The standout performers from the 2026 AIG Ladies Higher Education Championships have been recognised with the announcement of the AIG HEC All-Star and Rising Stars teams, following a memorable finals weekend at Dublin City University earlier this month.
Seven titles were decided across two days of action on March 13 and 14, with Technological University Dublin emerging as the headline act by claiming the O’Connor Cup for the first time in their history.
That breakthrough success is reflected strongly in the composition of the All-Star team, with TU Dublin leading the way with six selections. Their defensive unit is well represented through Gráinne Gavin, Aisling Nyhan and Niamh Divilly, while Ciara Smyth, named Player of the Match in the final win over DCU Dóchas Éireann, is included at midfield. Forwards Caoimhe Cregg and Neala Byrne complete the university’s impressive haul.
Despite falling short in their bid for four consecutive O’Connor Cup titles, DCU Dóchas Éireann have four players recognised on the All-Star team. Abigail Temple Asokuh and Niamh Donlon are named in defence, while Niamh Crowley and Aisling Hanly are selected in the forward line. There is also acknowledgement for DCU’s second team, beaten finalists in the Giles Cup, with Bébhínn McDonald named at midfield.
University College Dublin and Atlantic Technological University Sligo share the remaining places. UCD’s Anna Dunlea is selected in goal, with Lauren Murtagh – Player of the Match in the Giles Cup final – named at left half back. ATU Sligo’s contribution comes through Lynch Cup final Player of the Match Deirbhile Lynch at centre forward and Cara King in the full forward line.
The Rising Stars team highlights emerging talent from across the wider third-level competitions, including the HEC, Lagan, Donaghy and Moynihan Cups.
South East Technological University Carlow, winners of the Moynihan Cup, top that list with five players selected. ATU Galway, Coventry University and TUS Midwest each have three representatives, while Queen’s University Belfast complete the line-up with one.
The award winners will be honoured at a ceremony in the Bonnington Dublin Hotel on Friday, March 27.
Ladies Gaelic Football Association President Trina Murray praised the overall standard of the competitions, saying she witnessed “brilliant football” across the finals weekend in DCU. She also acknowledged the role of the organising committee and hosts, as well as title sponsors AIG Ireland, whose support continues to underpin the growth of the third-level game.
Ladies HEC Chairperson Seán Fleming added that the awards recognise not only talent but the commitment required to balance elite sport with academic life, describing the standard of football throughout the season as exceptional.
AIG HEC All-Stars 2026
Goalkeeper
Anna Dunlea (University College Dublin)
Defenders
Abigail Temple Asokuh (DCU Dóchas Éireann)
Gráinne Gavin (Technological University Dublin)
Aisling Nyhan (Technological University Dublin)
Niamh Donlon (DCU Dóchas Éireann)
Niamh Divilly (Technological University Dublin)
Lauren Murtagh (University College Dublin)
Midfielders
Bébhínn McDonald (DCU Dóchas Éireann 2)
Ciara Smyth (Technological University Dublin)
Forwards
Caoimhe Cregg (Technological University Dublin)
Deirbhile Lynch (Atlantic Technological University Sligo)
Niamh Crowley (DCU Dóchas Éireann)
Aisling Hanly (DCU Dóchas Éireann)
Neala Byrne (Technological University Dublin)
Cara King (Atlantic Technological University Sligo)
Breakdown by College
Technological University Dublin – 6
DCU Dóchas Éireann – 4
DCU Dóchas Éireann (2) – 1
Atlantic Technological University Sligo – 2
University College Dublin – 2
AIG HEC Rising Stars 2026
Goalkeeper
Anna Draper (Coventry University)
Defenders
Caoimhe McCabe (Technological University of the Shannon Midwest)
Grace Moore (South East Technological University Carlow)
Aoibhe Ryan (South East Technological University Carlow)
Sofia Kerr (South East Technological University Carlow)
Ciara Nyland (Atlantic Technological University Galway)
Aimee Savage (Technological University of the Shannon Midwest)
Midfielders
Ellyanna Madden (South East Technological University Carlow)
Sive Byrne (Atlantic Technological University Galway)
Forwards
Caoimhe Connor (Coventry University)
Caoimhe Sheehan (South East Technological University Carlow)
Saoirse Delaney (Atlantic Technological University Galway)
Rachel McGrane (Queen’s University)
Leah Conway (Coventry University)
Áine McNamara (Technological University of the Shannon Midwest)
Breakdown by College
South East Technological University Carlow – 5
Atlantic Technological University Galway – 3
Coventry University – 3
Technological University of the Shannon Midwest – 3
Queen’s University – 1
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Image Credit: LGFA
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