David Clifford wins Footballer of the Year as Kerry claim eight all-stars

Michael Bolton

Kerry’s David Clifford has won a third PwC GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year award at Friday night’s All Stars ceremony at the RDS in Dublin.

This is his third Player of the Year award, following his 2022 and 2023 awards.

Clifford was key to Kerry’s clean sweep of the league, Munster and All-Ireland titles, and finished top scorer of the championship with 8-61.

Tipperary’s John McGrath was presented with the Hurler of the Year award crowning a remarkable comeback season.

McGrath scored 7-16 during the campaign, including two goals in Tipp’s All-Ireland final destruction of Cork.

Donegal's Finbarr Roarty won Young footballer of the year, with Young Hurler of the Year going to Tipperary's Darragh McCarthy.

All-Star Football awards

All-Ireland football champions Kerry dominated the PwC all-star awards, as Jack O'Connor's side claimed eight of the team.

David Clifford wins his sixth, with the Kerry forward well on his way to catching the likes of Mikey Sheehy (seven), Colm Cooper (eight) and Pat Spillane (nine).

Alongside his brother Paudie, who claimed his fourth alongside Sean O'Shea, the Cliffords now have 10 all-stars.

There was a second all-star for Gavin White and Shane Ryan, and Jason Foley, with first awards for Joe O'Connor and Brian Ó Beaglaoich.

Donegal's were represented by Michael Murphy, Finbarr Roarty, Michael Langan, and Brendan McCole.

It is the first all-star for Meath since 2007, with Seán Rafferty in the full-back line.

Sam Mulroy's performances, which earned Louth a Leinster title, were recognised, with Armagh's Oisín Conaty rounding off the side.

2025 PwC Football All-stars

1. Shane Ryan (Rathmore, Kerry)

2. Brendan McCole (St Naul’s, Donegal)

3. Jason Foley (Ballydonoghue, Kerry)

4. Seán Rafferty (Na Fianna, Meath)

5. Brian Ó Beaglaoich (An Ghaeltacht, Kerry)

6. Gavin White (Dr Crokes, Kerry)

7. Finbarr Roarty (Naomh Conaill, Donegal)

8. Joe O’Connor (Austin Stacks, Kerry)

9. Michael Langan (St Michael’s, Donegal)

10. Paudie Clifford (Fossa, Kerry)

11. Seán O’Shea (Kenmare, Kerry)

12. Oisín Conaty (Tír na nÓg, Armagh)

13. David Clifford (Fossa, Kerry)

14. Michael Murphy (Glenswilly, Donegal)

15. Sam Mulroy (Naomh Máirtín, Louth)*

Footballer of the Year – David Clifford (Kerry)

Young Footballer of the Year – Finbarr Roarty (Donegal)

Hurler of the Year – John McGrath (Tipperary)

Young Hurler of the Year – Darragh McCarthy (Tipperary)