News in Sport Blog
GAA Club Championships
Ulster Football Championship Final
Scotstown claimed the Ulster Senior Football title in dramatic fashion, narrowly defeating Down champions Kilcoo after extra time. Rory Beggan was inspirational for his side, finishing with an incredible 0-11 haul and producing an exhibition of composed, long-range free taking.
Despite leading 0-06 to 0-01 at half-time and stretching eight points clear early in the second half, Scotstown were dragged into extra time by a determined Kilcoo fightback. Paul Devlin’s contribution of eight points, along with Callum Rogers’ late equaliser, saw Kilcoo force the game beyond normal time.
Scotstown pushed on in extra time through scores from Beggan and Conor McCarthy’s two-point kicking, setting up a clash with St Brigid’s of Roscommon in the All-Ireland semi-final.
LGFA All-Ireland Club Final
Kilkerrin-Clonberne secured a fifth consecutive All-Ireland Senior Club Championship title with a controlled 2-08 to 1-05 victory over St Ergnat’s, Moneyglass.
Despite a spirited performance from Moneyglass that left just two points between the sides at half-time, the Galway champions showed their class in the second half. Lynsey Noone’s crucial goal gave Kilkerrin-Clonberne breathing space. Moneyglass battled to the end but couldn’t close the gap on the history-making ladies from Kilkerrin-Clonberne.
Camogie All-Ireland Club Final
Athenry and St Finbarr’s will meet again after a dramatic All-Ireland Senior Club Camogie Final at Croke Park ended in a draw. The Galway champions produced a remarkable late surge to deny the Cork side a maiden title.
St Finbarr’s looked to have one hand on the trophy when they opened up a six-point lead in the closing minutes, but Athenry refused to give up. A late goal from Anna Jordan reignited the contest before Kayla Madden struck a crucial equaliser deep into stoppage time.
Inter-County Football
Kildare stalwart Niall Kelly has brought an end to a distinguished inter-county career, stepping away after more than a decade of service in the Lilywhites jersey. The Athy forward made 101 senior appearances, amassing an impressive tally of 14 goals and 138 points since making his debut in 2013. Kelly collected a Leinster U21 title and a Tailteann Cup, which fittingly marked his final season at inter-county level.
Donegal captain Paddy McBrearty has also brought the curtain down on an outstanding 14-year county career. The Kilcar man won seven Ulster titles and an All-Ireland, making 167 appearances following a remarkable debut season in 2011, when he played minor and senior championship football on the same day. Injuries in recent years hampered McBrearty, and he retires on medical advice, but he will forever remain a Donegal legend.
NFL
Charlie Smyth continued his rich vein of form for the New Orleans Saints, making his first home regular-season start one to remember. The former Down goalkeeper nailed a 47-yard field goal with six seconds remaining to seal a Saints victory over NFC South rivals, the Carolina Panthers.
Smyth also contributed two extra points and an earlier 42-yard field goal as the Saints recovered from a 17–7 deficit. He has gone from strength to strength in New Orleans since being drafted through the International Player Pathway Programme.