Two Kildare players named in U20 Team of the Year after brilliant 2026 campaign

Jimmy Lynch of Kildare celebrates scoring a late point during the Dalata Hotel Group Leinster Under-20 Football Championship final match between Louth and Kildare at Parnell Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile | SPORTSFILE

placeholder image — Jimmy Lynch of Kildare celebrates scoring a late point during the Dalata Hotel Group Leinster Under-20 Football Championship final match between Louth and Kildare at Parnell Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile | SPORTSFILE

Jimmy Lynch (Clogherinkoe) scooped the top prize in his province winning the 2026 Dalata Hotel Group GAA U20 Leinster Footballer of the Year award

Kildare forward Jimmy Lynch has been named the 2026 Dalata Hotel Group GAA U20 Leinster Footballer of the Year with the Clogherinkoe man also making the overall U20 Team of the Year alongside Round Towers’ Ben Ryan. See the full list of provincial winners alongside the Team of the Year below.

The Leinster U20 FOTY said: “Receiving this award is a huge honour. Representing Kildare at U20 level has been a privilege and I want to thank my teammates, coaches and family for their support throughout the season. Individual awards are special, but they are only possible because of the people around you.

“To see both myself and Ben Ryan recognised on the Team of the Year is a proud moment for Kildare football and a reflection of the hard work and commitment shown by our entire squad throughout the championship.”

The following players have been selected by the Gaelic Writers' Association in recognition of their excellence throughout the 2026 Dalata Hotel Group GAA Football U20 Championship:

Player of the Year: Gearóid White (Kerry)

Munster Player of the Province: Gearóid White (Kerry)

Leinster Player of the Province: Jimmy Lynch (Kildare)

Ulster Player of the Province: Shea McDermott (Tyrone)

Connacht Player of the Province: Eoghan Carthy (Roscommon)

2026 Dalata Hotel Group All-Ireland U20 Football Team of the Year:

Evan Boyle (Kerry)

Eoghan Carthy (Roscommon)

Conor Devlin (Tyrone)

Tom Doherty (Monaghan)

Gearóid Evans (Kerry)

Michael Gillooly (Roscommon)

Tomás Kennedy (Kerry)

Daniel Kirby (Kerry)

Jimmy Lynch (Kildare)

Kobe McDonald (Mayo)

Shea McDermott (Tyrone)

Aodhna Ó Beaglaoich (Kerry)

Ben Ryan (Kildare)

Oisín Watson (Tyrone)

Gearóid White (Kerry)

Dermot Crowley, CEO, Dalata Hotel Group, said: “Jimmy Lynch's performances throughout the championship showcased the qualities that make elite young footballers stand out. His consistency, composure and ability to influence games made him a key figure for Kildare and a worthy winner of this year's Leinster Footballer of the Year award.

“As Dalata enters the second year of its title sponsorship of the GAA U20 Football Championship, our 'For Difference Makers' campaign continues to celebrate players who make a meaningful impact when it matters most. Jimmy demonstrated those qualities throughout the season and has a very bright future ahead of him.”