The business end: Every GAA county championship detailed, from the winners to the finals to the best storylines
Fight The Maher Ball Padraig For In Inpho/tom Rosmon Pearses Picture: Of Daly Conor
Defending champions Mohill salvaged a draw with a point in extra-time last Sunday to set up a county final replay against Ballinamore next Saturday at 4pm.
The SFC final will see Knockmore take on reigning champions Ballina Stephenites. Both semi-finals went to extra-time in a thrilling day at MacHale Park with Ballina eventually overcoming Ballaghderreen 1-18 to 2-12. Knockmore beat Breaffy 2-15 to 0-18 after substitutes Charlie Bourke and Billy Ruane landed goals in extra-time. Pearse Ruttledge was sent off in the first half of the additional period only for Breaffy to go down to 14 as well when Conor Beirne was shown a red card. The decider will be played on Sunday, October 20.
📺 Watch highlights from yesterday's Connacht Gold Senior Championship Semi final between Ballina Stephenites and Ballaghaderreen at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park. pic.twitter.com/b4T4Zf6bft
— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) October 7, 2024
Pádraig Pearses will take on a Roscommon Gaels in two weeks’ time after their semi-final victories last weekend. Pádraig Pearses downed St. Faithleach’s 1-9 to 0-3, Declan Kenny striking the only goal. Pearses are managed by Frank Canning, brother of Joe, while Laois star Ross Munnelly is coach. Roscommon Gaels rattled off three points in stoppage time to take Michael Glaveys to extra-time. They won out 1-19 to 3-9.
A dramatic weekend of quarter-final action in Galway saw All-Ireland champions St Thomas’target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> beat Turloughmore by a point. They face Cappataggle, who stunned Sarsfields on Saturday, in the semi-final. On the other side, Loughrea take on Clarinbridge. Evan Niland hit 0-9 to steer his club past Tommy Larkins while Loughrea triumphed over Castlegar.
It is a repeat of last year’s SHC final as kingpins Easkey will face Naomh Eoin in two weeks’ time.
Palatine and Rathvilly will return to Netwatch Cullen Park this Saturday (6pm) for the county SFC final replay. Two late points from Rathvilly duo Eric Molloy and Liam Gavin earned the 2021 champions a 1-10 to 2-7 draw in yesterday's decider. Paud O'Dwyer, a leading inter-county hurling referee until this year, is one of Palatine's joint managers.
Cuala, best known as a hurling force in the capital, and holders Kilmacud Crokes made it through at the weekend to the October 20 Dublin SFC final. Cuala overcame a slow and cautious Ballymun while Crokes did what they seem to do best, strangling the life out of Na Fianna. Crokes are bidding for a first four-in-a-row since St Vincent's did it in the late 1950s/early 1960s. Cuala, inspired by Con O'Callaghan, have never won the title and only made the final once before, in 1988.
: St Mary's will face Naomh Mairtin in the SFC final for the second year running. The Ardee side were the more impressive of the two semi-final winners over the weekend, finishing strongly on Saturday to dismiss Newtown Blues by 10 points. Naomh Mairtin, known as the Jocks, needed substitute and former county man Eoghan Callaghan to do needful with a stoppage time winning point against St Mochtas. The final is on Sunday week.
: Dunshaughlin, intermediate champions just two years ago, will play Kilberry outfit Wolfe Tones in the SFC final on Sunday week at Pairc Tailteann (3pm). It's a mark of Dunshaughlin's progress under 1999 All-Ireland winner Richie Kealy - Dublin's Paul Curran is their coach - that Saturday's one-point semi-final win over Dunboyne was billed as potentially the real final. Wolfe Tones won the title in 2021 and will be motivated by such talk.
: The Westmeath SFC looks set to conclude this Sunday without any county manager being appointed. Lar Wall has been strongly linked with the job and the side he managed to the 2022 title, The Downs, will play St Loman's this Sunday in a repeat of that decider two years ago. Holders St Loman's blitzed Tyrrellspass in their semi-final and will return to Cusack Park (3.30pm) as considerable favourites.
: It's down to the last two in the Wicklow SFC and Baltinglass will play Tinahely in the Aughrim (2pm) decider on Sunday week, October 20. Both sides won their semi-finals by a point while Baltinglass beat AGB by the same narrow margin in the quarters too. It'll be a repeat of the 2020 final, won by Baltinglass. Tinahely's last title was 40 years ago.
: Another county SHC and SFC double is within the grasp of Naas who are chasing a six-in-a-row of hurling crowns. They hammered Confey 3-28 to 0-7 in last Saturday's first semi-final. Maynooth came out on top in the second semi-final yesterday, beating Eire Og Corrachoill and the final will take place on November 3 (2pm). Naas were also crowned SHC B winners yesterday.
: Ballinamere have made it through to their first Offaly SHC final since 1908 and will face the holders Kilcormac-Killoughey. Both clubs came through their respective semi-finals in Sunday's Tullamore double header, K-K the more impressive in a 4-21 to 1-11 demolition of Coolderry. K-K won the SHC B title over the weekend too.
Castletown Geoghegan will face Lough Lene Gaels in the Westmeath SHC final at Cusack Park on October 27. Castletown Geoghegan beat Clonkill 1-15 to 0-16 in Sunday's semi-final.
: The Wexford SHC quarter-finals were completed over the weekend with county star Conor McDonald striking a stoppage time winner in Naomh Eanna's win over a Faythe Harriers side for whom Lee Chin was sent off. The semi-finals will take place on October 20. Naomh Eanna will meet St Martin's and Shelmaliers will play the winners of tonight's refixtured quarter-final between St Anne's and Rapparees.
Bray Emmets maintained their stranglehold of the Wicklow SHC by winning their sixth O'Donoghue Cup in a row yesterday. They conceded four goals to Carnew but still prevailed in a 0-23 to 4-8 win. They will host Meath opposition in a Leinster IHC quarter-final on November 16.
: Nemo Rangers had to draw on all their character to see off Clonakilty on penalties on Sunday whereas Mallow’s Premier SFC quarter-final win over Muskerry was considerably easier. They face off in the firsat of the semi finals next Sunday in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, followed by the big one - the last four meeting of Castlehaven and St Finbarr's.
East Kerry and St Brendan’s will consider themselves well tested after just about seeing off St Kieran’s and Kenmare in their quarter-finals this past weekend, while Dr Crokes and Dingle had relatively comfortable last-eight outings against Rathmore and Templenoe respectively. This weekend's semis see East Kerry face Dingle and Dr Crokes meet St Brendan's.
Loughmore-Castleiney and Clonmel Commercials eased through their respective semi-finals against Moyle Rovers and Kilsheelan-Kilcash.
: The Nire held off Kilrossanty in their quarter-final. Abbeyside-Ballinacourty were too strong for Clashmore-Kinsalebeg in the other quarter.
: Feakle beat Cratloe to seal a first SHC final appearance in 36 years. They will face Sixmilebridge, who have collected 11 titles in that span, and knocked out Inagh-Kilnamona on penalties. The Bridge’s most recent success arrived in 2020 against O’Callaghan’s Mills, who were relegated at the weekend. County final day is Sunday, October 20, at Cusack Park. The Intermediate hurling final will be contested between Wolfe Tones of Shannon, who are bidding to bounce straight back up to the top grade, and Tubber.
: The Cork Premier SHC final pits reigning champions Sarsfields against divisional giants Imokilly on Sunday, October 20, at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Imokilly saw off record-champions Blackrock by nine points in Sunday's semi-final. That means Sars, who edged past Midleton in a repeat of the 2023 decider, already know they will represent Cork in the Munster SHC semi-final against the Clare champions next month.
In the Senior A final, Blarney, appearing in their second consecutive decider, stand between Glen Rovers and an immediate return to the top flight. They beat Bride Rovers and Castlelyons respectively in the semi-finals.
Crossmaglen are out of the Armagh SFC as Clann Eireann won the semi-final 1-11 to 0-10. They face Lurgan neighbours Clan na Gael in two weeks’ time. A host of All-Ireland winners are set to feature with Stefan Campbell leading the way for Clan na Gael against the likes of Barry McCambridge, Tiernan Kelly, and Conor Turbitt. St Paul’s will take on Carrickcruppen in the Intermediate Championship final.
Ramor United and Crosserlough will take part in the SFC Final on Sunday, October 20. Ramor dethroned three-in-a-row seeking Gowna at Kingspan Breffni last Sunday. Butlersbridge play Arva in the IFC final. Last January, Arva beat Listowel Emmets in the All-Ireland JFC final to secure a first All-Ireland championship title won by a Cavan team in Croke Park since 1952.
All-Ireland champions Glen were pushed all the way by a well-coached Lavey outfit in the SFC quarter-final. It finished 1-11 to 0-13. Lavey lost one kickout in the first half and Ethan Doherty turned it into a goal. Conleth McGuckian produced a 63rd minute winner.
The SHC final will feature two high-scoring sides. Ballygalget racked up 2-15 during their five-point victory over Liatriom while Portaferry ran out 1-31 to 3-14 winners over Ballycran.
Also at the finals stage, with Enniskillen Gaels and Erne Gaels Belleek successfully navigating their semi-finals last weekend. Ryan Jones was Man of the Match for Erne Gaels during a tense 0-10 to 0-9 semi-final success over holders Derrygonnelly Harps. Remarkably, they are managed by former Donegal boss Declan Bonner but former manager Seamus Ryder featured off the bench to kick two points. Irvinestown St Molaise play Lisnaskea Emmetts in the IFC clash.
In the Tyrone SFC, Errigal Ciaran take on reigning champions Trillick in the decider. A last-minute Peter Harte point helped Errigal Ciaran beat Killyclogher while Trillick cruised past Dungannon 0-17 to 0-7 with Lee Brennan kicking five points. In the second tier, Derrylaughan will face the winner of the Moy vs Greencastle replay. The replay has been confirmed for next Friday October 11 at 7.30pm.
The SFC is down to the final four with Salthill-Knocknacarra playing Corofin and Moycullen facing Tuam Stars in Tuam Stadium double-header next Sunday.
: Kildare's Hawkfield training base will host the SFC semi-finals next Saturday and Sunday. Celbridge against Sarsfields is first up on Saturday (4pm) while holders Naas, chasing a four-in-a-row of titles and fresh off their 3-19 quarter-final battering of Johnstownbridge, will play Athy there on Sunday (5pm).
Friday evening's SFC relegation final between Ballycommon and Ferbane (Croghan, 7.30pm) will kick-start an intriguing weekend of big ball action. The showpiece will be Sunday's senior decider between Tullamore and Ferbane, in Tullamore (4pm). New Offaly joint manager Mickey Harte has been a visible presence at games and will join Declan Kelly in the stand again.
: A Longford SFC campaign burdened by controversy will conclude Sunday when Abbeylara take on Colmcille in the Pearse Park decider (4pm). With the wrong result initially recorded in the early September Mullinalaghta/Carrickedmond group game, all sorts of appeals and counter appeals followed. The race for the Sean Connolly Cup ultimately went on and 2022 champions Colmcille will be hopeful of denying Abbeylara a first title since 2006.
: Portlaoise, the most successful club in Laois, and Portarlington, with three of the last four titles, will contest the SFC final on Sunday in Portlaoise (4pm). The Heath and Clonaslee St Mammans are in Saturday's SFC B final while Stradbally (7.15pm) will host Friday evening's crucial SFC relegation final between Ballyfin and Ballylinan.
: Wexford Park will host both SFC semi-finals this Saturday and Sunday. With holders Shelmaliers out of the picture, Castletown, 2022 winners and 2023 runners-up can fancy their chances. They'll face Glynn-Barntown, destroyers of Shels, on Sunday (2.30pm) while the first semi-final is on Saturday (4pm) between Crossabeg-Ballymurn and Gusserane.
: It's down to the last four in the Kilkenny SHC and there'll be a double header of semi-finals this Sunday at Nowlan Park. First up is holders O'Loughlin Gaels against Bennettsbridge (1.45pm), a game that will be covered live by TG4, followed by Thomastown against Mullinavat (3.45pm). Adopted Kerryman Fionan Mackessy helped 13-man O'Loughlin Gaels defeat Dicksboro in a cracking quarter-final over the weekend. Mullinavat beat Erins Own 2-21 to 0-19 in the other quarter-final to reach the last four for the first time since 2015. James Stephens, managed by Brian Cody, were relegated to the intermediate ranks for the first time in nearly 70 years after losing Saturday's relegation final to Glenmore.
: A Dublin double could yet be on the cards for Kilmacud Crokes as their hurlers will play Lucan Sarsfields on Sunday (2pm). That's the first part of a Parnell Park semi-final double header with new Dublin hurling Niall O Ceallachain set to be on the line for holders Na Fianna against St Vincents in the second game (4pm). Crokes, thriving on the capital hurling scene, have a SHC 2 semi-final on Saturday also, against Naomh Barrog.
: Ratoath's bid for a first Meath SHC title since 1963 goes on. The Brownstown outfit have lost three of the last four titles, to Trim in 2020 and 2022, and will face Trim again in this Sunday's county decider at Pairc Tailteann (3pm). The winners will face Bray Emmets in the Leinster IHC on November 16.
Defending champions Cratloe’s double hopes ended this past weekend but their footballers will hope to avoid the same semi-final fate against Kilmurry-Ibrickane this Saturday. The following day, Ennistymon face Éire Óg Ennis in the second semi.
: The senior semi-final double-header is mouthwatering. SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosts the tantalising Castlehaven-St Finbarrs at 4.15pm, which is preceded by the meeting of Nemo Rangers and Mallow at 2.30pm. It’s the same venue for the Senior A semis on Saturday Kanturk and Carrigaline (5.45pm) and Knocknagree and Dohenys (7.30).
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: East Kerry and Dingle need no introduction to one another and Sunday’s semi-final in Austin Stack Park could be a humdinger if Paul Geaney keeps up this form (2pm throw-in). Twenty four hours earlier in Tralee, an impressive Dr Crokes meet St Brendan’s.
Semi-final weekend in Limerick: in a repeat of last year’s decider, Newcastle West clash with Adare in Rathkeale on Saturday followed by Mungret St Paul’s and Fr Casey’s in Newcastle West on Sunday
: Loughmore-Castleiney look to complete the first part of the double against Toomevara this Sunday. The following weekend, they meet Clonmel Commercials in the football decider.
: The Nire take on champions Rathgormack in a repeat of the last three finals. Abbeyside-Ballinacourty have a date with Gaultier in the other semi-final. Both games take place in Fraher Field this Sunday.
: In Limerick, the SHC is down to the final four. Patrickswell will meet Doon in the first of the semis next Sunday in Killmallock (1pm) while Killmallock take on defending champions Na Piarsaigh in Rathkeale at 4pm. The final is scheduled for the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday, October 27.
Limerick's second-tier Premier IHC is also down to the semis – Newcastle West meet Effin on Saturday at 2pm in Kilmallock. Garryspillane face Bruff in the other semi-final at 4pm.
: The SHC final will take place next Sunday at Semple Stadium between Loughmore-Castleiney and Toomevara (3.45pm). Loughmore are chasing a second Tipp double in four years with their footballers also in the decider, while Toome contest a first final since 2008. The Premier Intermediate final will be Sunday’s curtain-raiser (12.30pm) between Carrick Swan and Cashel King Cormacs.
Cargin’s bid for three football titles in-a-row sees them tackle Portglenone in the SFC final this Sunday at 3pm in Corrigan Park. Ballymena play St Teresa's in the IFC showdown on Saturday at 4pm.
The semi-final draw delivered a blockbuster as Glen face Slaughtneil. Magherafelt play Newbridge on the other side. That game is down for Saturday night (8.15pm) in Owenbeg (live on RTÉ Sport). Glen vs Slaughtneil is on Sunday at 4pm. They IFC semi-finals feature Faughanvale vs Drumsurn (6.15pm, Saturday) and Banagher vs Ballinderry (2pm, Sunday).
Dungloe are through to their first SFC final in 60 years and will face St Eunan’s, who are competing in their third final in four years. That fixture is set for Sunday in Ballybofey at 4pm. Last Sunday was a great day for Clg An Tearmainn in O’Donnell Park as they beat Naomh Columba in the intermediate final while also winning the intermediate B.
It is a SFC final rematch as Kingpins Kilcoo play Burren next Sunday at 3pm in Newry. Drumgath face Clann na Banna in the intermediate tie.
In the second tier, Derrylaughan will face the winner of the Moy vs Greencastle replay. The replay has been confirmed for next Friday October 11 at 7.30pm.
Ruairi Óg, Cushendall face Dunloy in the SHC final after Neil McManus’ 0-14 powered his side to an extra-time semi-final win against St John’s.
Slaughtneil are also on course for a 12th successive Derry SHC crown. They take on Banagher, playing in their first final since 2018.
Four Roads completed a three-in-a-row by beating St Dominics in the SHC final last month.
: The Kerry SHC concluded in early August with Abbeydorney ending a 50-year drought by defeating Ballyduff 1-17 to 1-10. They will play away to Waterford’s Brickey Rangers in the Munster IHC quarter-final on November 3. Daniel Casey’s four goals saw Kilgarvan beat St Brendan’s to pocket the second-tier Intermediate trophy in July. They await a visit to Moyle Rovers of Tipperary in the Munster JHC quarter-final on November 2.
: Ballygunner are going through the gears in their Munster Championship preparations after storming past Abbeyside for a 11th consecutive county crown last month. They await a trip to the Limerick champions in the provincial quarter-final on November 3. Brickey Rangers won the second-level Premier IHC and will face Kerry senior champions Abbeydorney in the Munster IHC next month.
: Dicksboro won the Kilkenny SFC title all of five months ago, beating Lisdowney in a mid-May decider.
: The Carlow SHC final went to a replay with St Mullins eventually beating Mount Leinster Rangers. That final was in mid-August, 13 weeks out from their Leinster club opener against the Offaly representatives.
: Wolfe Tones Mostrim beat Longford Slashers last month to claim the SHC title. They have a Leinster JHC quarter-final against Kildare or Wexford opposition on November 16, in Longford, to look forward to.
: St Fechins beat Knockbridge in the Louth SHC final back in August, completing a four-in-a-row. They have a novel Leinster JHC Round 1 tie against Amsterdam on November 9 in Drogheda on the horizon.
Clough Ballacolla, Leinster club SHC finalists in 2022, will travel to face the Dublin winners in a provincial quarter-final on November 16. Willie Hyland's side beat Rathdowney-Errill in yesterday's final to claim a fourth title in five seasons.
In hurling, Middletown claimed a sixth SHC title in a row on September 29 with a two-point win over Keady Lámh Dhearg.
The SHC final was played way back on August 4, East Cavan Gaels seeing off Cootehill Celtic 0-15 to 1-9.
In August, Burt won their first SHC title in six years with victory over Setanta.
Éire Óg are five-in-a-row champions after a three-point victory against Eoghan Ruadh last Sunday. The Carrickmore outfit bagged two late goals to turn the game.
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