Cork's Joe Miskella named minor footballer of the year 

Cork's Joe Miskella lifts the Electric Ireland GAA All-Ireland MFC trophy. Pic: Bryan Keane/Inpho

Ballincollig and Cork footballer Joe Miskella has been named the 2026 Electric Ireland minor footballer of the year. 

Miskella captained Keith Ricken's Cork side to All-Ireland minor glory - the Rebels' first triumph at the grade since 2019 - after defeating defending champions Tyrone in a dramatic Newbridge decider.

Behind by 0-7 to 1-13 with 39 minutes on the clock, Cork fought back, scoring an unanswered 1-5 with thanks in no small way to an Eoghan Ahern goal, but Miskella's impact was colossal in resurrecting the Rebel challenge.

Ricken's Cork side dominate the team of the year with seven inclusions, closely followed by fellow finalists Tyrone with six. The remaining two spots on this year’s squad go to semi-finalists Kildare.

Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said: “My sincere congratulations to all the young men named in the 2026 Electric Ireland minor football team of the Year. It has been a true pleasure watching these athletes represent their counties with such pride, skill, and determination this year. 

"A special word of praise goes to Cork’s Joe Miskella on being named Electric Ireland minor star football player of the year, his outstanding leadership and talent were vital to his county's All-Ireland success.”

Ballincollig's Joe Miskella leaves Carrigaline's David Scannell Murphy on the ground during the Cork ETB Rebel Óg P1 MFC at Carrigaline in July. Pic: Eddie O'Hare

Electric Ireland football minor star team of the year: Rory Twohig (Cork and Kilmeen); Aaron O’Sullivan (Cork and Glanmire), James Maguire (Tyrone and Killyclogher St. Mary’s / Cappagh), Liam Mescal (Kildare and Eadestown); Aodhán Corry (Tyrone and Trillick St Macartan’s), Tomás Gallen (Tyrone and Fintona Pearses), Éanna Lynch (Cork and Ballincollig); Kieran O’Shea (Cork and Urhan), Charlie Meenan (Tyrone and Killyclogher St. Mary’s / Cappagh); Eoghan Ahern (Cork and Carrigaline), Matthew F Daly (Tyrone and Eglish St. Patrick’s), Joe Miskella (Cork and Ballincollig); Tom Whooley (Cork and Clonakilty), Greg Kelly (Kildare and Castledermot), Vincent Gormley (Tyrone and An Charraig Mhór Naomh Colmcille).