Neligan wins minor hurler gong as Limerick have seven on team of the year

The Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Hurling Team of the Year has been named.

2026 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Hurling Team of the Year.

All-Ireland minor hurling champions Limerick have been rewarded with seven players on the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Hurling Team of the Year.

Limerick ended a 42-year wait to claim their first minor title since 1984, snatching victory from Munster rivals Tipperary in a dramatic finish at TUS Gaelic Grounds. 

The beaten finalists have five selections, with semi-finalists Cork and Galway earning one pick each. Dicksboro's Joe Dowling completes the side, despite Kilkenny bowing out in the quarter-final.

Player of the Year is Limerick’s midfield powerhouse, Xavier Neligan. The Kilmallock man was sensational in the semi-final win over Galway, scoring 1-2, while in the final, Neligan's industry was crucial in keeping Limerick in the hunt before he made a heroic, game-saving block on a last-gasp Tipperary shot to secure the Irish Press Cup.

the 2026 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Hurling Player of the Year.

GAA president, Jarlath Burns, said: “I want to offer my warmest congratulations to the fifteen exceptional young hurlers selected on the 2026 Electric Ireland Minor Star Hurling Team of the Year. The talent, skill, and sheer drama on display throughout this year's championship was wonderful to witness, culminating in that unforgettable All-Ireland final between Limerick and Tipperary. These players have represented their clubs and counties with immense pride, and they have a very bright future ahead of them."

2026 Electric Ireland Hurling Minor Star Team of the Year: 1 Sam Collins (Limerick and Crecora-Manister); 2 Colm Ryan (Tipperary and Newport); 3 Rowan Collins (Limerick and Adare); 4 Conor Collins (Tipperary and Galtee Rovers-St. Pecaun's); 5 John O Riordan (Limerick and Bruff); 6 James Finn (Tipperary and Golden-Kilfeacle); 7 Eoin Hennessy (Limerick and Patrickswell); 8 Shane Ryan (Tipperary and Borris-Ileigh); 9. Xavier Neligan (Limerick and Kilmallock); 10 Joe Dowling (Kilkenny and Dicksboro); 11 Conall Morrisson (Tipperary and Moyle Rovers); 12. Shane Waters (Limerick and Na Piarsaigh); 13. Bobby Power (Cork and Ballincollig); 14. Chris Dunne (Tipperary and Gortnahoe-Glengoole); 15. Anthony Poniard (Galway and Athenry) 

The 2026 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Football Team of the Year will be announced on Thursday, August 6th.