Dr Crokes captain David Naughten lifts the Michael O'Connor cup after the Kerry Senior Club Football Championship final between Dingle and Dr Crokes at Austin Stacks Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile.
Antrim
The quarter-finals of the Antrim Senior Football Championship are now set in stone after the weekend’s final round of group matches. St. Brigid’s will play Dunloy, Creggan will play Lámh Dhearg, Portglenone will play St. John’s, and Ahoghill will face defending champions Cargin.
The match of the weekend was the win of League champions St. Brigid’s over Aghagallon. St Brigid's only needed to avoid a defeat of six points or more to guarantee their progression to the knock-out stages but even that looked in doubt when they trailed by seven at the break with Eunan Walsh scoring the only goal of the match for Aghagallon.
St Brigid’s found their groove in the third quarter though, scoring six unanswered points, with Jack Dowling dominating the contest from the middle third. Enda Downey drew St. Brigid’s level with three minutes remaining and the clinical James Smith scored his fourth point late on to secure a 0-15 to 1-10 win for St. Brigid’s.
Armagh
St. Patrick’s have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Armagh SFC as Group 1 table-toppers thanks to a 1-17 to 2-9 win over Culloville. Killeavy have finished second in the group thanks to a 1-10 to 0-9 win over Silverbridge.
Madden are through to the quarter-finals as Group C table-toppers despite a 1-8 to 1-6 defeat to Clann Eireann. Madden, Clann Eireann, and Maghery all finished on four points each but scoring difference mean Madden finished top and Clann came second in the group.
In Group D, Armagh Harps had already qualified for the quarter-finals before Saturday’s action got underway, with Mullaghbawn securing second-place in the group thanks to a 2-13 to 2-6 win over Ballymacnab.
In Group B, Crossmaglen picked up their first win of the campaign when beating Sarsfields by 0-14 to 0-11. Cian McConville was their main man, scoring seven points to make the difference in a game of fine margins. There’s still a round of fixtures to play in Group B with Clan na Gael due to play Sarsfields and Crossmaglen to play Granemore.
The teams that top each group go straight through to the quarter-finals with the second and third placed teams playing preliminary quarter-finals.
Carlow
Palatine’s impressive start to the championship continued over the weekend as they defeated reigning champions Éire Óg by 1-9 to 0-11. A first-half goal by Ciaran Moran helped Palatine into a 1-7 to 0-6 lead at half-time, and they just about kept the reigning champions at arm’s length in the second-half.
Paddy McDonnell scored eight points to help Bagenalstown to a second championship win in a row and inflict a second championship defeat on Tinryland.
Rathvilly bounced back from their first-round defeat to Palatine by defeating Clonmore 1-12 to 2-7. Padraig Bolger’s three late points proved decisive for the winners.
Old Leighlin proved much too strong for Mount Leinster Rangers as they stormed to a 4-17 to 1-2 victory with the goals coming from Tadgh Roche (2), Darragh Fitzgerald, and Mikey Bambrick.
Cavan
Crosserlough made it three wins from three in the Cavan SFC thanks to a comfortable 2-15 to 0-11 win over Ballinagh and are the only team in the competition with a perfect record after three rounds. The match of the weekend was Ramor United’s 2-15 to 4-7 win over Killygarry. James Brady came off the bench to score 1-3 for the winners while Darragh Lovett bagged a hat-trick for Killygarry. Gowna and Cavan Gaels played out a hard-fought 1-12 apiece draw with the goals coming from Conor Brady and Luke Molloy. Mullahoran maintained their unbeaten record thanks to a 2-10 to 0-10 win over Kingscourt Stars.
Clare
After the final round of group matches, seven of the eight Clare SFC finalists are know, with the final one to come from the victors of the play-off round between Lisseycasey and Kildysart. Reigning champions Cratloe secured top spot in Group 3 but they made hard work of their 2-8 to 0-12 win over Doonbeg and have yet to hit top form this year. 2021 and 2022 champions, Éire Óg, have been the most impressive side so far in the championship winning their three Group 1 matches by an average of 13 points each. Group 2 toppers, St. Breckan’s, have also hit some impressive form, winning their last two matches while scoring 6-20.
Cork
Kanturk proved they can mix it with the big boys in the Cork Premier SHC by claiming a 1-21 apiece with 2021 champions Midleton. It was an over and back contest throughout with Alan Walsh giving Kanturk an early fillip with a well-taken goal before Alex Quirke hit back with an even better one seven minutes later. Kanturk led by 1-11 to 1-9 at half-time but then Midleton scored five points in a row early in the second-half to take the initiative. They looked like likely winners when they led by two points a minute into injury-time, but in a dramatic finale Kanturk claimed a share of the spoils through Liam O’Keeffe’s 68th minute equaliser. Both teams remain in control of their own destiny with one group game to go.
Derry
Glen are still on course for a fourth consecutive Derry senior football championship but they were pushed all the way by Swatragh on Sunday before eventually winning by 3-9 to 1-12. The All-Ireland champions got off to a great start by scoring three goals in the opening 11 minutes but Swatragh fought all the way to the final whistle. Shane McGuigan impressed for Slaughtneil, scoring six points, as they won their third game of the championship with 0-16 to 1-10 victory. Dara Joe Martin scored a vital goal for The Loup as they overcame Steelstown by 1-11 to 0-11. Dungiven edged out Bellaghy by 0-10 to 0-9 and Newbridge defated Magherafelt by 1-12 to 0-11.
Donegal
14-man Burt pulled off an upset in the Donegal SHC Final by beating three-in-row chasing Setanta on a scoreline of 3-16 to 1-18. Liam McKinney was their key player, scoring 1-11 in a man of the match performance. His goal came just before half-time and helped Burt into a 2-9 to 1-8 lead at half-time. Setanta had the wind at their backs in the second half and then a numerical advantage when Burt defender Caolan McDermott was dismissed on 40 minutes, but Burt showed great resolve to still find a way to win. A goal from Dara Grant was a timely tonic and they were able to withstand some late Setanta pressure to hold on for their first Donegal SHC title since 2018.
Down
Burren spelled out their Down SFC credentials with an impressive 0-15 to 0-9 win over Mayobridge. Odhran Murdock, Danny Magill, and Gerard McGovern impressed for the winners as they led by 0-8 to 0-4 at half-time and closed out the match in a very business-like manner in the second-half. Warrenpoint were also impressive in their 2-15 to 0-8 win over Longstone with Ross McGarry and Joe Magee scoring the goals.
Dublin
St Vincent’s secured a place in the semi-finals of the Go Ahead Ireland Dublin Senior 1 Hurling Championship by coming from behind to draw with neighbours Whitehall Colmcilles. It looked like Whitehall were going to pull off an upset when the excellent Paddy Spellacy hit three points in quick succession to put them three ahead with time almost up. But deep into injury-time Cian McBride did brilliantly to score a goal that secured top spot in the Group 2 for Vinnies. Whitehall go through to the quarter-finals along with Ballyboden St. Enda’s who had a 2-24 to 1-15 win over St. Jude’s.
In Group 1, Kilmacud Crokes and Lucan Sarsfields battled to a 0-19 to 1-16 draw that secured progression to the quarter-finals for both teams. Sarsfields claimed a share of the spoils thanks to a dramatic late comeback that saw them score 1-1 in injury-time. Na Fianna, who weren’t in action over the weekend, finish top of the group and go straight through to the semi-finals.
Fermanagh
Reigning champions Derrygonnelly were held to a 1-12 to 2-9 draw by Devenish in the first round of the Mannok Fermanagh SFC. The Harps looked to be on their way to victory when a Shane McGullion point put them four up as the game moved into injury-time. But then Stephen O’Brien bagged a goal for Devenish before Fionan O’Brien struck a last-gasp equaliser. In the other Group B match Erne Gaels defeated Ederney by 0-13 to 2-3. Their goals kept Ederney in the game for most of it, but three late points for Erne Gaels settled it.
In Group A, Enniskillen Gaels defeated Teemore by 2-6 to 0-9 and Kinawley and Belnaleck drew 0-6 apiece. Goals were crucial for the Gaels, with Conor Love striking one just before half-time and Callum Jones getting the second early in the second-half. A late Kane Connor point rescued that draw for Belnaleck against Kinawley.
Galway
Two second-half goals from Corofin’s Patrick Egan proved to be the difference as the reigning champions made it two wins from two in Group 3 of the Galway SFC thanks to a 2-9 to 0-9 win over Claregalway.
A first half goal from Tomo Culhane helped Salthill to their second championship win on the bounce in Group 1 as they defeated Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir by 1-14 to 0-9.
Maigh Cuilinn made it two wins from two in Group 2 as they defeated Monivea/Abbey on a scoreline of 4-11 to 1-5 with the goals coming from Dessie Conneely (2), Owen Gallagher, and Niall Walsh.
Damien Comer’s goal was crucial for Annaghdown as they made it back to back wins in Group 4 by beating Milltown on a scoreline of 1-15 to 0-15.
Kerry
Dr. Crokes were crowned Kerry Club SFC champions after an impressive 1-15 to 1-11 win over Dingle, their first time to win the title since 2018. Tony Brosnan was the main man for the winners, kicking four points from play in the first-half alone that helped his team into a 1-7 to 0-5 half-time lead with the goal coming from Cian McMahon. Dylan Geaney did his best to keep Dingle in touch with some super score-taking, but the closest they got was four points behind on 49 minutes. Dr Crokes finished the stronger team, winning a series of frees that Brosnan converted to make the win safe.
Kildare
Reigning champions Naas made it two wins from two in Group A of the Joe Mallon Motors Kildare SFC as they defeated Eadestown by 2-15 to 1-12. There was only a point between the teams eight minutes to go but Naas finished strongly with a flurry of points and a Darragh Kirwan goal.
Celbridge also made it two wins from two in Group B as they defeated Athy by 1-15 to 3-8 in a cracker of a match. Niall Kelly gave Athy hope late on by converting a penalty but then missed a free from 44 metres out that would have earned his team a draw.
Raheens made it two wins from two in Group C as they blitzed St. Laurence’s by 7-13 to 1-8 with the goals coming from Paddy Woodgate (2), Gavin Thompson (2), Jack Taaffe, Killian Thompson, and Dara Crowley.
Moorefield have two wins from two in Group D after their 2-18 to 0-11 win over Kilcock with the goals coming from Evan O’Brien and Mark Murray.
Kilkenny
Bennettsbridge made it three wins from four in Group A of the St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League with a 2-17 to 0-19 win over Dicksboro that now gives them a great chance of securing a top-two spot and a place in the quarter-final of the championship that would go with it. They jump to the top of the table above Thomastown who suffered their first defeat of the campaign against Glenmore on a scoreline of 0-22 to 0-21. Tullaroan, like Bennettsbridge and Thomastown, are also on six points after four games thanks to their impressive 3-20 to 1-20 win over James Stephens.
Reigning champions O’Loughlin Gaels are top of Group B with four wins from four after their convincing 2-29 to 1-12 win over Graigue Ballycallan. Mullinavat move up to second in the table after their very impressive 3-20 to 1-16 win over a Ballyhale Shamrocks team that has won just one of their four matches to date.
Laois
The draws have been made for the quarter-finals of the Laois Shopping Centre Senior Football Championship. Reigning champions St. Joseph’s will play Portlaoise, Portarlington will play Ballyroan-Abbey, Arles-Killeen will play O’Dempseys, and Graiguecullen will play Killeshin.
Leitrim
The final round of group games in the Connacht Gold Leitrim SFC provided plenty of drama. Defending champions Mohill needed an injury-time goal to defeat last year’s Intermediate champions Annaduff by 3-13 to 4-8. That result means Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins and Mohill top the table and go straight through to the semi-finals. The two quarter-final ties will see St. Mary’s Kiltoghert play Leitrim Gaels and Aughawillan play Fenagh St. Caillins.
Limerick
Adam English was the hero for Doon as he struck two late points to help his team to a dramatic 1-15 to 0-17 victory over reigning county SHC champions Na Piarsaigh. Doon are the only team to have won all three of their championship matches. Patrickswell got their first win of the campaign at the third attempt as they defeated Mungret St. Paul’s by 2-28 to 1-12 with Aaron Gillane, Cian Lynch and John Kirby scoring 2-16 of that total. Kilmallock moved up to second in the table thanks to a 4-17 to 1-18 win over Ahane.
Longford
After a dramatic final round of the group phase of the Peter Hanley Motors Longford SFC, the eight quarter-finalists are now known. Killoe, Colmcille, Rathcline, and Granard have qualified from Group A while Abbeylara, Clonguish, Mullinlaghta, and Carrickedmond qualified from Group B which was ferociously contested. Dromard can count themselves unfortunate to have exited the championship because they finished on five points along with Clonguish, Mullinalaghta, and Carrickedmond, but lost out on scoring difference.
Louth
Newtown Blues produced the performance of the weekend in the Anchor Tours Louth SFC when beating three-in-a-row chasing reigning champions St. Mary’s by 2-13 to 0-13. Ciaran Downey was their main man, scoring a goal in each half, and Conor Branigan excelled too with a personal tally of five points.
Dreadnots secured their place in the quarter-finals thanks to a 1-5 apiece draw with St. Patrick’s who will regret a host of missed scoring opportunities.
St. Joseph’s are also assured of qualification for the last eight after a comfortable 2-13 to 0-10 win over St. Fechin’s.
Mayo
Ballyhaunis blew Group 4 of the Mayo SFC wide open with an impressive 0-16 to 2-6 win over Charlestown. Trailing by three points at half-time having conceded two goals, Ballyhaunis dominated the second-half thanks in no small part of excellent performances from Keith Higgins, Kevin Byrne, and Cormac Phillips. Group 4 will now come down to the final round of fixtures two weeks from now when Ballyhaunis play Castlebar Mitchels and Charlestown face Garrymore.
The form teams in the other three groups all consolidated their positions. Breaffy are top of Group 1 after back to back wins, Ballina and Westport are also two wins from two in Group 2 so their clash in a fortnight will decide things there, and Ballaghaderreen have two wins from two in Group 3.
Meath
Trim and Ratoath are directly through to the semi-finals of the Ted Murtagh Clothing & Foowear Meath SHC after topping their respective groups. Ratoath’s comfortable 4-25 to 0-12 win over Killyon ensured their finished above Kiltale on scoring difference while Trim’s 3-24 to 1-15 win over St. Peter’s Dunboyne ensured they had a superior scoring difference than Kilmessan and Kildalkey.
The two quarter-finals will see Kilmessan play Killyon and Kiltale play Kildalkey.
Offaly
Ballinamere secured their place in the semi-finals of the Molloy Environmental Systems Offaly SHC after a comfortable 2-23 to 0-9 win over Kinnity ensured they topped Group 1. Brian Duignan was their main man in attack with a personal tally of 1-11, and they had other stand-out players in Ross Ravenhill, Ciaran Burke, Sam Bourke, and Kevin McDermott. Shinrone’s 2-21 to 1-16 win over Birr has thrown the race for the second and third place finishes that secure quarter-final qualification wide open. Birr, Shinrone, and Kinnity are all now on three points each so the final round of fixtures (Birr v Kinnity, Shinrone v Belmont) will be decisive.
Coolderry’s 0-21 to 1-14 win over Tullamore in Group 2 ensures they will qualify for the quarter-finals at the very least. Their final group match against current table-toppers Kilcormac-Killoughey will decide which team goes straight through to the semi-finals. Seir Kieran enjoyed a shock 1-20 to 1-17 win over St. Rynagh’s who have now played all their group matches. Despite that defeat St Rynagh’s will still qualify for the quarter-finals unless Coolderry beat Kilcormac-Killoughey and Seir Kieran beat Tullamore in the final round of the group phase.
Roscommon
The quarter-final seedings and draws for the preliminary quarter-finals and relegation play-offs in the Roscommon SFC have been confirmed. The quarterfinal draw will see Oran as the fourth seeded team alongside defending champions St. Brigid’s, Clann nan Gael, and Roscommon Gaels. Michael Glaveys and Pádraig Pearses are already through to the quarter-finals and will be joined there by the winners of the preliminary quarter-finals - Castlerea St. Kevin’s v Boyle, and St. Faithleach’s v North Roscommon.
Sligo
Western Gaels made it two wins from two in the Davis’s & Yeats Tavern Sligo SHC with a convincing 0-17 to 1-9 victory over Tourlestrane. Defending champions Easkey are still hot favourites to make it five titles in a row this year, but the Gaels will surely fancy a cut off them now when they play them in their final group game. In Group 2, Coolera-Strandhill had a narrow 2-13 to 2-12 win over Calry St. Joseph’s.
Tipperary
Moyle Rovers pulled off a big upset in the final round of the group phase of the FBD Insurance Tipperary SFC when beating reigning champions Clonmel Commercials by 2-12 to 1-11. Moyle Rovers, Loughmore-Castleiney, Ballina, and Kilsheelan-Kilcash have progressed to the quarter-finals as top seeds and will be drawn against JK Brackens, Cahir, Clonmel Commercials, and Arravale Rovers.
Ballygunner players Philip Mahony, left, and Mikey Mahony celebrate after their side's victory in the Waterford Senior Club Hurling Championship Final match between Abbeyside Ballinacourty and Ballygunner at Fraher Field in Dungarvan, Waterford. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Waterford
Ballygunner won an 11th county title in a row on Sunday when beating Abbeyside. You can read a full report of the match here - https://www.gaa.ie/article/ballygunner-in-eleventh-heaven
Westmeath
The Slevins Coaches Westmeath SHC A Championship is hotting up nicely. With just one round of the group phase to play, Castletown Geoghegan, Lough Lene Gaels, and Clonkill are all on six points each with three wins from four matches.
The match of the weekend was definitely Lough Lene Gaels’ dramatic 4-17 to 3-19 win over reigning champions Raharney. Castletown Geoghegan looked formidable when beating Castlepollard by 3-27 to 0-16, and there was a win also for Clonkill over St Oliver Plunkett’s on a scoreline of 0-20 to 0-17.
Wexford
The group phase of the Pettitts Supervalue SHC concluded over the weekend. The top two teams in each group – St. Anne’s and Naomh Éanna from Group A and Shelmaliers and St. Martin’s from Group B – proceed directly to the quarter—finals.
Every other team now proceeds to the preliminary quarter-finals where Ferns will play Oylegate Glenbrien, Glynn Barntown will play Faythe Harriers, Oulart The Ballagh will play Rapparees, and Crossabeg will play Clougbawn.
The losers of the Oulart The Ballagh v Rapparees and Crossabeg v Cloughbawn matches will contest a relegation final.
Wicklow
The quarter-final pairings in the Boom and Platform Hire Wicklow SFC are now confirmed after the final round of group matches. Group 1 table-toppers, An Tóchar, will play Dunlavin who finished fourth in Group 2. Group 2 table-toppers Rathnew will play Tinahely, Naomh Teagain will play Éire Óg Greystones, and Arklow Geraldines-Ballymoney will play Baltinglass. Defending champions, Blessington, are facing into relegation showdown with Barndarrig after being beaten by St. Patrick’s in the final round of group matches.