Clifford Up Against Mayo Pair for Footballer of the Year

Ryan O'Donoghue and Jack Carney join Kerry's David Clifford on the shortlist for the 2026 GAA-GPA award.

Kerry forward David Clifford is in the running for a fourth Footballer of the Year award after being shortlisted for the 2026 GAA-GPA honor. The 27-year-old, who claimed last year's prize, is also chasing a seventh All-Star. He is joined on the three-man shortlist by Mayo's Ryan O'Donoghue and Jack Carney.

O'Donoghue, an All-Star selection in 2021, helped Mayo capture the All-Ireland crown and end a drought stretching back 75 years. Carney kicked six two-pointers across the Championship and turned in a strong display in July's final against Kerry at Croke Park.

Mayo players account for 11 of the All-Star nominations, more than any other county. Kerry, who fell short in the Sam Maguire Cup decider, received seven nods, with Dublin earning five and Westmeath four. Monaghan, Armagh and Louth each have three nominees, Roscommon, Cork, Galway and Tyrone two apiece, and Donegal one.

The Young Footballer of the Year shortlist features two more Mayo men, forwards Darragh Beirne and Kobe McDonald, alongside Louth defender Dara McDonnell.