Westmeath’s Wallace honoured with All-Star award
Westmeath's Ronan Wallace has been chosen for a prestigious PwC All-Star award in recognition of the key role he played in his side's Leinster SFC success this year.
An inspiring team captain, Wallace lifted the Delaney Cup as Westmeath memorably secured the county's second ever Leinster title, defeating Dublin in the final at Croke Park last May.
The Multyfarnham man has been selected at right half-back, though he operated in a centre-forward role for most of the campaign. In any case, his selection is a very proud moment for both his club and county.
Wallace becomes the fifth Westmeath footballer to receive an All-Star. He follows in the footsteps of Athlone's Rory O'Connell (2001), Garrycastle's Dessie Dolan (2004), Rosemount's John Keane (2004 and 2008) and Tubberclair's Gary Connaughton (2008). Westmeath's first All-Star winner was hurling ace David Kilcoyne in 1986.
In addition to Wallace, Tubberclair’s Matthew Whittaker, Sam McCartan (St Loman's, Mullingar) and Brandon Kelly (Milltownpass) were nominated for All-Stars.
Whittaker was actually selected on The Sunday Game Team of the Year at the conclusion of the championship, but it’s Wallace who has got the nod for an All-Star award.
Westmeath memorably marched to Leinster title glory this year with wins over Longford, Meath, Kildare and Dublin, the latter two victories coming after extra-time. And Wallace played an absolutely crucial role in the Leinster final over Dublin.
Mark McHugh's charges also defeated Cavan in the All-Ireland series before defeats to Galway and Monaghan ended their remarkable odyssey.
As expected, All-Ireland champions Mayo - who lifted the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time since 1951 - lead the way with six All-Stars, while defeated finalists Kerry are next on three (see full list below).
Mayo duo Ryan O’Donoghue and Jack Carney along with Kerry maestro David Clifford are in contention for the PwC GAA GPA Footballer of the Year award.
The Footballer and Young Footballer of the Year overall awards are chosen by the players themselves.
Part of the GAA landscape since 1971, the All-Stars were chosen by a panel of Gaelic games correspondents from across print, radio, TV and digital media.
The hurling All-Stars will be announced at a special black-tie function in Dublin’s RDS tomorrow night (Friday), October 30, when the football winners will also be presented with their awards.
GAA President Jarlath Burns said: “An incredible football season that was crammed full of memorable twists and turns has a legacy in this All-Star football team, one that reflects just how competitive our game is now. Mayo have had their season rightly rewarded, and with eight counties represented and 11 first-time winners, there will be clubs all over Ireland that wake up and share in this fantastic news and feel that they have played a part in this success.
“The All-Stars are the pinnacle in individual achievement, and we are enormously thankful to PwC for their continued support of this great institution in Irish sport.”
Burns said it will be “an extraordinary honour and privilege” to present a first All-Star award to his son Jarly Óg of Silverbridge and Armagh. To avoid a conflict of interest, the GAA President did not chair the debate selecting the list of defenders.
PwC Football All-Stars 2026
1. Shane Murphy (Kerry)
2. Sam Callinan (Mayo)
3. Jason Foley (Kerry)
4. Enda Hession (Mayo)
5. Ronan Wallace (Westmeath)
6. Dara McDonnell (Louth)
7. Jarlath Óg Burns (Armagh)
8. Conn Kilpatrick (Tyrone)
9. Jack Carney (Mayo)
10. Niall Scully (Dublin)
11. Ryan O’Donoghue (Mayo)
12. Stephen O’Hanlon (Monaghan)
13. Darragh Beirne (Mayo)
14. David Clifford (Kerry)
15. Kobe McDonald (Mayo).
PwC GAA GPA Footballer of the Year nominees: David Clifford (Fossa, Kerry); Ryan O’Donoghue (Belmullet, Mayo); Jack Carney (Kilmeena, Mayo)
PwC GAA GPA Young Footballer of the Year nominees: Darragh Beirne (Claremorris, Mayo); Kobe McDonald (Crossmolina Deel Rovers, Mayo); Dara McDonnell (Naomh Máirtín, Louth).