Kerry’s Clifford and Tipperary’s McGrath take top PwC All-Star honours
In a night of celebration for Gaelic Games, Kerry forward David Clifford was crowned Footballer of the Year and Tipperary’s John McGrath earned Hurler of the Year at the PwC All-Star Awards ceremony held at the RDS. The glittering event highlighted standout performances across the GAA season, with Clifford and McGrath among the most talked-about winners as the awards recognized excellence on both codes.
Footballer of the Year: Clifford’s ruthlessly efficient year
David Clifford’s elevation to Footballer of the Year caps a remarkable season for the Kerry attacker. Known for his scoring verve and ability to change games in an instant, Clifford repeatedly delivered in crucial moments for the Kingdom, showcasing a blend of precision, physicality, and pace that has made him one of the most feared forwards in the sport. Losing none of his cutting edge, he produced a consistent stream of eye-catching performances that earned him the sport’s top individual prize for footballers this year.
What Clifford’s win means for Kerry
The award reinforces Kerry’s status as a powerhouse in Gaelic football, with Clifford’s form providing a steadying influence and a lethal attacking threat. For a squad accustomed to success, the recognition confirms that the layer of talent is deep and that Clifford remains a central pillar of their plans going forward. The win also serves as a personal triumph after a season packed with memorable moments and game-changing contributions at the highest level.
Hurler of the Year: McGrath’s breakthrough season
John McGrath’s Hurler of the Year triumph marks a significant milestone for Tipperary’s talismanic forward. Across the season, McGrath combined relentless work rate with creativity and accuracy, turning defense-splitting runs into scores and playing a pivotal role in his county’s campaign. His leadership on the field and consistency under pressure were frequently highlighted by pundits and coaches, culminating in the top hurler accolade at the gala.
Impact for Tipperary and the wider game
McGrath’s award signals that Tipp can build a balanced team around a dynamic threat who can influence matches from multiple positions. It also showcases the enduring depth of talent in hurling, with McGrath’s success reinforcing the importance of versatility, endurance, and game intelligence in modern hurling. as the county looks to translate personal accolades into collective progress, the Hurler of the Year crown adds momentum to their development arc.
Young Hurler of the Year and other awards
The ceremony also showcased rising stars, with the Young Hurler of the Year accolade handed to a promising talent who has shone across the season. The recognition underlines the generation of players emerging to carry the sport forward, offering fresh narratives and excitement for the years ahead.
What the night represented for the All-Stars
Beyond individual honours, the PwC All-Star Awards celebrated teamwork, resilience, and the enduring appeal of Gaelic games. The event brought together the sport’s brightest stars, mentors, and fans, highlighting how the All-Star system continues to drive excellence, inspire young athletes, and keep regional pride at the forefront of Irish sport.
Looking ahead
With Clifford and McGrath securing the year’s top awards, attention now turns to the next season’s challenges. Both players will be central figures for their counties, and their success promises to sharpen competition across the GAA without diminishing the values that make the All-Star framework a cornerstone of the game.
