Ruaidhrí Fallon has been nominated for the AIB GAA Club footballer of the year award.
Fallon stared in St. Brgid’s run to the All-Ireland club football final which was denied after extra-time by Kerry side Daingean Uí Chúis.
Indeed, Fallon is joined by three of his St. Brigid’s club mates, Seán Trundle and Paul McGrath in defence and Conor Hand at centre forward.
After a landmark campaign that saw them bridge a 77-year gap for county glory and then win their first ever provincial and All-Ireland crowns, Daingean Uí Chúis are the dominant presence on the AIB GAA Club Players’ Awards for football 2026.
The crowning glory of a phenomenal run for Kerry club football that saw all three AIB club crowns return to the Kingdom. Whereas, the senior champions top a list made up of five different clubs that reflects one of the most closely fought Andy Merrigan Cup campaigns in recent times.
Tom O’Sullivan and Conor Flannery star in defence, dual code superstar Mark O’Connor is named in midfield while sharp shooting cousins Dylan and Paul Geaney complete their contingent.
Ballyboden St Enda’s, pipped by a dramatic last gasp shot by Paul Geaney in their semi-final clash, are represented by midfield powerhouse Céin D’Arcy and their ace forwards Ross McGarry and Ryan O’Dwyer.
All-Ireland champions Dingle dominate line-up
Whereas, triumphant after an arduous path to the Ulster crown, Scotstown have goalkeeper and place-kicking king Rory Beggan collecting his second such award. Whereas, Damien McArdle joins him in defence.
Completing the line-up is St Finbarr’s outstanding attacker Steven Sherlock who was previously a winner in 2022.
Indeed, the shortlist for AIB GAA Club footballer of the year includes Fallon and Daingean Uí Chúis’ Tom O’Sullivan. Also shortlisted is Dylan Geaney of Daingean Uí Chúis who was the fulcrum of the All-Ireland winning attack.
“The AIB GAA All-Ireland club championship crown is the holy grail of every player and since it was introduced in 1971 has been a magnificent addition to the GAA calendar” explained GAA President Jarlath Burns.
“Since 2018 the outstanding players who light up the provincial and All-Ireland series have been acknowledged through these Player Awards, and I want to thank them for their effort and salute our partners in AIB for their support of this great institution.”
The team was selected by a panel of Gaelic games correspondents from across print, radio, tv and digital media. Indeed, the awards will be presented at a special function held at Croke Park on Friday, March 13th.
The AIB Club Players’ Awards will be a gala celebration of the club campaign across the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association and the overall players of the year will be announced live on the night.
AIB GAA Club Players Awards Football 25/26
- Rory Beggan (Scotstown) (previous winner in 2024)
- Damien McArdle (Scotstown)
- Seán Trundle (St Brigid’s)
- Tom O’Sullivan (Daingean Uí Chúis)
- Ruaidhrí Fallon (St Brigids) (previous winner in 2024)
- Conor Flannery (Daingean Uí Chúis)
- Paul McGrath (St Brigid’s)
- Mark O’Connor (Daingean Uí Chúis)
- Céin D’Arcy (Ballyboden St Enda’s)
- Ross McGarry (Ballyboden St Enda’s)
- Conor Hand (St Brigid’s)
- Dylan Geaney (Daingean Uí Chúis)
- Ryan O’Dwyer (Ballyboden St Enda’s)
- Paul Geaney (Daingean Uí Chúis)
- Steven Sherlock (St Finbarr’s) (previous winner in 2022)
AIB GAA Club Footballer of the Year Nominees
Ruaidhrí Fallon (St Brigid’s)
Dylan Geaney (Daingean Uí Chúis)
Tom O’Sullivan (Daingean Uí Chúis)
