas Éireann and named at midfield, and forwards Caoimhe Cregg and Neala Byrne.
DCU Dóchas Éireann were denied in their quest for a fourth successive AIG O’Connor Cup title but there is some consolation for the 2026 hosts as they secure four places on the All-Stars team.
Abigail Temple Asokuh and Niamh Donlon are listed in defence, with Niamh Crowley and Aisling Hanly named in attack. There’s also recognition for DCU’s second team, who contested the AIG Giles Cup Final, with Bébhínn McDonald acknowledged at midfield.
The remaining four slots on the team are split between Giles Cup winners UCD and Lynch Cup winners ATU Sligo.
Goalkeeper Anna Dunlea and Giles Cup Final Player of the Match Lauren Murtagh are the UCD representatives, with Lynch Cup Final Player of the Match Deirbhile Lynch and Cara King honoured from ATU Sligo.
The AIG Ladies HEC Rising Stars team recognises the contribution of players across the HEC, Lagan, Donaghy, and Moynihan Cups.
Leading the way on this team are AIG Moynihan Cup winners SETU Carlow, who have five players on the selection.
There are three places each on the Rising Stars team for AIG Moynihan Cup runners-up, ATU Galway, AIG Lagan Cup winners Coventry University and AIG Donaghy Cup winners, TUS Midwest.
AIG HEC Cup winners Queen’s University, Belfast, have one player on the Rising Stars team.
The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony at The Bonnington Dublin Hotel, next Friday March 27th.
Ladies Gaelic Football President Trina Murray commented: “Well done to all recipients of 2026 AIG HEC All-Star and Rising Stars Awards. I was present at Dublin City University to witness some brilliant football over the course of finals weekend.
“The standard of third-level football is extremely high, and I wish to compliment the hard-working Ladies HEC committee and all of those involved from Dublin City University, who ensured the smooth running of the games.
“A huge word of thanks also goes to AIG Ireland, who came on board in 2024 to become title partner and main sponsor of the Ladies HEC competitions. The support from AIG Ireland’s Head of Consumer Marketing and Sponsorship, John Gillick, and his team, is very much appreciated.”
Ladies HEC Chairperson, Seán Fleming, added: “On behalf of the Ladies HEC committee, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to the 2026 AIG HEC All Stars and Rising Stars.
“These awards celebrate the outstanding talent, dedication and sportsmanship shown by players across the third-level game throughout the season. The standard of football on display this year has been exceptional, and the commitment shown by these students in balancing elite sport with academic life is truly admirable.
“I would also like to sincerely thank AIG Ireland for their continued support of the Ladies HEC championships and awards programme. Their partnership plays a vital role in recognising and promoting the achievements of our players.”
AIG HEC All-Stars 2026
Goalkeeper – Anna Dunlea (University College Dublin)
Right Corner Back – Abigail Temple Asokuh (DCU Dóchas Éireann)
Full Back – Gráinne Gavin (Technological University Dublin)
Left Corner Back – Ashling Nyhan (Technological University Dublin)
Right Half Back – Niamh Donlon (DCU Dóchas Éireann)
Centre Back – Niamh Divilly (Technological University Dublin)
Left Half Back – Lauren Murtagh (University College Dublin)
Midfield – Bébhínn McDonald (DCU Dóchas Éireann 2)
Midfield – Ciara Smyth (Technological University Dublin)
Right Half Forward – Caoimhe Cregg (Technological University Dublin)
Centre Forward – Deirbhile Lynch (Atlantic Technological University Sligo)
Left Half Forward – Niamh Crowley (DCU Dóchas Éireann)
Right Corner Forward – Aisling Hanly (DCU Dóchas Éireann)
Full Forward – Neala Byrne (Technological University Dublin)
Left Corner Forward – Cara King (Atlantic Technological University Sligo)
Breakdown of Colleges
Technological University Dublin – 6
DCU Dóchas Éireann – 4
DCU Dóchas Éireann (2) – 1
Atlantic Technological University Sligo – 2
University College Dublin – 2
AIG HEC Rising Stars 2026
Goalkeeper – Anna Draper (Coventry University)
Right Corner Back – Caoimhe McCabe (Technological University of the Shannon Midwest)
Full Back – Grace Moore (South East Technological University Carlow)
Left Corner Back – Aoibhe Ryan (South East Technological University Carlow)
Right Half Back – Sofia Kerr (South East Technological University Carlow)
Centre Back – Ciara Nyland (Atlantic Technological University Galway)
Left Half Back – Aimee Savage (Technological University of the Shannon Midwest)
Midfield – Ellyanna Madden (South East Technological University Carlow)
Midfield – Sive Byrne (Atlantic Technological University Galway)
Right Half Forward – Caoimhe Connor (Coventry University)
Centre Forward – Caoimhe Sheehan (South East Technological University Carlow)
Left Half Forward – Saoirse Delaney (Atlantic Technological University Galway)
Right Corner Forward – Rachel McGrane (Queen’s University)
Full Forward – Leah Conway (Coventry University)
Left Corner Forward – Áine McNamara (Technological University of the Shannon Midwest)
Breakdown of Colleges
South East Technological University Carlow – 5
Atlantic Technological University Galway – 3
Coventry University – 3
Technological University of the Shannon Midwest – 3
Queen’s University – 1
