Kerry collected eight All-star slots as David Clifford was named footballer of the year.
Whereas, Donegal’s teenage star Finnbarr Roarty was voted PwC GAA-GPA Young Footballer of the Year.
The 19-year-old Naomh Conaill ace also becomes one of the youngest-ever All-Star award winners, joining exclusive company such as Clifford, Cork icon and dual star Jimmy Barry Murphy who was just 19 in 1973 and Colm Cooper who was also 19 for his first.
Derry legend Dermot McNicholl was honoured for his Oak Leaf displays as an 18-year-old on the 1984 team, and Kerry’s Maurice Fitzgerald was 18 when he was first honoured in 1988.
After sweeping the boards on the field, Kerry have the lion’s share of the PwC All-Star spoils.
Indeed, Goalkeeper Shane Ryan was an automatic for the assured contribution he gave from shot stopping to restarts.
Brendan McCole is a first-time All-Star at corner back and writes another impressive chapter in the career of a young player who grew up initially in New York.
Full-back Jason Foley is Mr Dependable for Kerry and collects a second award. Completing the line is Meath’s Seán Rafferty who was a rock for the Royals in their great run to the All-Ireland semi-final and is Meath’s first All-Star since Stephen Bray in 2007.
Kerry’s tenacious wing-back Brian Ó Beaglaoich wins his first All-Star to go with the second All-Ireland medal. Beside him, the rampaging Gavin White was another automatic selection after his great season, and the line is completed by teenager Finnbarr Roarty.
David Clifford claims fourth footballer-of-the-year award
Joe O’Connor was central to Kerry’s return to form and and was a player-of-the-year contender. Partnering him is Donegal dynamo Michael Langan.
Paudie Clifford did not play every minute of Kerry’s season, but every minute he played mattered.
Centre forward Seán O’Shea was another big game player for Kerry when the need was greatest and is another four timer.
Armagh’s Oisín Conaty is the Orchard’s only representative but wins back-to-back All-Stars for his attacking exploits.
Indeed, David Clifford is now a six-time All-Star at just 26 years of age.
Clifford’s third Player-of-the-Year award moves him out on his own in terms of modern-day heroes. Kerry legend and four-time Footballer of the Year Jack O’Shea now arguably in his sights, and quite possibly the nine All-Stars won by Pat Spillane in his Kerry career.
Michael Murphy, the man who came back, marked his sensational return from retirement with an All-Star and a footballer of the year nomination.
Last but certainly not least, top of the left is a landmark first all-star for Louth’s Sam Mulroy.
Indeed, Tipperary’s All-Ireland hurling final hero John McGrath was voted as PwC GAA-GPA Hurler of the Year in recognition of his stunning season for the Premier county.
PwC All-Stars Football 2025
- Shane Ryan (Kerry)
- Brendan McCole (Donegal)
- Jason Foley (Kerry)
- Seán Rafferty (Meath)
- Brian Ó Beaglaoich (Kerry)
- Gavin White (Kerry)
- Finnbarr Roarty (Donegal)
- Joe O’Connor (Kerry)
- Michael Langan (Donegal)
- Paudie Clifford (Kerry)
- Seán O’Shea (Kerry)
- Oisín Conaty (Armagh)
- David Clifford (Kerry)
- Michael Murphy (Donegal)
- Sam Mulroy (Louth)
PwC GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year: David Clifford (Fossa, Kerry)
PwC GAA/GPA Young Footballer of the Year: Finnbarr Roarty (Naomh Conaill, Donegal)
GAA/GPA Hurler of the Year: John McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney, Tipperary)
PwC GAA/GPA Young Hurler of the Year: Darragh McCarthy (Toomevara, Tipperary)
