Irish News in Sport Blog November 2025 

GAA 

Connacht Football Championship 

Galway champions Moycullen set themselves as early contenders for the provincial crown with a comfortable win over Shamrock Gaels. 1-10 coming through Dessie Coneely had a strong say in the Galway champions getting past the Sligo winners. 

Munster Football Championship 

Clare champions Éire Óg continued their impressive run in the Munster Football Championship with a hard-fought victory over Waterford champions Rathgormack. Star forward Mark McInerney was in sensational form, finishing with an outstanding tally of 0-16 to guide his side into the next round. The Clare dual champions won’t have much time to celebrate, however, as attention quickly turns to the Munster Hurling Championship, where they’ll face Loughmore-Castleiney next weekend. 

Ulster Football Championship 

Newbridge proved to be too much for Armagh champions in a strong performance to set up a clash with Scotstown. The Derry champions turned the style on in Armagh with captain Conor McAteer kicking 0-4 and Mark McGrogan impressive in keeping tabs on Armagh star Darragh McMullan. 

Scotstown maintained their charge for provincial silverware defeating Naomh Conaill with an assured performance after a commanding lead at the half. The Monaghan side put on an exhibition of score taking, specially from Max Maguire (0-7) and Jack McCarron (0-3). 

Leinster Hurling Championship 

Wexford champions St Martin’s stole the headlines at the weekend with a stunning upset over reigning Leinster and All-Ireland champions Na Fianna. The Dublin giants appeared to have weathered the storm, holding a narrow lead heading into stoppage time. In a dramatic finish, Rory O’Connor held his nerve to land two late frees, sealing a famous victory for the Wexford side and sending the champions crashing out. 

Naas booked their place in the next round of the Leinster Championship with a solid victory over Mount Leinster Rangers, setting up a mouthwatering clash with St Martin’s. Both clubs have enjoyed remarkable progress over the past decade, each winning All-Ireland Intermediate titles and now firmly establishing themselves among the elite at senior provincial level. Kildare star Jack Sheridan led the charge for Naas, producing a superb individual display and finishing with an impressive 1-8 to his name. 

Laois champions Clough-Ballacolla booked their place in the semi-finals after edging past Castletown-Geoghegan of Westmeath by two points in a thrilling encounter. Two second-half goals from Willie Dunphy’s proved decisive in driving his side over the line, they now face a clash with Kilkenny giants Ballyhale Shamrocks. 

Kilkenny champions Ballyhale Shamrocks kept their sights firmly set on a 13th Leinster title after overcoming a spirited challenge from Offaly champions Kilcormac-Killoughey. The underdogs started brightly, taking the game to the reigning champions and forcing Ballyhale to dig deep. However, the experience and composure of TJ Reid, who was flawless from placed balls, alongside Eoin Cody’s contribution of 0-5 from play, proved enough to see the Shamrocks home and into the next round. 

LGFA 

Leinster Football Championship Final 

Reigning Leinster champions and beaten All Ireland finalists Kilmacud Crokes set their tone for this season with a win over Tinahely from Wicklow. Crokes showed a ruthless display of goal scoring through Niamh Cotter (1-6), Amy Conroy (2-00) and Eabha Rutledge (2-01) who amassed all 5 goals between them. They safely secured passage to the All-Ireland semi-final in the anticipation of a rematch with last year’s winners Kilkerrin-Clonberne who advanced through Connacht. 

Rugby 

Ireland kicked off their Autumn Internationals off win a 41-10 win over Japan in Dublin. Looking to bounce back from their defeat to the All Blacks, the Irish side struggled early against a determined Japanese team. A late flurry of tries ensured a better look on the scoreline as the Irish look to welcome Australia next weekend.