Irish News in Sport Blog
Ireland GAA
Club Championships
St. Finbarr’s were crowned Cork senior football champions after edging out Nemo Rangers in a thrilling encounter, clinching victory by a single point. Having trailed by 2 points going into injury time, a 2-point score levelled the game courtesy of Conor Horgan. With the game poised to enter extra time, substitute Cillian Myers Murray was the hero as he kicked the winning point.
Ballina Stephenites pulled off an upset for the ages to become Mayo senior football champions. Trailing by 10 points with 10 minutes to go, many were thinking of their exit from the ground, Evan Regans goal kick started the comeback. Another goal from Dylan Thornton in addition to 0-4 from Regan completed a monumental win.
Dingle claimed the Kerry senior football championship for the first time since 1948, Kerry legend Paul Geaney scored 2 late goals to shock Austin Stacks who had led much of the game.
Loughmacrory won their first ever Tyrone senior football championship on an emotional night in Omagh. Their victory was sealed with an injury time point from the boot of Gareth Donaghy, in just their first final, this capped a historic night for the club.
Madden Raparees captured their first ever Armagh senior football championship with a convincing display over Cullyhanna. The final pairing featured two sides flattering to upset the odds, Madden were the more impressive on the night and brought their maiden championship title back to the club.
Erne Gaels made it two senior titles in a row in Fermanagh after a replay victory over Derrygonnelly. County star Ultan Kelm proved to be the difference in the sides, scoring 1-3 to bring the New York cup back to Belleek.
Portarlington retained their crown in Laois, having defeated Courtwood in a replay. Colm Murphy’s second half penalty was the all-important score that divided the teams, Portarlington will move on to compete in Leinster.
Sam Mulroy helped Naomh Mairtin to the Louth senior football championship and banish the demons from last year. Having been defeated by Newtown Blues the season previous, Naomh Mairtin looked like a different team with Mulroy contributing 1-4.
Scotstown made it 3 in a row in Monaghan with an extra time win over Inniskeen. While youngster Tommy Mallen kicked 0-7 in a heroic performance, the difference was made in second half substitutes Conor McCarthy and Ryan O’Toole returning from injury. McCarthy kicked 0-3 on route to Scotstowns’ 3rd title in a row.
Shamrock Gaels dethroned Coolera-Strandhill in the Sligo senior football final to win their first title in 33 years. Needing a replay to decide the fate of the title, Shane Deighan was the difference scoring 2-3 in an impressive performance.
The Downs won the Westmeath senior football championship in style over Coralstown/Kinnegad. Tailteann cup top scorer Luke Loughlin continued his scoring form with 0-7 to lead his side to their first championship in 3 years.
Portaferry made it 4 in a row in the Down senior hurling championship with their 11 point victory over Ballygalget. Trailing by 2 points at half time, the reigning champions powered to victory with Cathal Coleman scoring 1-8.
Ballyhale Shamrocks stormed to win their 21st Kilkenny senior hurling title, making them the counties most successful club. A dominant second half performance was enough to put O’Loughlin Gaels away, with top performances from county stars TJ Reid and Eoin Cody.
Ratoath retained their Meath senior hurling title after a hard-fought campaign that required a replay to finally see off Kiltale. Across the two thrilling encounters, the sides shared an incredible 13 goals, providing a feast of entertainment for supporters. In the decisive game, 1-2 apiece from Bryan McMahon and Cian Rogers proved crucial as Ratoath pulled clear in the second half to secure back-to-back championships.
Loughmore-Castleiney successfully retained the Tipperary senior hurling tile for the first time, narrowly edging out a determined Nenagh Éire Óg team. In an entertaining final, it was captain Liam McGrath who was the difference, scoring 1-3 and notching man of the match for his heroics.
St Martin’s completed the same feat as the Tipperary champions by successfully defending their Wexford senior hurling title for the first time. Reining Leinster Intermediate champions pushed St Martins all the way, until a decisive goal from Barry O’Connor put the contest out of reach for the Rathnure side.