2026 Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Stars Team of the Year

2026 Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Stars Team of the Year

Electric Ireland is delighted to spotlight 15 standout camogie players from this year’s Camogie Third Level Championships, as it unveils the 2026 Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Stars Team of the Year.

A season filled with huge match-ups, unwavering excitement, exceptional talent and some big upsets across the board culminated in a historic and comprehensive win for University College Cork (UCC) to see the Ashbourne Cup make its way back to Cork after 23 years. University College Dublin (UCD) were runners up on the day despite an impressive season by the Dublin side, pipping their local rivals Dublin City University (DCU) by the narrowest of margins in the semi-finals. University of Limerick (UL), last year’s Electric Ireland Ashbourne Cup champions, bowed out in the semi-final stages with a tough 2-point defeat to the victors UCC in their own back garden.

This year’s Team of the Year features six different universities, UCC, UCD, DCU, University of Galway (UoG), Technological University Dublin (TUD) and UL. The title-holders, UCC, dominate with seven players selected. Runners up, UCD, boast three spots with DCU taking two. Finally TuD, UoG and UL all  feature a single player on the team.

This year’s Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Star Player of the Year is UCC’s Sarah O’Brien. Throughout the season, the Limerick native has been a clinical sharpshooter, delivering when it mattered most and scoring 2–2 in the final to earn Player of the Match. Her pace and agility meant she was a constant outlet for the Cork side. O’Brien showed her consistency and reliability as an attacker, playing a central role in UCC’s system and a key player in their path to victory.  

2026 Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Stars Team of the Year

1.            Keeva Steadmond – DCU DÉ, Wexford, Craanford-Monaseed 

1.            Emily Adderley - UCD, Dublin, Ballinteer St Johns 

1.            Claire Kingston – UCC, Cork, Newcestown 

1.            Méabh Murphy – UCC, Cork, Ballinora 

1.            Grace Walsh – UCD, Kilkenny, Tullaroan 

1.            Karen Tomkins – DCU DÉ, Wexford, Kilrush

1.            Órlaith Cremin – UCC, Cork, Éire Óg  

1.            Alannah McNulty - UCD, Waterford, De La Salle 

1.            Niamh McNabola – UCC, Cork, Cloughduv  

1.         Carrie Dolan - UoG, Galway, Clarinbridge 

1.         Aoife Healy – UCC, Cork, Aghada  

1.         Sophie Pembroke – UCC, Tipperary, Gortnahoe Glengoole 

1.         Sarah O'Brien – UCC, Limerick, Templeglantine 

1.         Roisin McCormick – TU Dublin, Antrim, Loughgiel Shamrocks 

1.         Aoibheann Barry – UL, Galway, Kinvara 

    

   This year Electric Ireland continue to keep sustainability at the heart of their Camogie and GAA sponsorships by commissioning sustainable Player of the Match and Team of the Year awards. Over the course of the season, a total of 25 Player of the Match awards were presented across the Camogie Third Level Championships and GAA Higher Education Championships. Notably for the first time ever, this year also sees all Electric Ireland branded trophy ribbons produced from fully sustainable and recycled materials.

   The players selected in each Rising Star Team of the Year will also receive a bespoke award crafted from the same renewable Beechwood material that was used in the Player of the Match awards, demonstrating Electric Ireland's unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility.

   Uachtarán of the Camogie Association, Brian Molloy, said: “The Electric Ireland Ashbourne Cup once again showcased the very highest standards of third level camogie in 2026, and I would like to warmly congratulate all those named on the Rising Stars Team of the Year. These players have distinguished themselves on the field across a fiercely competitive campaign. Congrats to University College Cork who lead the way following a landmark year for the university, and I commend all six institutions represented for their contribution to an excellent championship. Third level camogie plays a vital role in the development of our players, providing a unique environment where friendships are forged and elite competition thrives. I would also like to thank Electric Ireland for their continued support and commitment to these competitions, helping to ensure that they remain a cornerstone of our games. Comhghairdeas libh go léir ar éacht den scoth.”

    

   Jillian Saunders, Group Sponsorship & PR Manager, Electric Ireland, commented: "We are thrilled to unveil the 2026 Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Stars Team of the Year. The Ashbourne Cup, powered by our #FirstClassRivals campaign, truly encapsulates the vibrant blend of fierce competition and genuine camaraderie – a spirit we were proud to showcase in our Player POV content series this season. It is inspiring to witness these exceptional athletes, rivals on one stage, achieve success on another. These are the connections that endure a lifetime and Electric Ireland is proud to champion a competition that fosters such a unique and valuable experience for these players. Congratulations to all the Rising Stars!"

    

   The Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Football Team of the Year was announced on Thursday March 19^th with the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Hurling Team of the Year announced on Thursday March 26^th.