Big honour for rising Waterford hurling star with Fitzgibbon Cup Team of the Year spot
Passage hurler earns national recognition after standout campaign with UL
A Waterford hurler has been recognised among the best in the country after being named on the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup Team of the Year.
Electric Ireland has announced the 2026 Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Hurling Team of the Year, celebrating the top performers from this year's championship.
Passage's Mark Fitzgerald has been included among the 15 standout players from this season following an impressive campaign with the University of Limerick (UL).
UL faced city rivals Mary Immaculate College Limerick in a historic final at Croke Park, the first time the competition had been held there in four decades.
UL's form proved decisive as they secured their tenth Fitzgibbon Cup title, further cementing their legacy with a fourth win in five seasons and a second consecutive triumph.
Their dominance is reflected in the Team of the Year, with UL leading the way with seven players selected, including Waterford's Fitzgerald.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns praised the players for their achievements, highlighting their dedication in balancing academic studies with elite-level performances on the pitch.
"My congratulations go to every hurler who has been selected for this year's Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Hurling Team of the Year. These young athletes embody the spirit of the championships, showcasing incredible dedication in balancing their demanding academic studies with their performances on the field.
"The 2026 Electric Ireland Higher Education Hurling Championships themselves provided a truly memorable season, marked by a historic return to Croke Park for the final and a consistently exceptionally high standard of play throughout. We eagerly await the upcoming awards ceremony to celebrate their achievements formally."
Each of the Rising Star recipients will be honoured at a special awards event on March 30, where the Fitzgibbon Cup Player of the Year will also be announced.