8 Of The Best Electric Ireland Minor Football Stars, And What They're Up To Now
An Electric Ireland Minor Star award is one of the most prestigious a young footballer or hurler can win.
First awarded in 2017, some of the game's best players in both codes have won Minor Star awards.
A new mural has recently been unveiled at Croke Park to honour all those who have won an award over the past eight years and you can find it on your way to the upper tier in the Hogan Stand.
As we eagerly await the announcement of this year's winners, we've taken a look at some of those who have won Minor Star awards since 2017 and have gone on to achieve even more in the years since.
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The Electric Ireland Minor Football Stars of the past 2017 - David Clifford (Kerry)You might have heard of him.
Even at minor level, David Clifford was singled out as a superb talent, and he excelled as Kerry claimed the All-Ireland final. To be precise, he scored an astonishing 4-4 in the final as Kerry demolished Derry in Croke Park.
Just two years later, Clifford was playing in the senior decider, and he has since established himself as one of the greatest players of the modern age. He could claim Sam Maguire for a second time this Sunday.
2018 - Paul Walsh (Kerry)Another All-Ireland minor title for Kerry, a fifth in a row, and Paul Walsh was one of the standout stars.
The wing forward scored 0-4 in the final against Galway, and was named Electric Ireland Minor Star Footballer of the Year.
A well-regarded club player in Kerry in the years since, Walsh went viral in 2021 when he was invited into the Rio de Janeiro home of Ronaldinho.
He last played for Kerry at U20 level.
2019 - Tomo Culhane (Galway)Galway may have come up just short against Cork in the 2019 minor final, but several players made a significant mark and have continued to line out for the county up to senior level.
A standout was full-forward Tomo Culhane, who scored a mega 0-10 as the Tribesmen came up just short in the decider.
He has been an important player on the Galway senior panel for the past few years and was on the bench for last year's All-Ireland final.
2020 - Eoghan Frayne (Meath)Eoghan Frayne has come on leaps and bounds since his outstanding performances at minor level for Meath in the COVID-delayed 2020 All-Ireland minor championship.
The full-forward scored 1-22 across the season at minor level, and it did not take long for him to make the leap to senior level.
Summerhill man Frayne was captain of the Royals this year, as they enjoyed their best championship summer in 15 years. To be trusted with the captaincy at just 22 years old is a testament to his character.
2021 - Luke Marren (Sligo)Just a few weeks after the conclusion of the 2020 championship, the 2021 Minor All-Ireland series rolled around.
Sligo claimed provincial glory in Connacht, and it was Luke Marren who shone brightest from corner forward.
Marren scored 0-25 across his three appearances in the championship, and would win another provincial title three years later at U20 level.
He appeared in the Sigerson Cup for DCU earlier this year, and it would not be a surprise to see him representing Sligo at senior level in the future.
2022 - Ben Hughes (Tyrone)Tyrone have done some stellar work at underage level in recent years, and the 2022 team was one of the most exciting of recent years.
The Red Hand claimed the Ulster title with a superb win over Derry, before an agonising one-point defeat to Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
Despite not reaching the semi-finals, Ben Hughes' performances from full-back earned him a place on the Minor Stars team of the year. The Donaghmore man has only gone from strength to strength, and finally won an All-Ireland title at U20 level this year. A star of the future.
2023 - James Sargent (Derry)Derry won back-to-back Ulster titles in 2023 and 2024, and James Sargent was there for both of them.
A dynamic midfielder, Sargent was a vital player in both seasons and earned back-to-back Electric Ireland Minor Star awards.
He made the step up to U20 level this year.
2024 - Kobe McDonald (Mayo)The man with one of the greatest names in Irish sport, Kobe McDonald comes from esteemed blood in Mayo.
Father Ciarán is one of the most revered players of modern times, and Kobe has shown plenty of promise himself in green and red.
Still in his teens, McDonald lined out at senior level for his club Crossmolina this year, showing just how valued his talent is.
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