Kerry's Boyle and New York's Tipp duo named in Champion 15

The Champion 15 is the team of the year for the Christy Ring, Nickey Rackard and Lory Meagher Cups

Kerry's Podge Boyle scored 1-10 as his side lost this year's Christy Ring Cup final to Derry. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Tue, 13 Oct, 2026 - 12:42

PJ Browne

Eight counties are represented on this season's Champion 15 side, the hurling team of the year for the Christy Ring, Nickey Rackard and Lory Meagher Cups.

Kerry forward Podge Boyle, who came out of retirement during the season, has been named at full-forward. Boyle scored 1-10 in the Christy Ring Cup final as Kerry lost to Derry. There are six players honoured from the Christy Ring champions: goalkeeper Seán Kelly, defenders Patrick Turner and Conor Coyle, midfielder Cormac O’Doherty and forwards Déaglán Foley and Shea Cassidy.

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There are also spots on the team for former Tipperary footballer Bill Maher and Portroe's AJ Willis, named at half-back and half-forward, respectively. Both represented New York as they won the Nickey Rackard title.

Lory Meagher champions Longford have two players on the team: full-back Seán Lancaster and midfielder Reuben Murray. Tyrone's Fionn Devlin, Mayo's Cormac Phillips, Sligo's Andrew Kilcullen and Leitrim's Joe Murray are the other players to be recognised.

The players will be honoured at a special awards ceremony at Croke Park this Friday night.

Champion 15 Team of the Year 2026

1. Seán Kelly (Derry)

2. Patrick Turner (Derry)

3. Seán Lancaster (Longford)

4. Joe Murray (Leitrim)

5. Bill Maher (New York)

6. Conor Coyle (Derry)

7. Fionn Devlin (Tyrone)

8. Reuben Murray (Longford)

9. Cormac O’Doherty (Derry)

10. AJ Willis (New York)