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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Matthew Tierney double not enough as Derry and Galway play out epic draw in All-Ireland SFC thriller
Derry's wait for a first win of the season and first championship victory over Galway continues after a white-knuckle ride ended honours even in the rain at Celtic Park. In truth, the Tribesmen got out of jail and were staring a second straight defeat until Matthew Tierney's second goal of the afternoon in the 69th minute threatened to snatch the spoils and crown a stirring second half fightback. Advertisement 2 Matthew Tierney of Galway shoots to score his side's third goal during clash against Derry 2 The sides played out a thrilling draw in the Senior Football Championship clash Cue Conor Doherty's intervention with a last-gasp point to ensure some semblance of justice for the Oak Leafers and leave both counties very much alive in the Group of Death. Along with Dublin, they are in the hunt for the two available preliminary quarter-final places after Armagh wrapped up top spot. Mixed emotions for both camps afterwards, certainly. But a win that was left behind by the hosts in Paddy Tally's view. "The thoughts are we should have won that game,' said the Derry boss. Advertisement read more on gaa "I'd be happy with the way the attitude is good and a lot of really good football. You play yourself into a position, you're an eight points better team. 'Galway got two goals in the first half but apart from that, we were a better team. So, when we pushed out in the second half, we really were on top here. "But to concede those scores - okay, they had a few boys come off the bench that made a difference - it's just disappointing they didn't close it out.' Padraic Joyce's perspective? Advertisement Most read in GAA Football 'Relieved to get out of there with a point with the way we played," said the Galway manager. "We showed good character to stick at it. A bit of Hail Mary stuff but delighted to still be involved in it and take a point. It gives us something to play for in the last game with Armagh. Tipperary GAA star 'had to do live apology on RTE' the day after cursing during All-Ireland interview - "When we went eight points down, it was looking very bleak for us, there's no doubt about that. "We clawed it back and went a point up. Just like the Dublin game, we didn't learn and left them in for a soft score to level the game.' Advertisement Derry edged a full-blooded first half by 1-11 to 2-6 after playing with wind advantage. A string of two-pointers from Brendan Rogers, Paul Cassidy and Shane McGuigan were central to it along with a palmed goal by Conor Glass. Rob Finnerty and Shane Walsh netted in reply for Galway, while impressive newcomer Matthew Thompson pointed twice to leave the visitors well in touch with the advantage of the elements to come. It was Derry who retained the initiative however, outscoring their opponents by 1-6 to three points after the restart to lead 2-17 to 2-9 on 55 minutes. Advertisement Sub Lachlan Murray fed Niall Loughlin to turn home their second goal and with superb points coming from Murray, Loughlin, Cassidy and the outstanding Glass, they looked primed to end their long wait for a victory. It was 2-18 to 2-12 by the 62nd minute when Tierney and Galway struck for the first of two late goals. And the gap was cut to just two when the influential Céin D'Arcy pointed two minutes later. Crucially, Galway lost their composure in front of the posts and Rogers sent over a settling Derry score for a 2-19 to 3-13 advantage. Advertisement The returning Damien Comer converted a mark in reply and when Tierney plundered his second green flag, Galway looked set to escape to victory. Derry and Doherty would have the final say though, earning a deserved share of the spoils. Joyce said: "We're very disappointed with a lot of it," 'It's something we'd work on, our efficiency, it was a big thing for us. We'd 33 shots at goal and scored 4-14. Advertisement "Big score at the same time. A lot of crazy shots as well like left foot, left side of the pitch; right foot, right side. Just crazy, crazy stuff from us. "We seemed to lose our composure which is not like us, to be honest. We need to go and look at that and get the guys on the pitch who are able to keep cool heads at the time. "Fair play to Derry, they were up for the game and brought a lot of fight all day long. That's what a proper championship game looks like." "They were really, really good. They haven't won a game in a long time and with a home game here, they were going to target it and come at us really hard. Advertisement "I'd say for a neutral, it was probably a great game to watch, but for us on the line, heart-stopping stuff. "It's a tough, tough group. No doubt about that. Any team in the group is capable of beating any team, so we've to go out now and get ourselves ready. "The ball is on our own court at this stage which is good, so we're not relying on other results. We need to go and make sure we get a result against Armagh." Derry's closing assignment in Group 4 is a clash with Dublin on neutral territory, one that Tally believes his side can go into with confidence. Advertisement 'That's how Derry can play when they're on their game. You look forward to playing like that again. 'We showed in the last ten minutes against Armagh what we can do. Today, we went from the start of that. And that's the template now for the way we want to play the rest of the season.' DERRY 2-20 GALWAY 4-14 Derry: B McKinless, D Baker, E McEvoy, P McGurk; C Doherty 0-1, B Rogers 0-3 1tp, P McGrogan; D Higgins, C Glass 1-3 145; E Doherty, P Cassidy 0-3 1tp, C McFaul 0-1; S McGuigan 0-4 1tpf 1f, N Loughlin 1-2, N Toner 0-1 f. Subs: L Murray 0-2 for E Doherty inj 44, R Forbes for McGurk 56, A Tohill for Loughlin 59, E Doherty for Toner, 63. Galway: C Gleeson, J McGrath, S Mulkerrin, J Glynn; D McHugh, S Kelly 0-1, L Silke; P Conroy 0-1, J Maher 0-1; M Thompson 0-2, C McDaid, S O'Neill 0-1; M Tierney 2-0, R Finnerty 1-3 (1f), S Walsh 1-1 (1f). Subs: C D'Arcy 0-1 for O'Neill 18, D Comer 0-1 m for McDaid 50, P Cooke 0-2 tp for Conroy 50, J Daly for Walsh 60, K Molloy for McHugh 64, J Heaney for Mulkerrin (temp) 66. Advertisement Referee: N Cullen
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Remarkable achievements by Sligo GAA club lauded at City Hall
In his address, Councillor Bree emphasised that the evening was a celebration not just of victories and trophies, but of "history... teamwork... and memories that will last a lifetime." He lauded the Coolera/Strandhill Junior Ladies Football Team for their incredible journey. Their season was marked by an unforgettable Sligo County Final win over Curry, followed by a commanding 13-point victory against St. Fursey's of Galway in the AIB Connacht Junior Championship Final. The team further made history by travelling to Maastricht, representing Ireland, and triumphing over the Paris-Bordeaux Gaels in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Despite their All-Ireland semi-final clash with Mungret St. Paul's ending in heartbreak after an epic 80-minute encounter that saw them tie the game at the death, their relentless effort "captured our hearts and showcased the potential of women's football in our county." The Cathaoirleach commended Pat Kerrigan for his evident leadership and dedication, and joint captains Edwenia O'Malley and Béibhinn Harte for inspiring "not just your teammates, but a generation of young girls across Sligo who now believe that their dreams on the pitch are within reach." Turning to the Coolera/Strandhill Senior Men's Football Team, Councillor Bree hailed their unprecedented back-to-back Sligo Senior Football Championships – a first in the county's proud history. Their triumphs extended to the Connacht Club Senior Football Championship, brought home for the first time in over 40 years, following a tense final replay victory over St. Molaise Gaels and an unforgettable extra-time win against Pádraig Pearse's. While their All-Ireland semi-final against Cuala ended in heartbreak, their rally and fight, bringing the game back to just two points, "proving once again that you belong at the very top of the national stage." John McPartland was praised for his vision and guidance, steering the team through an extraordinary chapter, and Captain Peter Laffey was recognised for his leadership as a cornerstone of this historic campaign. Councillor Bree underscored that these achievements were not isolated, but "built on the spirit of a community, the roar of supporters, the sacrifice of families, and the dedication of countless volunteers." He stated, "Coolera/Strandhill has become a beacon of what is possible when talent meets hard work, and when a community stands together." Also speaking at the reception was Aisling Browne, PRO of Coolera/Strandhill, who thanked Cathaoirleach Bree for hosting the civic reception and congratulated both teams on their achievements for the club, community, and county. She also extended thanks to the community for their invaluable funding, particularly for supporting the Junior Ladies Football Team's travel to Europe. ADVERTISEMENT Pat Kerrigan, Manager of the Coolera/Strandhill Junior Ladies Football Team, thanked his players for their hard work and their ability to "dig deep" when needed. He highlighted the great memories made during their European trip and praised the inter-team support. Peter Laffey, Captain of the Coolera/Strandhill Senior Men's Football Team, thanked his teammates and management for a terrific year. He expressed that it was an honour to have a civic reception held in his team's honour, stating that it "made winning all the more real." Cathaoirleach Councillor Bree concluded by offering heartfelt congratulations on behalf of Sligo County Council and the people of Sligo, acknowledging that the teams had "made history. You have made us proud. And you have paved the way for future generations."
Irish Independent
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Louth boss Reel acknowledges his side was poor but dug deep to beat Mayo and book All-Ireland Final place
The Louth juggernaut rolled into Longford on Friday night on the back of a Leinster U20s and Senior Football Championship titles and rolled out again with an All-Ireland final place secured after a narrow 2-12 to 0-17 victory over Mayo for Fergal Reel's U20 charges at Glennon Bros Pearse Park.
Irish Examiner
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Munster SFC could be restructured for next season
A restructuring of the Munster senior football championship could be on the agenda for next season. The current format, which seeds the previous year's finalists and has been in place since 2015, might be up for debate in the coming months. As things stand, Clare and Kerry will receive semi-final draws for the third time in a row. Since the 2023 draw, they have yet to paired against each other at the last-four stage but there remains that possibility. In 2014, Cork and Kerry were kept apart and there is a belief in some provincial quarters that measure should return seeing as Cork are a long-standing Division 2 team and their neighbours' closest rivals. By the time 2026 comes around, it will be five years since Cork and Kerry contested a Munster final. In the three of the four seasons since 2021, they have come out on the same side of the draw as Kerry and lost to them at the semi-final stage, the latest last month's epic clash in SuperValu in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Eleven years ago, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford threatened a boycott of the championship if Cork and Kerry continued to be seeded. Their stance forced the council to change tact and since 2015 Cork and Kerry have met in five finals and four semi-finals. In his match programme notes last Sunday, Munster chairman Tim Murphy indicated something may change. 'It is incumbent on us as a provincial council to review and consider what we can do better to further enhance Gaelic football as a spectacle within Munster and create the conditions and structures necessary to improve and enhance the game for players and spectators alike. 'We will be discussing this and working on what we can do to achieve the best possible outcome over the coming weeks and months.' In his 2023 report, Munster GAA chief executive Kieran Leddy said the provincial SFC had to improve. 'The Senior Football Championship has been gasping for air in recent years as more often than not, it has lived in the shadow of its hurling counterpart in terms of attendances, viewing figures and public attention. 'Apart from Tipperary's spectacular win in 2020, the Munster competition has an all too predictable outcome and it badly needs Corcaigh in particular to begin mounting a serious challenge for the title once more.'
BBC News
03-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
How to follow the Ulster Championship on BBC Sport NI
The Ulster Championship is back and you can follow it right across BBC Sport 2025 edition begins with a tasty rivalry as reigning champions Donegal host Derry in front of the BBC will be one of six matches shown live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two NI, including the showpiece final on Sunday, 11 all you need to know about this year's Ulster Championship. What games are live on the BBC? You'll be able to watch six of this year's Ulster Championship matches on BBC Two NI, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website with analysis and in-play clips available on the website well as the preliminary round and three of the quarter finals, BBC Sport will also show one semi-final and the 6 April Preliminary round: Donegal v Derry (14:00 BST) - Live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two NISaturday 12 AprilQuarter-final: Antrim v Armagh (12:30 BST) - Live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two NISunday 13 AprilQuarter-final: Cavan v Tyrone (16:15 BST) - Live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two NISaturday 19 AprilQuarter-final: Down v Fermanagh - Live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two NI Sunday 20 April Quarter-final: Monaghan v Donegal/DerrySaturday 26 April Semi-final: Antrim/Armagh v Cavan/Tyrone Sunday 27 AprilSemi-final: Down/Fermanagh v Donegal/Derry/Monaghan - Live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two NISunday 11 MayUlster Senior Football Championship final - Live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two NI Who is part of the BBC pundit team? We have some new faces to join some familiar ones in the BBC studio and pitchside for this year's recently retired Conor McManus is joining the panel alongside former Derry captain Chrissy McKaigue and both will be part of our opening fixture coverage of Donegal against Derry alongside Philly McMahon and former Donegal man Mark be joined later in the campaign by Oisin McConville and Mickey Harte with some special guests joining the team as the tournament Mulkerrins and Mark Sidebottom will present the action with Thomas Niblock in the commentary box. What happened last year? It was a fairytale return for Jim McGuinness as he guided Donegal to Ulster Championship glory in his first season back as a 0-20 to 0-20 draw after extra time in Clones, Donegal defeated Armagh in a tense penalty shootout in the final, although Kieran McGeeney's side rebounded brilliantly to lift the All-Ireland title later in the summer. Down had a strong run to the semi-finals being falling to Armagh by a single point, while Tyrone were pipped to a spot in the decider by old rivals Donegal. Monaghan were the first team to exit the Championship after a preliminary round defeat by neighbours Cavan, who then lost to the Red Hands in the last eight, while Fermanagh, Antrim and Derry were also knocked out in the quarter-finals. Derry lost to old foes Donegal in their quarter-final tie, and the sides will meet again in the hotly-anticipated preliminary round of this year's Championship.
