Saffrons Sweep the Boards: Dowds Named Manager of the Year as Eight Antrim Players Claim Soaring Stars
It has been a morning of massive celebration for Antrim Camogie. Following their unforgettable All-Ireland Intermediate triumph at Croke Park in August, the Saffrons have completely dominated the 2026 PwC Camogie awards. Elaine Dowds has been rightfully crowned Manager of the Year, while an incredible eight Antrim players have earned their place on the prestigious Soaring Stars team.
Dowds’ Dream Return What a year it has been for Elaine Dowds. Currently in the first year of her second stint as manager the Cross & Passion teacher has overseen a phenomenal campaign.
Her journey to this award is a story of resilience. After guiding Antrim to the 2021 Intermediate title alongside Paul McKillen and Jim McKernan, she managed the senior squad for two years before a controversial departure at the end of 2023. When Carl McCormick and Martin Coulter stepped down following last year’s semi-final defeat, Dowds was brought back into the fold—and she immediately worked her magic.
Under her leadership, Antrim recorded their first competitive victory over Cork in 70 years, successfully defended their Ulster Senior title, and capped it all off with All-Ireland glory against Laois. She also guided the Saffrons Under 23 team to All Ireland B glory and to top off an incredible season, she was also recently appointed joint-manager of the Ireland camogie/shinty team alongside Cork’s Ger Manley.
The Magnificent Eight On the pitch, Antrim’s dominance is heavily reflected in the Soaring Stars XV.
Roisin McCormick, who lit up Croke Park with a 1-09 haul to take Player of the Match in the final, is joined by teenage sensation Eobha McAllister. McAllister was unstoppable this season, finishing as the championship’s top scorer from play with a remarkable 4-11. Unsurprisingly, both Saffron forwards have also been shortlisted for the overall Intermediate Player of the Year award, alongside Laois’s Clodagh Tynan.
Loughgiel is well represented, with Amy Boyle taking a spot in midfield alongside club-mate Clare McKillop and full forward Roisin McCormick
2021 Player of the Year Maeve Kelly from Ballycastle is selected again in the half-forward line while Ahoghill netminder Caitriona Graham, Cushendall stalwart Caoimhe McNaughton, and Dunloy’s Katie Molloy are all part of the defence. It has been some year for Molloy who also captained the U23B winning side—rightfully takes her place in the half-back line.
Soaring Stars
Caitriona Graham (Antrim)
Eimear O’Kane (Armagh)
Aoife Finlay (Laois)
Caoimhe McNaughton (Antrim)
Katie Molloy (Antrim)
Clodagh Tynan (Laois)
Clare McKillop (Antrim)
Amy Boyle (Antrim)
Ciara Hill (Armagh)
Roisin O’Keeffe (Cavan)
Grainne Delaney (Laois)
Maeve Kelly (Antrim)
Aimee Collier (Laois)
Roisin McCormick (Antrim)
Eobha McAllister (Antrim)