Laois GAA living legend crowned Joe McDonagh hurler of the year
Clough-Ballacolla man Stephen ‘Picky’ Maher starred for Laois on their journey to Joe McDonagh Cup glory
Laois hurling star Stephen Picky Maher has rounded off a great year for the O’Moore county in senior hurling by being selected as the Joe McDonagh Hurler of the Year.
The Clough Ballacolla stalwart bounced back from serious injury to find a new lease of life in the blue and white during 2026. He was instrumental in the Laois senior hurling team’s victory in the Joe McDonagh Cup final against Carlow during the summer after losing the two previous finals.
He was among the Players of the Year announced on Friday, October 16 in Croke Park at the Champion 15 awards celebration, where the Players of the Year in the Tailteann Cup and the McDonagh, Ring, Rackard and Meagher Cups were crowned.
A statement from GAA HQ paid tribute to the Laois forward and outlined why he was chosen for the top award in the Joe McDonagh season.
“A player who made his debut in 2012, the Clough-Ballacolla sharpshooter has battled back from a series of serious injuries including ACL damage. He was the driving force behind the O’Moore men as they erased the pain of defeats in the previous two finals to beat Carlow in the 2026 decider, with Maher bagging 0-9 in the final,” said the GAA.
He was presented with his award by GPA CEO Tom Parsons, and Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns on a night when Laois were rewarded with seven Joe McDonagh Team of the Year selections.
Ballinakill man Ian Shanahan, The Harps’ Podge Delaney and Rosenallis player Fiachra C Fennell all selected in the backline. Laois captain and Rosenallis club man David Dooley earns a place at midfield, while Clough-Ballacolla’s Cillian Dunne joined Borris-Kilcotton’s Aaron Dunphy in the forward line alongside Picky Maher.
Podge Delaney has now been named on the Team of the Year for the third consecutive year, while Picky and Dunphy have both earned their second selection.
- The GAA/GPA Champion 15 Players of the Year were:
- Tailteann Cup: Dean Healy (St Patrick’s, Wicklow)
- Joe McDonagh Cup: Stephen Maher (Clough-Ballacolla, Laois)
- Christy Ring Cup: Cormac O’Doherty (Roibeard Éiméid, Sleacht Néill, Derry)
- Nickey Rackard Cup: Andrew Kilcullen (Easkey/St Farnan’s, Sligo)
- Lory Meagher Cup: Reuben Murray (Longford Slashers, Longford)
The GAA said these Players of the Year were chosen by an independent panel of Gaelic games correspondents, with nominations included from GPA player representatives.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns paid tribute to the players honoured. MORE BELOW PHOTO
“The personal stories, the class and strength of character behind Dean, Stephen, Cormac, Andrew and Reuben serve as a reminder of just how inspirational our players are. Each of them has been central to what their county’s achieved this year, and they are a credit to their clubs and families.
“This is a really important night where we rightfully give the spotlight and the Croke Park stage to hurlers and footballers who richly deserve it. It is part of our recognition and appreciation of everything these players in the Tailteann, McDonagh, Ring, Rackard and Meagher Cups do for the promotion of our games through their exceptional performances. Comhghairdeas libh go leir,” he said.
Tom Parsons, CEO of the GPA, congratulated the four Players of the Year.
“To be singled out as the top player in your championship is a special honour, and it’s one you should all be very proud of. Your performances stood out in 2026, and this award is richly deserved. Nobody sets out at the start of the season chasing individual awards, but it’s a lovely way to recognise the year each of you has had. Well done to all five of you,” he said.
The awards were presented at a gala black-tie function in GAA HQ. Apart from the players and their guests, Laois manager Tommy Fitzgerald also attended.