Antrim Just Fall Short

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TG4 All-Ireland Junior Football Championship final

Louth 0-13

Antrim 1-8

By Daire Walsh

Kate Flood kicked four points at Croke Park on Sunday as Louth held off a stubborn challenge from Antrim to claim a record fourth TG4 All-Ireland junior football championship title.

It was the Ulster side who initially hit the ground running in GAA HQ with team skipper Bronagh Devlin superbly drilling a third-minute penalty into the roof of the Louth net after Theresa Mellon was adjudged to have been fouled inside the square off a Maria O’Neill free that dropped short.

Mellon followed up with a fine point for the Saffrons and even though Louth, who lost to Fermanagh in last year’s junior decider, eventually opened their account through Aoife Russell, Omolara Dahunsi reinforced Antrim’s early authority by splitting the posts at the opposite end.

Dahunsi also found the range in response to back-to-back points from Louth corner-forwards Russell and Ceire Nolan, but in the temporary absence of Bronagh Devlin for a yellow card offence, the Wee County cut their deficit to the bare minimum with impressive contributions from Flood and Shannen McLaughlin.

Although Antrim sharpshooter O’Neill was on target not long after Devlin’s return, unanswered points by captain Aine Breen and the ever-dependable Flood (two) ensured Louth brought a 0-8 to 1-4 cushion into the interval.

Antrim were still very much in the reckoning, however, and the team jointly-managed by Chris Scullion and Michael Devlin were back on level terms with a second point from O’Neill three minutes into the second period.

This effort squeezed O’Neill ahead of Hannah Tyrrell in the race for the ZuCar Golden Boot – in advance of the Dublin star’s appearance in the TG4 All-Ireland senior football championship final later in the afternoon – but centre-forward Eimear Byrne was on hand to restore Louth’s slender lead on 38 minutes.

An outstanding score from the increasingly-influential Flood left Louth two points to the good moving into the final-quarter and they were a step closer to another junior crown when Breen and substitute Mia Duffy added points in the 47th and 49th minutes respectively.

Lucy White subsequently increased Louth’s cushion and even though a late surge from Antrim produced three points on the bounce by Ana Mulholland, Mellon and O’Neill (a goal-bound effort that was deflected over the bar), the Wee County ultimately prevailed in the end.

Scorers – Louth: K Flood 0-4, A Breen, A Russell 0-2 each, S McLaughlin, L White, E Byrne, C Nolan, M Duffy 0-1 each.

Antrim: M O’Neill 0-3 (1f), B Devlin 1-0 (pen), T Mellon, O Dahunsi 0-2 each, A Mulholland 0-1.

LOUTH: R Lambe Fagan; R Beirth, E Hand, E Murray; H Lambe Sally, S McLaughlin, L Byrne; A Breen, A Halligan; L White, E Byrne, S Matthews; A Russell, K Flood, C Nolan. Subs: M Duffy for Matthews (42), L Collins for Russell (56), G McCrave for Lambe Sally, Z Sweeney for White (both 59).

ANTRIM: A Devlin; N McIntosh, M Blaney, M Mulholland; S O’Neill, C Brown, C McKenna; A Mulholland, A Tubridy; T Mellon, M O’Neill, Aoife Kelly; B Devlin, O Dahunsi, L Agnew. Subs: A Turley for Tubridy, A Monaghan for Kelly (both 39), B Nic Cathail for Agnew (47), N Jones for B Devlin, Aine Kelly for McKenna (both 56).

Referee: Kevin Corcoran (Mayo).

Tyrone Are TG4 Intermediate Champions

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TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Football Championship final

Tyrone 2-16

Laois 1-13

By Rónán Mac Lochlainn

Goals in either half from Aoife Horisk and Katie Rose Muldoon proved pivotal as Tyrone edged out Laois by six points to capture the TG4 All-Ireland intermediate football final at Croke Park.

Having succumbed narrowly to Leitrim in last year’s decider, it was Tyrone’s turn to celebrate on the biggest day of the year as they finished the contest strongly to deservedly secure the Mary Quinn Memorial Cup for the first time since their sole success in 2018.

Tyrone enjoyed a 1-7 to 1-5 interval lead with Horisk’s 27th minute goal cancelling out an equally superb finish from Laois’ Shifra Havill four minutes previously.

There was little to separate the teams throughout a nervy second half but the decisive moment  arrived in the 54th minute as Muldoon left Laois goalkeeper Eimear Barry helpless with a shot from close range.

It was Tyrone that seized the early initiative through points from Sorcha Gormley and Cara McCrossan before Laois struck back to level parity by the fourth minute courtesy of scores from Jane Moore and Emma Lawlor.

Lawlor edged Laois in front in the seventh minute, immediately after their corner-back Faye McEvoy had produced a superb goal line clearance at the opposite end, with parity restored soon after through a Niamh O’Neill free.

Parity continued as Emily Lacey and Aoife Horisk (free) traded points by the end of the first quarter with the Ulster county re-establishing their two-point advantage thanks to Sláine McCarroll and the lively Gormley.

However, their inaccuracy up front undermined their general control as O’Neill placed her shot too close to Eimear Barry in the 22nd minute and that profligacy was punished in an instant as Lawlor worked well in releasing Havill for an emphatic finish to the roof of Amelia Coyle’s net.

Frustration continued for Tyrone in the 26th minute as Gormley was denied from the penalty spot following a foul on Horisk but the latter made no mistake a minute later as she drilled home from ten yards to edge her side two points clear by half-time.

Laois wasted little time in getting back on level terms as Mo Nerney and Fiona Dooley both scored within three minutes of the restart.

Crucially, Laois were unable to get in front as this time as O’Neill (free) and Horisk responded for Tyrone, with the latter becoming increasingly influential as the contest evolved.

The same could be said for Nerney, who added two points in quick succession to bring Laois to within a point by the 43rd minute.

However, their momentum stalled ten minutes from time as Ciara Crowley was yellow-carded and O’Neill’s subsequent free helped double Tyrone’s advantage.

The contest was effectively settled as Muldoon followed up well to net after fellow substitute Emer McCanny had been denied and they pulled away by the final whistle thanks to insurance points from O’Neill, Gormley and captain Aoibhinn McHugh.

 

Scorers – Tyrone: N O’Neill 0-7 (3f), A Horisk 1-3 (0-1f), S Gormley 0-3, K Muldoon 1-0, A McHugh, S McCarroll, C McCrossan 0-1 apiece. Laois: E Lawlor (3f), M Nerney (3f) 0-5 each, S Havill 1-0, F Dooley, J Moore, E Lacey 0-1 apiece.

 

TYRONE: A Coyle; J Lyons, G McKenna, E Quinn; C Campbell, M Mallon, C Canavan; A McHugh, S McCarroll; E McNamee, S Gormley, A Horisk; N O’Neill, C McCrossan, M Corrigan. Subs: E McCanny for McCrossan (36), K Muldoon for McNamee (45), A McGahan for Campbell (53), C McCaffrey for O’Neill (58), J Barrett for Horisk (59).

LAOIS: E Barry; S Farrelly, C Dunne, F McEvoy; A Gorman, A Moore, A Moran; F Dooley, J Moore; S Havill, E Galvin, C Crowley; E Lacey, E Lawlor, M Nerney. Subs: L Kearney for Gorman (39), M Cotter for McEvoy (45), K Donoghue for Lacey (47), A Fitzpatrick for Havill (56).

 

Referee: Shane Curley (Galway).

CAPTAINS DAY AT CROKER

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CAPTAINS from the six competing teams have gathered at Croke Park ahead of next Sunday’s (August 3rd)TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Finals.

With the countdown to three deciders continuing, the respective team captains; Bronagh Devlin (Antrim), Áine Breen (Louth), Andrea Moran (Laois), Aoibhinn McHugh (Tyrone), Carla Rowe (Dublin) and Aoibhín Cleary(Meath) visited Sunday’s venue today.

The Senior Final, the 52nd in LGFA history, pits Dublin against Meath in an all-Leinster affair, with the counties set to meet for the second time in a Brendan Martin Cup decider.

That game throws in at 4.15pm and is preceded by the Intermediate Final between Laois and Tyrone (1.45pm) and the Junior Final between Antrim and Louth (11.45am).

In the first game on the Croke Park triple-bill, Louth will be aiming to atone for last year’s final defeat against Fermanagh.

But the Wee County won’t get anything easy from opponents Antrim, who were TG4 All-Ireland Junior Champions in 2022, 2012 and 2009.

Louth themselves are previous champions, in 2019, 2015 and 1998.

Next Sunday will mark a sixth TG4 All-Ireland Junior Final appearance for Antrim, as Louth prepare for their eighth.

The winners of this final will play Intermediate Championship football next year.

Laois and Tyrone, meanwhile, are eyeing promotion to the TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship, as they prepare for an Intermediate Final.

Tyrone are back at Croke Park for a second year in a row, and looking to make up for defeat against Leitrim in 2024.

Both counties will play in the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Final for a fourth time.

Laois were winners in 2022 and 2000, and beaten finalists in 1998, while Tyrone were champions in 2018, and runners-up in 2024 and 2017.

In the Senior Final, there’s plenty at stake as Dublin and Meath renew acquaintances.

The teams famously met in the 2021 decider, when Meath’s win handed the Royals a very first Brendan Martin Cup success, denying Dublin a fifth successive crown in the process.

The teams have met on numerous occasions in recent years in the TG4 Leinster Championship and Lidl National League – and Dublin have generally had the upper hand.

Sunday’s game, however, will mark a first meeting in the TG4 All-Ireland series between Dublin and Meath since the final four years ago.

The sides last met in the 2025 TG4 Leinster Final, won by Dublin as they notched up a 12th successive provincial title.

Meath’s last competitive victory over Dublin was in the 2024 Lidl National League, and the last championship win achieved by the Royals over the Sky Blues was in the 2022 Leinster Championship.

Meath, champions in 2021 and 2022, will contest a third Senior Final next Sunday, as six-time winners Dublin (2023, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2010) gear up for their 14th.

To whet the appetite of attendees and TV viewers ahead of Sunday’s Croke Park triple-header, TG4’s Ceiliúradh Peil na mBan, presented by Máire Ní Bhraonáin, will air from 9.45pm on Saturday evening, August 2nd.

The programme will visit all six counties playing in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior deciders.

This celebratory programme will feature music from each of the counties, with former players reflecting on the 2025 Championships so far and looking ahead to Sunday’s big games.

Spórt TG4 will also have exclusive behind the scenes action from the TG4 All-Ireland Finals Day in Croke Park across its social media channels.

All of TG4’s LGFA coverage will be available to audiences globally on the TG4 Player https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/watch-live/home/ and on the TG4 Mobile and Smart TV App.

Ticket information ahead of Sunday’s games is available at https://bit.ly/3Gqd0ND and you can also watch the games live on TG4 linear TV and online.

Looking ahead, and reflecting on another outstanding season of partnership, TG4 Director General Deidre Ní Choistín said: “TG4 has proudly partnered with the LGFA since 2001. This partnership is built on a shared commitment to supporting and elevating women’s sport, while also making the Irish language a living part of our national sporting identity. The TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Finals are a true highlight of the sporting year, and we’re proud to bring the excitement of Croke Park to audiences across Ireland and around the world through our broadcast and digital platforms. Go n-éirí go geal leis na foirne uilig.”

Trina Murray, President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, added: “At the start of the 2025 TG4 All-Ireland Championship season, 33 teams set out on the road to potential glory. Now, just six remain and they’re ready to compete for the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Championship silverware on offer. It will be an incredibly proud day for me to present the West County Hotel Cup, the Mary Quinn Memorial Cup and the Brendan Martin Cup to the respective winners and we’re all looking forward to three excellent games. What a season it has been to date and our six finalists are very much here on merit.

“Our relationship with TG4 dates back to 2001 and our 2025 finals are special for TG4 Ard Stiúrthóir, Deirdre Ní Choistín. Deirdre was appointed to the role last March and succeeded Alan Esslemont, another great friend to the LGFA. I look forward to experiencing the magic of TG4 All-Ireland Finals day with Deirdre and a sincere thanks is due to her team, including TG4 Head of Spórt, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha, for their ongoing commitment to Ladies Gaelic Football.”

Tickets for Sunday’s games are priced at €30 for adults and €15 for students, OAPs and U-18s.

Group rates are available only from the LGFA Office (1 Adult @ €10 for every group of 10 U-18s at €5 per child – €60; Family: 2 adults and 2 U-18s – €70)

Email tickets@lgfa.ie or phone 01-8363156 for more details.

Tickets are also available at usual GAA outlets and online via Ticketmaster by clicking here.

Sunday August 3rd, 2025

TG4 All-Ireland Junior Championship Final – Antrim v Louth, 11.45am

TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Championship Final – Laois v Tyrone, 1.45pm

TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship Final – Dublin v Meath, 4.15pm

#ProperFan #ANTvLOU #LAOISvTYR #DUBvMEATH

ARMAGH AND DONEGAL ARE CHAMPIONS

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Massive congratulations are due to the U16’s from Armagh and Donegal who secured All Ireland U16 B and C titles this week.

 

First up were Donegal who met neighbours Leitrim on Tuesday evening. The Tir Chonnail girls dominated form start to finish winning the tie 6-22 to 4-5. First half goals from Orla Ward and Cayla McFadden saw Donegal take control and they led by 2-11 to 3-4 at the break. With Mia O Donnell (0-8), Eva Mc Namara (0-8) and Mc Fadden (2-2) in outstanding form, there was no stopping Donegal.

 

Armagh were in action on Wednesday night and like Donegal the Orchard side were outstanding from start to finish. The trio of Aoife Hagan, Cassie Henderson and Player of the Match Lily McBennett illuminated Glennon Brothers Pearse Park with a scintillating display of direct, pacey and stylish football ensuring the Orchard County retained their All-Ireland U-16 ‘B’ title at Galway’s expense with plenty to spare. Mc Bennet finished top scorer with a 2-7 contribution.

 

 

DONEGAL AND ARMAGH TO CONTEST U16 FINALS

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Both Donegal and Armagh will play in All Ireland U16 finals this week.

First up are Donegal who meet Leitrim in the C final, at Tempo Maguires on Tuesday 15th July at 7-30pm.

 

On Wednesday Armagh journey to Glennon Brothers Pearse Park were they will meet Galway in the B final. Throw in at the Longford venue is 7-30pm

ULGFA would like to wish both Donegal and Armagh all the very best in their respective finals.

JOY FOR DONEGAL, TYRONE AND ANTRIM

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TG4 CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE

Four Ulster sides were in action at the weekend with two securing All Ireland final placings, one surviving a relegation playoff and one bowing out.

First up was Donegal on Saturday when they played Leitrim in a TG4 Senior relegation playoff. The Tir Chonnail side won the tie 2-15 to 1-12 with Eve Gallagher contributing 9 points.

On Sunday Monaghan lost to Laois in the intermediate semi final however Ulster will have a representative in the final on August 3rd. Tyrone needed extra time to get the better of Westmeath by 3 points.

Last up was Antrim who played Sligo in the junior semi. The Saffrons were in fine form, winning by 6 points and booking a Croke Park date with Louth.

TG4 SEMI FINALS WEEKEND

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The semi finals of the TG4 intermediate and junior championships take place this weekend and the good news from an Ulster point of view is that we have 3 teams in with a decent chance of reaching an All Ireland final.

In the intermediate competition Monaghan meet Laois in Longford while up the road in Carrick-on-Shannon, Tyrone take on Westmeath. Both games are Sunday with 2pm starts. Alos on Sunday, Antrim head to Clones for their junior semi decider against Sligo.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Donegal face Leitrim in Kilcoyne Park in the senior relegation play-off. Bottom line here is that the winner plays senior championship football next year and the losers plays intermediate.

ULGFA would like to wish all 4 the very best of luck in their respective games.

MINOR MATTER

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Its an important week for our A, B and C minor champions as they seek places in their respective All Ireland finals.  First up are Armagh who play Waterford on Wednesday. Cavan and Monaghan are both in action on Thursday against Cork and Clare.

ALL IRELAND MINOR C SEMI FINAL – WEDNESDAY

Armagh v Waterford – Abbotstown 7-30pm

 

ALL IRELAND MINOR A SEMI FINAL – THURSDAY

Cavan v Cork – St. Ryanagh’s, Bannagher 7-30pm

 

ALL IRELAND MINOR B SEMI FINAL – THURSDAY

Monaghan v Clare – Tarmonbarry 7-30pm

ARMAGH SECURE SENIOR STATUS FOR 26

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TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship relegation play-off

Armagh 0-15

Donegal 0-5

 

By Dáire Bonnar

Armagh prevailed thanks to a strong first-half showing to defeat Donegal in the TG4 Ladies Senior Football Championship relegation play-off in Stewartstown and ensure their top flight status for 2026.

Joe Feeney’s Armagh, with the wind to their backs for the opening 30 minutes, soared clear with five points in the opening seven minutes, Niamh Reel picking off two points.

After a lull in the game and Jodie McFadden having a goal chance go wide for Donegal, Armagh continued their dominance as Lauren McConville and Caroline O’Hanlon hit a brace of points, with McFadden getting Donegal on the board just before the break.

O’Hanlon converted a free to make it 0-11 to 0-1 at the break, but Donegal started well in the second half, as McFadden kicked a point 30 seconds in and Cait Gillespie fisted over from close range.

Armagh did respond as Catherine Marley broke through to point, while Reel kicked another free for her fourth score of the game.

Katie Dowds hit a great point into the wind for James Daly’s side, but they then lost captain Róisín Rodgers to a black card as the game entered the final quarter.

Rodgers returned to play with just the one point scored in that time as O’Hanlon kicked another free to restore the ten-point lead.

And as McFadden and Reel traded late frees, it was Armagh who ensured their safety, while Donegal will face Leitrim in the relegation play-off final, with the loser being relegated to the TG4 Intermediate Championship next season.

Scorers – Armagh: N Reel 0-5 (4f), C O’Hanlon 0-4 (4f), L McConville 0-2, N Henderson, A McCoy, E Druse, C Marley 0-1 each.

Donegal: J McFadden 0-3 (2f), C Gillespie, K Dowds 0-1 each.

 ARMAGH: A Carr; M Ferguson, C Towe, R Mulligan; E Druse, M McCann, G Ferguson; C Marley, C O’Hanlon; L McConville (capt.), A McCoy, E Lavery; K Mallon, N Henderson, N Reel. Subs: Caoimhe McNulty for Lavery (36), A Mackin for Mallon (53), L Marsden for Marley (57), L Kavanagh for McCann (59).

DONEGAL: C Friel; S McFadden, A Temple Asokuh, S McFeeley; B McLaughlin, E McGinley, C Gillespie; R Rodgers (capt.), R McColgan; S White, K Dowds, F McManamon; A McDermott, J McFadden, N Boyle. Subs: E Gallagher for McFadden, M Bennett for McDermott (both 43).

Referee: Anthony Marron (Monaghan)

RELEGATION PLAY OFF

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On Saturday Armagh and Donegal will meet in Stewartstown at 2pm in a TG4 relegation play off. The outcome is straight forward. The winner will remain in the senior ranks while the loser will have a second bite at the cherry against either Leitrim or Mayo to play senior football in 2026.

The game is a repeat of the Ulster final which Armagh won easily. Since then the Orchard girls conceded a late goal to draw with Meath and were beaten by Kildare by two points. Donegal on the other hand suffered a heavy defeat to Galway and turned in a much improved performance against Tipperary but still lost.

Confidence will be low in both camps but with the stakes so high motivation will not be a problem for either management.

 

Monaghan’s Anthony Marron will be the man in the middle.