Westmeath’s Matthew Whittaker tries to get past Galway’s Céin D'Arcy during this year's All-Ireland SFC game at Pearse Stadium. Photo: John McCauley.

Whittaker named on The Sunday Game 'Team of the Year'

Ronan Fagan

Published: Mon 27 Jul 2026, 10:43 AM

Last updated: Mon 27 Jul 2026, 10:47 AM

Tubberclair's Matthew Whittaker has been named on The Sunday Game 'Team of the Year' for 2026.

The wing back was rewarded for his impressive performances during Westmeath's Leinster senior football championship and All-Ireland series campaigns, the highlight of which was the defeat of Dublin in the provincial final at Croke Park on May 17, returning the Delaney Cup to the county for the first time in 22 years.

Despite playing with a serious ankle injury sustained prior to the provincial quarter-final against Kildare, Whittaker sustained his standout form throughout the Leinster and All-Ireland championship campaigns during which he scored 2-11 in seven games.

Whittaker was selected on The Sunday Game 'Team of the Year' by a panel of former intercounty footballers including Westmeath senior football manager, Mark McHugh, ex Dublin players, Ciaran Whelan and Paul Flynn, former Tyrone defender Enda McGinley, ex Kerry footballer and manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice and former Mayo forward Cora Staunton.

Westmeath GAA congratulated Whittaker on his 'Team of the Year' recognition, acknowledging his dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to the Westmeath jersey to be "second to none".

"We are incredibly proud of Matthew and his achievements; this is an honour for himself, his club and our county," Westmeath GAA added.

The 22 year old's selection on The Sunday Game 'Team of the Year' raises hopes of a possible selection on the official PwC GAA/GPA All-Star team, the nominations for which are expected to be named in September.

The Sunday Game 'Team of the Year' 2026

Shane Murphy (Kerry); Sam Callinan (Mayo); Jason Foley (Kerry); Enda Hession (Mayo); David McBrien (Mayo), Dara McDonnell (Louth), Matthew Whittaker (Westmeath); Con Kilpatrick (Tyrone), Jack Carney (Mayo); Niall Scully (Dublin), Paudie Clifford (Kerry), Jordan Flynn (Mayo); David Clifford (Kerry), Ryan O'Donoghue (Mayo), Kobe McDonald (Mayo).