The 2025 Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Hurling Team of the Year.
Electric Ireland is excited to announce the 2025 Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Hurling Team of the Year, recognising the 15 outstanding hurlers from this year’s Higher Education Hurling Championship.
A thrilling hurling season saw familiar finalists, University of Limerick (UL), taking on Dublin City University (DCU Dóchas Éireann) at the University of Galway Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan, Co. Mayo. UL's championship pedigree proved decisive, as they secured their ninth title, winning by a five point margin. This victory marks the eighth time in the past ten years that the trophy will reside in Limerick.
DCU DÉ secured their place in the final after a thrilling four-point semi-final victory over University College Cork (UCC). Despite a valiant effort from DCU DÉ in the final, UL's impactful bench proved decisive. UL's dominance in possession and free flowing attack ultimately gave them the edge.
The 2025 Team of the Year reflects the high calibre of play seen throughout the Higher Education Hurling Championship season. Champions UL dominate the 2025 Team of the Year with seven players selected. DCU DÉ secure five spots, with MTU (Munster Technological University) and the Garda College each claiming one place on the prestigious squad.
The 2025 Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Hurling Team of the Year:
1. Darach Fahy, UL/Galway
2. Ciarán Doolan, UCC/Cork
3. Paddy Langton, DCU DÉ/Kilkenny
4. Darragh O’Sullivan, MTU/Cork
5. Pádraic Moylan, DCU DÉ/Kilkenny
6. Mark Fitzgerald, UL/Waterford
7. Colin Coughlan, UL/Limerick
8. Donal Shirley, DCU DÉ/Offaly
9. Adam English, UL/Limerick
10. Gearóid O’Connor, UL/Tipperary
11. Daire O’Leary, Garda College/Cork
12. Patrick Crotty, UL/Clare
13. Joe Flanagan, DCU DÉ/Dublin
14. Cian Boran, DCU DÉ/Kildare
15. Jack Leahy, UL/Cork
This year, Electric Ireland have brought sustainability to the fore of their Camogie and GAA sponsorships, making the switch to sustainable awards. Over the course of the season, a total of 25 Player of the Match awards were presented across all competitions including the Ashbourne, Sigerson, and Fitzgibbon Cups. The Rising Star Team of the Year awards will be crafted from the same renewable Beechwood material, showcasing Electric Ireland's commitment to environmental responsibility.
Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said:"Congratulations to every hurler selected for this year's Hurling Team of the Year, and to their respective third level institutions. The Electric Ireland Higher Education Hurling Championships have once again showcased the incredible talent and dedication within our student ranks. Their commitment to the sport, as well as their education, is a credit to themselves and their colleges. These individuals are fantastic ambassadors for their institutions, and we eagerly anticipate celebrating their achievements at the upcoming awards ceremony.”
Robert Crabbe, Group Sponsorship & PR Manager, Electric Ireland, commented: “Electric Ireland are delighted to reveal the 2025 GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Hurling Team of the Year. The skill and commitment displayed throughout this season have been truly impressive, and we congratulate all the Rising Stars on their achievement. The Higher Education Hurling Championship and the #FirstClassRivals campaign perfectly showcase the blend of intense rivalry and enduring friendships that make this competition so special. We are proud to back a competition that provides such a rewarding platform for these exceptional hurling players."
The Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Stars Team of the Year and the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Football Team of the Year have been previously announced, on March 13th and March 19th respectively. These awards acknowledge 15 outstanding performances from the Sigerson and Ashbourne Cups this year. On March 31st, the Football and Hurling Teams of the Year will be formally presented at an exclusive event, where the coveted titles of Players of the Year from each team will be announced.