7 Laois Players Represented on Joe McDonagh Team Of The Year

7 Laois Players Represented on Joe McDonagh Team Of The Year

Congratulations to our 7 players recognised in the Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year 2026.

It’s a fantastic achievement for Ian, Podge, Fiachra, David, Picky, Aaron & Cillian. Pictured above with our chairman PJ Kelly and manager Tommy Fitzgerald.

Congratulations to Picky on also receiving Joe McDonagh Cup player of the year.  Pictured above with GPA Chief Executive Officer Tom Parsons and Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns.

Standout Performances From The 7 Players This Season:

Ian Shanahan: Vs Westmeath in Round 3

As vital as Dunphy’s and Conroy’s scores was Ian Shanahan’s contribution from defence. Through his work rate, support play, and ability to link defence and attack. In a game where Laois had thirteen different scorers and dominated across the field, strong defensive displays like Shanahan’s are also crucial in maintaining intensity and structure throughout the contest. Ian Shanahan won the penalty after a really impressive run from distance that Picky Maher converted.

Podge Delaney: Vs Carlow and Antrim:

Podge Delaney was very strong defensively at centre back. He scored excellent points from frees, all from long distance and intercepted lots of ball from opposition forwards, turning over possession. Before then pucking these balls long and straight back into the Laois attack: to directly set up attacking opportunities after defensive turnovers and clearances.

Podge Delaney’s physicality and strength was a big factor in making solid tackles. His ability to read the game and turn a defensive move into a quick attacking move for Laois: through displays of hard work rate, combined with long runs full of pace down the wings from the back line, physicality to hold off challenges whilst on the run and his quick reactions using game intelligence to both defend and attack in one play, was a major asset to Laois the entire championship campaign.

Fiachra C.Fennell v Antrim in Round 2

Fiachra C-Fennell consistently sent high quality long balls into Cillian Dunne and Picky Maher, both of whom were strong in the air, giving Laois a strong attacking platform.

His reading of the game was excellent, as he chased down opponents to force wides and produced key interceptions and clearances, one of which directly led to a Maher score. Another interception and clearance created a turnover that saw Dunne win a free which Maher converted.

He also showed attacking intent, scoring a fine point from play after a strong, pacey run down the wing following one of his own turnovers.

His long-range passes from both attacking set up play and defensive turnover clearances: repeatedly sparked Laois attacks and led directly to scores, making him a vital link between defence and attack.

Fiachra also showed great composure and determination in possession, scooping up loose balls under pressure and even winning a sideline ball through sheer persistence.

David Dooley: Vs Carlow in Round 1

David Dooley, operating in midfield, contributed steadily with a point and a strong work rate. His influence was felt in the middle third where he helped link defence and attack. During Laois’s brief revival, his ability to win possession and drive the team forward was important in shifting momentum. His leadership and consistency remain valuable, particularly shown in a game where Laois struggled at times for intensity and Dooley’s work rate contributed to bringing this intensity during their strong 2nd half spell.

Picky Maher: Vs Antrim in Round 2

Picky Maher was in top form for Laois, finishing with an outstanding 0-13 and getting the vital scores at the crucial period in the 2nd half when the game was tight, Picky inspired Laois pulling away from Antrim with a brilliant 2nd half surge that won Laois the game.

Picky’s accuracy and distance from both frees and ’65s was brilliant, while his experience helped drive their strong finish.

Picky also played a key role in distribution, heavily involved in the decisive moment of the match, setting up Cillian Dunne’s second goal with a brilliant pass.

As Picky was substituted late in the final minute of the game; he exited the field to a deserved and big applause from the Laois fans for his display.

His influence, leadership, and scoring power inspired Laois to a crucial win which got Laois’ Joe McDonagh Cup campaign right back on track with a huge Round 2 win on the back of a defeat to Carlow in Round 1.

Aaron Dunphy: Vs Westmeath in Round 3

Aaron Dunphy was one of the main reasons for Laois’ huge win. He combined brilliantly with Ben Conroy to set up scores, scored himself 1-10 of Laois’s total and was hugely influential in attack throughout the game. Dunphy’s goal in the first half was a stylish finish, and his movement and scoring threat constantly stretched the Westmeath defence. He led the way at key moments when Laois were building their early dominance and stepped up to accurately strike frees in the 2nd half too. Showing he is still highly effective from dead balls as he is from play.

Cillian Dunne: Vs Antrim in Round 2

Cillian Dunne’s performance was excellent and his contribution to the scoreline had a huge impact. : it was his first championship start for Laois and he scored 2-2 from play in a fearless attacking display.

He grabbed an early goal to give Laois the perfect start and remained a constant threat throughout with his positioning up front, using great vision to get into the right space to receive the quick ball from his teammates and had the accuracy to finish these impressive attacking moves, with scores.

Dunne’s second goal in the closing stages effectively sealed the victory and showed great composure under pressure in front of goal. He took his points from play really well too.

Dunne’s intensity levels never dropped with his great pace: on bursting runs forward, both on and off the ball, his great movement in attack and work rate to win possession were displayed at a high level. He was brilliant in the air, winning the aerial duals and catching cleanly, high ball struck into the full forward line from Fiachra C. Fennell.

He proved consistency too in his quality performance as he was the standout forward for Laois in their Division 2 league campaign this year also.