Limerick camogie player named Electric Ireland Third Level Rising Star Player of the Year

LIMERICK star Sarah O’Brien has been named as the Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Star Player of the Year.

The Templeglantine player was selected for the honour for her performances with UCC in the Ashbourne Cup.

Throughout the season, the west Limerick native has been a clinical sharpshooter, delivering when it mattered most and scoring 2–2 in the final to earn Player of the Match. Her pace and agility meant she was a constant outlet for the Cork side. 

O’Brien showed her consistency and reliability as an attacker, playing a central role in UCC’s system and a key player in their path to victory.  

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This Thursday, Electric Ireland unveiled the 2026 Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Stars Team of the Year - O’Brien was named at corner forward on the star-studded team.

This year’s Team of the Year features six different universities, UCC, UCD, DCU, University of Galway (UoG), Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and UL. 

The title-holders, UCC, dominate with seven players selected. Runners up, UCD, boast three spots with DCU taking two. Finally one each for TU Dublin, UoG and UL, who are represented by Aoibheann Barry of Galway’s Kinvara club.

2026 Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Stars Team of the Year

1.           Keeva Steadmond – DCU DÉ, Wexford, Craanford-Monaseed 

2.           Emily Adderley - UCD, Dublin, Ballinteer St Johns 

3.           Claire Kingston – UCC, Cork, Newcestown 

4.           Méabh Murphy – UCC, Cork, Ballinora 

5.           Grace Walsh – UCD, Kilkenny, Tullaroan 

6.           Karen Tomkins – DCU DÉ, Wexford, Kilrush

7.           Órlaith Cremin – UCC, Cork, Éire Óg  

8.           Alannah McNulty - UCD, Waterford, De La Salle 

9.           Niamh McNabola – UCC, Cork, Cloughduv  

10.        Carrie Dolan - University of Galway, Galway, Clarinbridge 

11.        Aoife Healy – UCC, Cork, Aghada  

12.        Sophie Pembroke – UCC, Tipperary, Gortnahoe Glengoole 

13.        Sarah O'Brien – UCC, Limerick, Templeglantine 

14.        Roisin McCormick – TU Dublin, Antrim, Loughgiel Shamrocks 

15.        Aoibheann Barry – UL, Galway, Kinvara 

Uachtarán of the Camogie Association, Brian Molloy, said: “The Electric Ireland Ashbourne Cup once again showcased the very highest standards of third level camogie in 2026, and I would like to warmly congratulate all those named on the Rising Stars Team of the Year. These players have distinguished themselves on the field across a fiercely competitive campaign. Congrats to University College Cork who lead the way following a landmark year for the university, and I commend all six institutions represented for their contribution to an excellent championship. Third level camogie plays a vital role in the development of our players, providing a unique environment where friendships are forged and elite competition thrives. I would also like to thank Electric Ireland for their continued support and commitment to these competitions, helping to ensure that they remain a cornerstone of our games. Comhghairdeas libh go léir ar éacht den scoth.”

Jillian Saunders, group sponsorship & PR manager, Electric Ireland, commented: "We are thrilled to unveil the 2026 Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Rising Stars Team of the Year. The Ashbourne Cup, powered by our #FirstClassRivals campaign, truly encapsulates the vibrant blend of fierce competition and genuine camaraderie – a spirit we were proud to showcase in our Player POV content series this season. It is inspiring to witness these exceptional athletes, rivals on one stage, achieve success on another. These are the connections that endure a lifetime and Electric Ireland is proud to champion a competition that fosters such a unique and valuable experience for these players. Congratulations to all the Rising Stars!"