Cork minor hurling ace makes Team of the Year
Cork's Bobby Power shoots a point against Wexford at FBD Semple Stadium. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Cork forward Bobby Power has been included in an Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Hurling Team of the Year dominated by All-Ireland champions Limerick.
The Ballincollig club man was a sub for the Rebels' first two provincial games but shone once promoted to the starting 15 and assumed free-taking duties. He was on song from play and placed balls throughout the campaign and grabbed two goals in the All-Ireland semi-final loss to Tipperary.
He has been a consistent performer for his club in both codes at underage, winning hurling silverware at U12 and U15 and a host of football medals including a Féile.
Power follows in the footsteps of another Collig hurler David O'Leary, who was picked in the 2023 team and involved with the Cork U20s in recent seasons. His first cousin Darragh Power hurls for Dublin.
The Treaty ended a 42-year wait to claim their first minor title since 1984, snatching victory from Munster rivals Tipp in a dramatic finish at TUS Gaelic Grounds, with seven included in the All-Star line-up.
The beaten finalists have five selections, with semi-finalists Cork and Galway earning one pick each. Dicksboro's Joe Dowling completes the side, despite Kilkenny bowing out in the quarter-final.
Player of the Year is Limerick’s midfield powerhouse, Xavier Neligan. The Kilmallock man was sensational in the semi-final win over Galway, scoring 1-2, while in the final, Neligan's industry was crucial in keeping Limerick in the hunt before he made a heroic, game-saving block on a last-gasp Tipperary shot to secure the Irish Press Cup.
GAA president, Jarlath Burns, said: “I want to offer my warmest congratulations to the fifteen exceptional young hurlers selected on the 2026 Electric Ireland Minor Star Hurling Team of the Year.
"The talent, skill, and sheer drama on display throughout this year's championship was wonderful to witness, culminating in that unforgettable All-Ireland final between Limerick and Tipperary.
"These players have represented their clubs and counties with immense pride, and they have a very bright future ahead of them."
Sam Collins (Limerick and Crecora-Manister);
Colm Ryan (Tipperary and Newport), Rowan Collins (Limerick and Adare), Conor Collins (Tipperary and Galtee Rovers-St. Pecaun's);
John O'Riordan (Limerick and Bruff), James Finn (Tipperary and Golden-Kilfeacle), Eoin Hennessy (Limerick and Patrickswell);
Shane Ryan (Tipperary and Borris-Ileigh), Xavier Neligan (Limerick and Kilmallock);
Joe Dowling (Kilkenny and Dicksboro), Conall Morrisson (Tipperary and Moyle Rovers), Shane Waters (Limerick and Na Piarsaigh)
Bobby Power (Cork and Ballincollig), Chris Dunne (Tipperary and Gortnahoe-Glengoole), Anthony Poniard (Galway and Athenry)
The 2026 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Football Team of the Year will be announced on Thursday, August 6.
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