Seven UCC players make third level camogie team of year

Seven UCC players have been named on the Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Stars Team of the Year.

The university won the Ashbourne Cup for the first time in 23 years and such was their dominance in the final that it’s no great surprise to see seven of the side make the team.

The team of the year features six universities: UCC, UCD, DCU, University of Galway, Technological University (TU) Dublin, and UL.

Runners-up UCD boast three spots, with DCU taking two. TU Dublin, University of Galway, and UL all feature a single player on the team.

The seven UCC players on the team are: Claire Kingston, Méabh Murphy, Orlaith Cremin, Niamh McNabola, Aoife Healy, Sarah O’Brien, and Sophie Pembroke.

There was an added bonus for the college as O’Brien was named as the Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Star Player of the Year.

Throughout the season, the Limerick native has been a clinical sharpshooter, delivering when it mattered most and scoring 2–2 in the final to earn the player-of-the-match award. Her pace and agility meant she was a constant outlet for the Cork side.

O’Brien showed her consistency and reliability as an attacker, playing a central role in UCC’s system, and she was a key player in their path to victory.

Brian Molloy, president of the Camogie Association, said: “The Electric Ireland Ashbourne Cup once again showcased the very highest standards of third-level camogie in 2026, and I would like to warmly congratulate all those named on the Rising Stars team of the year.

“These players have distinguished themselves on the field across a fiercely competitive campaign. Congrats to University College Cork who lead the way following a landmark year for the university, and I commend all six institutions represented for their contribution to an excellent championship.

“Third-level camogie plays a vital role in the development of our players, providing a unique environment where friendships are forged and elite competition thrives.

“I would also like to thank Electric Ireland for their continued support and commitment to these competitions, helping to ensure that they remain a cornerstone of our games. Comhghairdeas libh go léir ar éacht den scoth.”

Jillian Saunders, group sponsorship and PR manager for Electric Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to unveil the 2026 Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Stars Team of the Year.

“The Ashbourne Cup, powered by our #FirstClassRivals campaign, truly encapsulates the vibrant blend of fierce competition and genuine camaraderie — a spirit we were proud to showcase in our Player POV content series.”

The Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Stars Team of the Year is: Keeva Steadmond — DCU DÉ, Wexford, Craanford-Monaseed; Emily Adderley — UCD, Dublin, Ballinteer St Johns; Claire Kingston — UCC, Newcestown; Méabh Murphy — UCC, Ballinora; Grace Walsh — UCD, Kilkenny, Tullaroan; Karen Tomkins — DCU DÉ, Wexford, Kilrush; Órlaith Cremin — UCC, Éire Óg; Alannah McNulty — UCD, Waterford, De La Salle; Niamh McNabola — UCC, Cloughduv; Carrie Dolan — University of Galway, Galway, Clarinbridge; Aoife Healy — UCC, Aghada; Sophie Pembroke — UCC, Tipperary, Gortnahoe Glengoole; Sarah O’Brien — UCC, Limerick, Templeglantine; Roisin McCormick — TU Dublin, Antrim, Loughgiel Shamrocks; Aoibheann Barry — UL, Galway, Kinvara.

ntine; Roisin McCormick – TU Dublin, Antrim, Loughgiel Shamrocks; Aoibheann Barry – UL, Galway, Kinvara.