Derry captain Cormac O'Doherty named Christy Ring Hurler of the Year
Derry captain Cormac O'Doherty capped a fantastic year for Oak Leaf hurling by being named Christy Ring Player of the Year at a star studded ceremony in Croke Park on Friday night.
The Slaughtneil star was one of six Derry players honoured on the Champion 15 'Team of the Year' after a season in which Johnny McGarvey's men created history by becoming the first Oak Leaf side to lift the Christy Ring when defeating Kerry 3-24 to 3-19 in May.
O'Doherty, who made his senior county debut in 2017,was picking up his fourth GAA/GPA Champion 15 award after being named at midfield on the team of 2026, capping a remarkable few weeks that also saw the Slaughtneil star play a crucial role as his club won a 14th consecutive Derry senior title.
Alongside O'Doherty at the Croke Park awards was keeper Seán Kelly, defenders Patrick Turner and Conor Coyle and forwards Deaglán Foley and Shea Cassidy who all were presented with their 'Champion 15' awards.
Elsewhere, Wicklow’s totemic captain Dean Healy, an inspirational presence in their first ever Tailteann Cup triumph last summer, was its Player of the Year. The 34-year-old barnstorming midfielder proved a hugely popular choice after a campaign that capped a career that has seen the St Patrick’s clubman play for the Garden County since 2011.
Another veteran stalwart has been selected when it came to crowning the Joe McDonagh Hurler of the Year, with Stephen ‘Picky’ Maher of Laois scooping the award. A player who made his debut in 2012, the Clough-Ballacolla sharpshooter has battled back from a series of serious injuries including ACL damage. He was the driving force behind the O’Moore men as they erased the pain of defeats in the previous two finals to beat Carlow in the 2026 decider, with Maher bagging 0-9 in the final.
Despite not reaching the Nicky Rackard Cup final, Sligo’s Andrew Kilcullen was the choice for its Hurler of the Year award. A Nicky Rackard Cup winner in 2019, he is now a two-time Champion 15 award winner after also being selected in 2022. His Hurler of the Year award is an honour in recognition of the remarkable run of form that also saw him score 1-8 to inspire Sligo to win the Division 4 league crown last March. A prolific finisher, he carried that form into the Championship.
Cometh the hour, cometh Reuben Murray for Longford as the captain was the all-important goalscorer to inspire them to the Lory Meagher Cup triumph over Leitrim last summer. A county hurler since 2014, when Longford last won the Meagher title, he scored 1-3 in the Cup final at Croke Park, in his 111th competitive appearance for his county and to cap a hugely influential season that included league promotion.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “I want to pay tribute to our players of the year who are honoured at this special event. The personal stories, the class and strength of character behind Dean, Stephen, Cormac, Andrew and Reuben serve as a reminder of just how inspirational our players are. Each of them has been central to what their county’s achieved this year, and they are a credit to their clubs and families.
“This is a really important night where we rightfully give the spotlight and the Croke Park stage to hurlers and footballers who richly deserve it. It is part of our recognition and appreciation of everything these players in the Tailteann, McDonagh, Ring, Rackard and Meagher Cups do for the promotion of our games through their exceptional performances. Comhghairdeas libh go leir.”
Tom Parsons, CEO of the GPA, added: “Congratulations to Dean, Stephen,Cormac, Andrew and Reuben on being named Player of the Year in their respective competitions at the Champion 15 Awards night this evening.
“To be singled out as the top player in your championship is a special honour, and it’s one you should all be very proud of. Your performances stood out in 2026, and this award is richly deserved. Nobody sets out at the start of the season chasing individual awards, but it’s a lovely way to recognise the year each of you has had. Well done to all five of you.”
The Players of the Year were chosen by an independent panel of Gaelic games correspondents with nominations included from GPA player representatives. The awards were presented at a gala black-tie function held in Croke Park and screened on the GAA’s Youtube Channel.