Irish News in Sports October 2025

Irish News in Sport Blog October 2025

Club Championship

St John’s won the Antrim Senior Hurling Championship for the first time since 1973 with a one-point win over Loughgiel Shamrocks. It was a momentous occasion as the Johnnies became the first Belfast side to win the Volunteer Cup since 1999. 
 

Sarsfields won their second Cork senior hurling title in the past 3 years, defeating Midleton by 7 points. Building upon last years All Ireland club final appearance, they will look to surpass that feat and claim All Ireland glory. 

Na Piarsaigh were crowned Limerick senior hurling champions after a dramatic extra-time victory over Doon. The defending champions pushed Na Piarsaigh all the way and had them under serious pressure before substitute Conor Boylan’s crucial goal forced the game into extra time. From there, Na Piarsaigh seized control and powered on to secure a commanding seven-point win. 

Kilcormac-Killoughey defeated Shinrone to win their second Offaly Senior Hurling title in a row. Man of the match Charlie Mitchell stood out, scoring 1-5 to drive his side over the line against the resilient Shinrone side. 

Old Leighlin ended a 12 year drought for the Carlow Senior Football championship with a last minute winner from Cathal Coughlan. 

Newbridge clinched back-to-back Derry senior football titles with a 2 point win over Magherafelt. Their surprising win last season was impressively backed up with top performances from Conor Doherty, Conor McGrogan and captain Conor McAteer. They will take on Antrim champions Dunloy in their bid for Ulster. 

Kilcoo extended their win streak to 7 county titles in a row in their victory over Carryduff. The 2022 All Ireland champions impressed in the decider with a vintage performance from Paul Devlin who scored 1-3. 

Athy put a stop to Naas’ surge for 5 in a row to win the Kildare senior football championship. Alex Beirne continued his good run of form contributing 0-10 in a spirited display. 

County News 

Kieran Donaghy has joined Jack O’Connors Kerry backroom team for the 2026 season. Coming off 4 seasons with Armagh, including winning the Sam Maguire with the Orchard county, Donaghy will be a welcome addition to his native county. 

Declan Hannon has called time on an illustrious career with Limerick. The 32 year old retires with 7 Munster championships and 5 All Ireland titles. Hannon became the first man to lift the Liam McCarthy cup 4 times. 

Jason Flynn has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling at the age of 31. Having represented Galway for 12 years, the highlight coming in 2017 where he won an All-Ireland medal with the Tribesmen. 

Former Monaghan defender Kieran Duffy has announced his retirement after 15 years playing inter-county football. The 34 year old was a part of the Ulster winning teams in 2013 and 2015.