Antrim and Kerry stars collect 2026 ZuCar Golden Boot and Golden Glove awards
KERRY goalkeeper Mary Ellen Bolger is the winner of the 2026 ZuCar Golden Glove award.
Mary Ellen's fine save to deny Galway's Kate Slevin from close range in the 2026 TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship final won the popular vote on the Ladies Gaelic Football Association website.
Mary Ellen, from the Southern Gaels club, was one of five nominees for the prestigious individual honour, along with Grace Amos (London), 2025 winner Helena Cummins (Roscommon), Lauren Fitzpatrick (Tipperary) and Nicole Hanley (Carlow).
Almost 2,500 votes were submitted for the Golden Glove award and Mary Ellen’s save accounted for 732 votes, just 50 clear of her nearest challenger and 2025 winner, Roscommon’s Helena Cummins.
Mary Ellen was presented with her award at Croke Park today by Ladies Gaelic Football Association CEO, Lyn Savage, and Gavin Hydes, CEO Joe Duffy Group, on behalf of ZuCar, the LGFA’s Official Performance Partner and sponsor of the All-Ireland U-18 Championships.
This is the second time that a Kerry goalkeeper has won the ZuCar Golden Glove award, following success for Mary Ellen’s Kingdom colleague Ciara Butler in 2024.
Following the conclusion of the TG4 All-Ireland Championships, Antrim’s Maria O’Neill was the leading scorer across the Junior, Intermediate and Senior grades.
Maria’s tally of 11-20 (53 points) ensured that the St Ergnats, Moneyglass, player topped the individual scoring charts across the Junior, Intermediate and Senior grades in the All-Ireland series.
Maria scored four points, including a dramatic late winner, as Antrim defeated Carlow in the 2026 TG4 All-Ireland Junior Championship final at Croke Park on Sunday August 2.
Maria was also present at Croke Park today to collect her award.
Ladies Gaelic Football Association President Trina Murray commented: "Huge congratulations to Antrim's Maria O'Neill and Kerry's Mary Ellen Bolger, who are at Croke Park today to collect their ZuCar Golden Boot and Golden Glove awards.
"Mary Ellen's save really captured the imagination of our supporters - the response to the Golden Glove vote on the LGFA website was fantastic, and it's a fitting reward for a moment that stood out all season.
"These awards are a great reminder that while inter-county football is built on teamwork, individual brilliance deserves its own spotlight too.
"Maria and Mary Ellen join a wonderful list of past winners, and I've no doubt these beautiful pieces will take pride of place in both their homes.
"None of this would be possible without ZuCar's continued belief in our game. Their commitment as Official Performance Partner and sponsor of our All-Ireland U-18 Championships has made a real difference, and I want to sincerely thank Gavin Hydes and his team at Joe Duffy Group for that support.
"Since we extended our partnership through to 2029 last July, it's been clear this relationship goes from strength to strength - and we're excited for what's still to come."
Gavin Hydes, CEO ZuCar, added:“We are delighted to celebrate two outstanding players whose achievements truly capture the spirit, talent, and excitement of Ladies Gaelic Football.
“Huge congratulations once again to Maria O’Neill on winning the 2026 ZuCar Golden Boot Award following a superb scoring campaign for Antrim, and to Kerry goalkeeper Mary Ellen Bolger for her remarkable contribution at senior level.
“Both players have given supporters so much to celebrate and are wonderful role models for the next generation coming through the game.”
About ZuCar:
ZuCar is part of the Joe Duffy Group and shares many values and beliefs with the LGFA, including passion, continuous improvement, and dedication to excellence. We believe that Gaelic Games is at the heart of every Irish community and our support of the LGFA is central to the Group’s corporate responsibility programme.
Official website: https://www.zucar.ie/
ENDS