Galway Football Senior, Intermediate & Junior Championship 2024 Draw Preview

The Galway football season is set to be thrilling with the Bon Secours Senior, Peter Curran Electric Ltd Intermediate, and OCC Construction Primary Junior Football Championships 2024. From established clubs like Corofin and Mountbellew/Moylough to rising teams such as Annaghdown and Barna, each group promises intense competition and exciting matches.

Bon Secours Senior Football Championship 2024

Group 1:

• Mountbellew/Moylough
• Salthill/Knocknacarra
• Caherlistrane
• Naomh Anna Leitir Moir

Group 2:

• Maigh Cuilinn
• Dunmore MacHales
• St. James
• Monivea/Abbey

Group 3:

• Corofin
• Oughterard
• Tuam Stars
• Claregalway

Group 4:

• Milltown
• Killannin
• Annaghdown
• Barna

Peter Curran Electric Ltd Intermediate Football Championship 2024

Group 1:

• Kilconly
• Oileáin Árann
• St. Brendan’s
• Clifden

Group 2:

• An Spidéal
• St. Gabriel’s
• Corofin
• Williamstown

Group 3:

• St. Michael’s
• Oranmore/Maree
• Menlough
• Glenamaddy

Group 4:

• Cortoon Shamrocks
• Kilkerrin/Clonberne
• Caltra
• Mícheál Breathnach

OCC Construction Primary Junior Football Championship 2024

Junior 1 – North:

• Headford
• Ballinasloe
• Athenry
• Killererin

Junior 1 – West:

• Renvyle
• Fr. Griffin’s/Éire Og
• An Cheathru Rua
• Clonbur
• Carna-Caiseal

Junior 2 – North:

• Annaghdown
• Corofin
• Mountbellew/Moylough
• Tuam Stars

Junior 2 – West:

• St. Michael’s
• Salthill/Knocknacarra
• Claregalway
• Barna
• Maigh Cuilinn

The post Galway Football Senior, Intermediate & Junior Championship 2024 Groups Draw appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Match Preview

The Group 1 encounter in the GAA Gaelic football championship features Derry facing Armagh. Both teams have experienced contrasting starts to their campaigns, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup. This would be a disastrous loss for Derry after such a great start to the season.

Live scores for Armagh v Derry 

Previous Encounters

Derry and Armagh last met in the championship in the 2023 Ulster final, which Derry won on penalties after extra-time. This game adds another chapter to their storied rivalry.

Championship Journey So Far

Derry

• Donegal 4-11 Derry 0-17 (Ulster quarter-final)
• Galway 2-14 Derry 0-15 (All-Ireland round robin)

Derry have struggled in their championship journey so far, suffering defeats to Donegal and Galway.

Top Scorers for Derry

• S McGuigan: 0-8 (0-4 frees)
• E Doherty: 0-5
• L Murray: 0-4
• B Rogers: 0-3
• P Cassidy: 0-3 (0-1 mark)

Armagh

• Armagh 3-11 Fermanagh 0-9 (Ulster quarter-final)
• Armagh 0-13 Down 2-6 (Ulster semi-final)
• Donegal 0-20 Armagh 0-20 aet: Donegal won on penalties (Ulster final)
• Armagh 0-16 Westmeath 0-11 (All-Ireland round robin)

Armagh have had a more balanced journey, with a notable victory over Westmeath in their first All-Ireland round robin game.

Top Scorers for Armagh

• R Grugan: 0-12 (0-8 frees)
• C Turbitt: 1-8 (0-2 frees)
• S Campbell: 1-4
• A Nugent: 0-6
• R O’Neill: 0-5 (0-1 free, 0-1 mark)

Recent Championship Meetings

• 2023: Derry 1-15 Armagh 0-18 aet – Derry won on penalties (Ulster final)
• 2020: Armagh 0-17 Derry 0-15 (Ulster quarter-final)
• 2011: Derry 3-14 Armagh 1-11 (Ulster semi-final)
• 2010: Armagh 1-10 Derry 1-7 (Ulster preliminary round)
• 2007: Derry 0-10 Armagh 0-9 (All-Ireland qualifiers – R1)

Key Insights

• This will be Armagh’s fifth game in the championship. They conceded two goals against Down but none against Fermanagh, Donegal, or Westmeath.
• Derry are having their third outing, having lost to Donegal and Galway by six and five points respectively.

Group 1 Table

Team News for Armagh v Derry

Derry: Odhran Lynch; Conor McCluskey, Chrissy McKaigue, Diarmuid Baker; Conor Doherty, Eoin McEvoy, Emmett Bradley; Conor Glass, Brendan Rogers; Ethan Doherty, Ciarán McFaul, Paul Cassidy; Niall Toner, Shane McGuigan, Lachlan Murray.

Subs: Ryan Scullion, Martin Bradley, Declan Cassidy, Mark Doherty, Shea Downey, Ruairi Forbes, Donncha Gilmore, Danny McDermott, Cahir McMonagle, Cormac Murphy, Eunan Mulholland.

Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Barry McCambridge, Aaron McKay, Peter McGrane; Joe McElroy, Ciarán Mackin, Aidan Forker; Rian O’Neill, Ben Crealey; Stefan Campbell, Rory Grugan, Tiernan Kelly; Oisín Conaty, Andrew Murnin, Conor Turbitt.

Subs: Ethan Rafferty, Connaire Mackin, Greg McCabe, Niall Grimley, Paddy Burns, Jason Duffy, Oisín O’Neill, Shane McPartlan, Aidan Nugent, Ross McQuillan, Jarly Óg Burns.

Betting

Armagh 13/8 Derry 4/7 Draw 8/1

Conclusion

The upcoming match between Derry and Armagh is poised to be a crucial encounter in Group 1. Armagh will be looking to continue their strong form, while Derry will be eager to bounce back from their recent setbacks. Fans can expect a highly competitive game as both teams vie for important points in the championship. Expect Derry another close encounter maybe the draw at 8/1

The post Armagh v Derry : Preview, Stats, Team News & Betting appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Reigning All-Ireland champions, Dublin senior footballers, make their much-anticipated return to action in the Dioralyte O’Byrne Cup clash against Offaly at Gracefield this Saturday at 1.30pm.

This marks Dublin’s first appearance since their exhilarating triumph over Kerry in last year’s All-Ireland Final.

The O’Byrne Cup holds significant weight for Leinster counties, serving as a crucial preparatory platform ahead of the impending league season. It provides an invaluable opportunity for teams to not only fine-tune their strategies but also evaluate their squad depth in the competitive arena.

Guided by manager Dessie Farrell, Dublin is poised to extend their dominance in the tournament, having claimed the O’Byrne Cup title an impressive ten times, including their latest conquest in 2022. However, Offaly, fresh from their recent victory over Laois propelled by the instrumental Dylan Hyland, poses a substantial challenge. Hyland’s exceptional performance in Offaly’s win against Dublin in the prior year’s O’Byrne Cup highlighted his remarkable prowess, contributing a notable 0-05 score.

The competition’s revamped format intensifies the stakes, eschewing the group stage phase for a straight knockout structure. With Offaly, six-time champions boasting their last title in 1998, aiming to disrupt the reigning champions’ stride, anticipation for this clash is at an all-time high.

Witness the clash between these titans live at Gracefield by securing your match tickets. The winner of this quarter-final spectacle will advance to face the victor between Wexford and Kildare in the semi-finals.

Team news for Dublin v Offaly

Announced before throw-in.

The post Dublin v Offaly – O’Byrne Cup – Preview, Live Scores and Team News appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Mayo was crowned National League Champions last weekend and they will welcome Roscommon to Hastings Insurance MacHale Park on Sunday for the opening round of the Connacht Championship.

It should be a fascinating battle between the sides with the winners advancing to face Galway in the semi-finals.

After their win over Galway in the Allianz League Division 1 final on Sunday, Mayo head straight into Con- nacht championship action against Roscommon.

They last met in the Connacht championship in 2020 when Mayo won a semi-final by six points. Roscom- mon won their previous championship meetings by a point in 2019.

LAST FIVE CHAMPIONSHIP MEETINGS:

• 2020: Mayo 1-16 Roscommon 0-13 (Connacht semi-final)
• 2019: Roscommon 2-12 Mayo 0-17 (Connacht semi-final)
• 2017: Mayo 4-19 Roscommon 0-9 (All-Ireland quarter-final) Replay
• 2017: Mayo 1-12 Roscommon 2-9 (All-Ireland quarter-final) Draw
• 2014: Mayo 0-13 Roscommon 1-9 (Connacht semi-final)

Facts about Mayo v Roscommon 

Mayo took the Division 1 title this year, having won five, drawn two and lost one (v Monaghan) of their eight games

Roscommon finished third in Division 1 this season, winning four and losing three games.

Mayo beat Roscommon by two points (1-16 to 2-11) in this year’s League.

It’s 17 wins to two for Mayo, with one draw from their last twenty championship meetings with Roscommon.

Betting

Mayo are 1/3 with Roscommmon 3/1, bookies expect Mayo to win by 3pts

GAA TV Coverage

Match is live on RTE at 4pm on Sunday, it’s also on GAAGo for those people outside Ireland.

Starting Teams

We will have teams after the announcement on Friday evening.

Mayo (Connacht SFC v Roscommon): Colm Reape; Jack Coyne, David McBrien, Donnacha McHugh; Stephen Coen, Conor Loftus, Paddy Durcan; Matthew Ruane, Diarmuid O’Connor; Fionn McDonagh, Jack Carney, Jordan Flynn; Aidan O’Shea, James Carr, Ryan O’Donoghue.

Subs: Rory Byrne, Sam Callinan, Tommy Conroy, Jason Doherty, Frank Irwin, Darren McHale, Eoghan McLaughlin, Conor McStay, Cillian O’Connor, Padraig O’Hora, Paul Towey.

The post Mayo v Roscommon : Championship Preview, TV Channel, Betting, Prediction appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Division 4

Armagh: Mostly retweets. Does keep up to date. But, sold out big time to Domino’s and the ads are unavoidable. ‘Our Ma’ outshines the official account.  https://twitter.com/ArmaghLGFA  https://twitter.com/Armagh_GAA

HALFTIME PIZZA & DRINK

Heading to the @Armagh_GAA MINOR County Final?
ORDER your DOMINOS 6” margarita pizza & a can of Coke/Diet Coke now for £5.
Pick up your pizza at halftime in the Athletic Grounds.

Must be ordered before 5.00 pm Tuesday on @My_Ticket_App pic.twitter.com/t6I3O9oPqm

— MyTicketApp (@My_Ticket_App) September 14, 2020

Galway: Allows other pages like ‘Galway Bay FM’ to do the heavy lifting. The Ladies Football twitter page makes up for this somewhat. Also, camogie is a big deal and they are proud of it. The obvious choice for promotion. https://twitter.com/GalwayLgfa  https://twitter.com/GalwayCamogie96  https://twitter.com/Galway_GAA

New post: Four To Become Two As Brooks Senior Hurling Semi-Finals Take Place This Sunday https://t.co/yw0kQKolq3

— Galway Bay FM Sport (@gbfmsports) September 17, 2020

Kildare: Good for updates. Yet, tries to do more and just doesn’t. For emphasis, 35.3k followers doesn’t reflect the population. https://twitter.com/KildareGAA

Laois: Liable to be dormant Monday to Friday. Business only kind of page.  https://twitter.com/CLGLaois

Limerick: Good for club notes, competitions, and scores. This is the problem though as it perhaps overdoes it. Meanwhile, the camogie page is purely for updates.  https://twitter.com/LimerickCLG  https://twitter.com/LimCamogie

Longford: Good for updates. On the other hand, ‘Longford Coaching and Games’ is your page for the personal touch. https://twitter.com/OfficialLDGAA

Roscommon: They’re currently running a raffle for a house in London. But I’m sure you already heard about that. https://twitter.com/RoscommonGAA

Westmeath: Another official county page that has a better alternative. For example, ‘Westmeath Coaching and Games for Life’ does the job. The camogie Twitter page saves some of the damage. https://twitter.com/WestmeathCamogi  https://twitter.com/westmeath_gaa

Division 3 

Cavan: Bland. Good updates. It does cover lottos, etc. In fairness, it does what it says in the bio: ‘Used for the purposes of releasing team news, giving match updates, fixtures & results etc.’. https://twitter.com/CavanCoBoardGaa  https://twitter.com/CavanLGFA

Cork: As a fact, Cork GAA has 97.1k people to keep entertained. As a result, it perhaps tries too hard. This is a very community-based page. So much so that a separate page just for scores and game updates wouldn’t be a bad idea. The LGFA page adds much-needed points for being far more sport-focused. https://twitter.com/CorkCamogie  https://twitter.com/CorkLGFA   https://twitter.com/OfficialCorkGAA

Mary Newman providing excellent analysis of the SE Systems Intermediate Club Championship Ballyhea semi final with Aghabullogue. Congratulations @aghabulloguegaa !https://t.co/zOnhuZyJ4U

— OfficialCorkCamogie (@CorkCamogie) September 15, 2020

Derry: Another page that has an association with Domino’s adverts. However, they are much cuter about it. Not afraid to retweet fans’ opinions. Offers well-balanced content. https://twitter.com/Doiregaa

Kilkenny: Has a very admin feel to it. Specifically, it is a centralised place for club updates. At least the camogie page has a sense of by the people, for the people.  https://twitter.com/KilkennyCLG  https://twitter.com/KilkennyCamogie

Leitrim: This page does try to get fans in on the action. You may as well follow ‘Leitrim Daily’ though. https://twitter.com/LeitrimGAA

Mayo: Mayo GAA has over 73k followers to keep happy across all its Twitter pages. Neither the centralised page nor the LGFA page misses a beat. But, the reason for its low ranking is its failure to compete with the competition from ‘Ah Ref’. https://twitter.com/Mayo_LGFA  https://twitter.com/MayoGAA

Monaghan: Smooth page. Run of the mill job. Nice and steady.  https://twitter.com/MonaghanLGFA  https://twitter.com/monaghangaa

Offaly: A county proud of their GAA and this is contagious. Could be competitive in Division 2.  https://twitter.com/OffalyCamogie  https://twitter.com/Offaly_GAA

Division 2

Carlow: Has a good followers:following ratio. Good updates, active about its clubs, inclusive page for all the county’s games. However, maybe a little reliant on IT Carlow’s popularity. https://twitter.com/Carlow_GAA

Dublin: 98.4k followers. This would be a daunting challenge for most. Nonetheless, Dublin GAA’s twitter admins are on the ball. Both the ‘Dublin GAA Official’ and ‘Dublin LGFA’ pages are impressive. They are not afraid to give their clubs the spotlight. For pages with a lot to cover, they do a great job. https://twitter.com/CamogieDublin  https://twitter.com/dublinladiesg  https://twitter.com/DubGAAOfficial

Fermanagh: Great for keeping everyone in the loop. A proud county and this reflects in its Twitter activity. A good sight to see. https://twitter.com/FermanaghGAA

Sligo: Follows 299 people. Also, keeps people up to date on the underage sport in the county. Solid performer. https://twitter.com/sligogaa

Tipperary: A page with a lot to cover. Yet, they go above and beyond. Has a sense of personality which is refreshing. Has separate pages for men’s, camogie, and Ladies’ Football which means it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. As well, earns major points for the use of emojis. https://twitter.com/TipperaryGAA  https://twitter.com/TippLadiesFB  https://twitter.com/camogietipp

Tyrone: An account that doesn’t overdo it. Sticks to updates but does so in a neat and tidy manner. The use of animations is a trendy addition and easy on the eye.  https://twitter.com/TyroneLGFA  https://twitter.com/TyroneGAALive

Waterford: The ‘Official Waterford GAA Page’ has a kind of proud aunt feeling to it. Which is nice, if it’s your aunt. The LGFA page is where the county competes. The bio says ‘all age levels’, and delivers on this promise which is more than some do. Furthermore, the camogie page has 4781 tweets. That’s more than its 3,515 followers. Good work rate.  https://twitter.com/WaterfordLGFA  https://twitter.com/deisecamogie  https://twitter.com/WaterfordGAA

Wexford: Follows 701 people which is a lot more than most. The updates have a bit of life to them. On the whole, it’s easy to see why TV cameras end up there so often. If this page was a player, it would be a flashy corner forward. https://twitter.com/wexfordcamogie  https://twitter.com/OfficialWexGAA

Division 1

Antrim: Firstly, very active. Secondly, humorous. Then, there are polls, highlights, interviews, and live scores. Finally, they follow 1,317 people back. So refreshing. Class. https://twitter.com/AontroimGAA

Favourite moment of the Bathshack SHC ? @naomheoinclg @RossaGACBelfast @loughgielgac @DunloyGAC

— Antrim GAA (@AontroimGAA) September 15, 2020

Clare: If you want to watch a game. Clare GAA will ensure you know where the live stream is available. Besides, if you miss it, they’ll offer highlights and replays. Moreover, they offer previews for minor games. An overall quality county on the Twitter scene for men’s and women’s games. Similar to a manager who’ll call you up when you miss training. https://twitter.com/GaaClare https://twitter.com/ClareCamogie

Watch deferred streaming of Scariff v Smith O'Briens on link belowhttps://t.co/YKuKtOzNlA

— Clare Gaa (@GaaClare) September 13, 2020

Donegal: As one of the counties with Gaeltacht areas, it embraces its Irish speakers. All pages are great for updates. In addition, these updates have detail and personality. Fits on well on the big stage. Imagine the accent when you’re reading the tweets to get the full experience. https://twitter.com/officialdonegal  https://twitter.com/DonegalLGFA

Comhghairdeas @CLGAnTearmainn who got the draw from hell in the League stages but showed the desire to play @MMurphySports Senior Championship next year

— Official Donegal GAA (@officialdonegal) September 12, 2020

Down: If this page sets the standard, everyone else falls short. Puts the focus on updates and nails it. It does this by including stats, graphs, and all the details that hardcore fans can pore over. Knows its purpose, and perfects it. Probably studied Sports Science in college. https://twitter.com/OfficialDownGAA

Morgan Fuels Down SFC Semi-final
Full time
Cumann Pheadaír Naofa: 2-6(12)
Kilcoo: 1-18(21)
Scores Timeline pic.twitter.com/nDx3Cqc0mB

— Official Down GAA (@OfficialDownGAA) September 13, 2020

Kerry: These GAA Twitter pages don’t miss much. To begin, ‘Kerry Official’ is happy to share the voice of the supporters. A quality championship is backed up by quality updates. Next, the LGFA page has a link to its Instagram page in its bio. Top drawer move. Wears white boots and tapes their socks. A brave move, but can pull it off.   https://twitter.com/kerryladiesfoot  https://twitter.com/Kerry_Official

Trophy World U14 Co League Div 2A Final – Full time
Castleisland 7-10
Abbeydorney 6-11@radiokerrysport @terracetalkrk #LGFAClub @desmondsladies1 @ODorneyGAA pic.twitter.com/MOplOo642v

— KerryLGFA (@kerryladiesfoot) September 6, 2020

Louth: Smooth operator. Good balance between updates, admin, etc. Not clustered to look at. A no-nonsense full-back who is probably the captain. Will play into their 40s. https://twitter.com/louthgaa

Louth GAA Football Championship 2020 Semi Finals are all available to view on LúTV .
Some great value bundles are available and can be purchased at https://t.co/x3Jg0nbfe8 or at https://t.co/uzat2cD3ID #LúTV #Championship2020 #staysafe pic.twitter.com/dr5NL2l5QN

— Louth GAA (@louthgaa) September 16, 2020

Meath: These guys are on the ball. A smooth page that hypes up its clubs. Good interviews make this page a good visit. Moreover, the use of good microphones goes a long way. It wouldn’t be a surprise to discover Meath GAA was the first-ever Twitter member.  https://twitter.com/MeathGAA

Ideal Bathrooms #MeathGAATV

Listen to @juicyoconnor of @Ballinabrackey1 talk us through his side’s victory in the @MeadePotatoCom IFC#GAA #ClubChamp20

Full video on Instagram pic.twitter.com/90pw3bd99L

— Meath GAA (@MeathGAA) September 13, 2020

Wicklow: With just 17k followers, the pressure is off for this page. In contrary to this, the work rate is not absent. The presence of cool animations put this page among the best. Shows up ten minutes before kick-off and still comes out the man of the match.  https://twitter.com/wicklowgaa

Arklow Bay JCFC QF
FULL TIME Blessington 0-10 v 1-04 Kilcoole#officialwicklowgaa #wicklowgaa #jcfc #arklowbay pic.twitter.com/IN7uydcsJS

— Official Wicklow GAA (@wicklowgaa) September 17, 2020

3 GAA Twitter Pages to Check out

Antrim: A real feel-good experience.

Donegal: Bit of Irish, some sponsors, good for updates. Something for everyone here.

Down: Just to appreciate the work being put into this one.

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/sporting-calendar-list-of-the-main-sports-events-in-november-2020/

https://twitter.com/AontroimGAA/status/1305925976820518914

https://twitter.com/My_Ticket_App/status/1305553533291376646

https://twitter.com/CorkCamogie/status/1305838259730288643

https://twitter.com/gbfmsports/status/1306489653189582848

The post List of County GAA Twitter Pages – Ranked by Division appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The post Result and match review – Roscommon beat Tyrone appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Kieran Molloy of Corofin, who is recovering from a knee injury, Finnian O Laoi of An Spideal, who has relocated to Australia, and All Star corner-back Liam Silke, who has been working as a doctor in New Zealand, will be unable to play.

“It looks like Liam Silke is going to be (staying) in New Zealand for the year, so we won’t be having him, which is a big loss to us,” Tribe boss Padraic Joyce is widely reported to say

Mayo lost a few players, but I believe Liam Silke and Kieran Molloy are a bigger loss for us.

I don’t think people realise how important Molloy was to us last year.

He can play anywhere and is a huge loss for us.

To be fair to Kieran, he is working extremely hard.

Knowing him, he’ll probably defy logic and return sooner than expected.”

In addition, two more players who participated in the loss to Kerry last year have been added.

Cillian McDaid, All Star midfielder, and reigning Young Footballer of the Year Jack Glynn are also doubts for the game.

McDaid’s fitness is rated as ’50-50,’ while Glynn has been dealing with a groyne issue that has kept him out of Sigerson Cup action with UL.

Mayo will be without Lee Keegan and AFL player Oisin Mullin as Kevin McStay takes charge for the first time in the league.

Both teams will face difficulties, but it promises to be an exciting match to begin the league season.

Live scores available at IrishScores.com

The post Galway to face League opener against Mayo with a few key players missing. appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Allianz Football League

Division One

Round One

Saturday January 28

Monaghan v Armagh (Castleblayney, 6.30pm)

Mayo v Galway (Castlebar, 7.30pm)

Sunday January 29

Roscommon v Tyrone (Dr Hyde Park, 1.30pm)

Donegal v Kerry (Ballybofey, 3.45pm)

Round Two

Sunday, February 5

Kerry v Monaghan (Killarney, 1.30pm)

Galway v Roscommon (Salthill, 2pm)

Tyrone v Donegal (Omagh, 2pm)

Armagh v Mayo (3.30pm)

Round Three

Saturday, February 18

Mayo v Kerry (Castlebar, 7.30pm)

Sunday, February 19

Galway v Tyrone (Tuam, 1.45pm)

Monaghan v Donegal (Clones, 1.45pm)

Roscommon v Armagh (Dr Hyde Park, 1.45pm)

Round Four

Saturday, February 25

Kerry v Armagh (Tralee, 5pm)

Mayo v Tyrone (Castlebar, 7pm)

Sunday, February 26

Donegal v Galway (Letterkenny, 12.30pm)

Monaghan v Roscommon (Clones, 2.30pm)

Round Five

Saturday, March 4

Armagh v Donegal (Athletic Grounds, 7.30pm)

Sunday, March 5

Galway v Monaghan (Salthill, 12.45pm)

Tyrone v Kerry (Omagh, 12.45pm)

Roscommon (Dr Hyde Park, 2.45pm)

Round Six

Saturday, March 18

Armagh v Galway (Athletic Grounds, 5pm)

Kerry v Roscommon (Tralee, 7.30pm)

Sunday, March 19

Monaghan v Tyrone (Clones, 2pm)

Donegal v Mayo (Ballybofey, 3.45pm)

Round Seven

Sunday, March 26

(All 1.45pm throw-ins)

Galway v Kerry (Salthill)

Roscommon v Donegal (Dr Hyde Park)

Tyrone v Armagh (Omagh)

Mayo v Monaghan (Castlebar)

April 1/2

Division One Final

The post Allianz Football League Division 1 returns for 2023 season opening weekend appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

No other county has ever reached double figures in the final 15 in the 50-year history of the awards.

Limerick beat the record that they equalled last year – one that the Kilkenny hurlers achieved three teams in 1983, 2000 and 2008, and the Kerry and Dublin footballers also accomplished in 1981, and 1977 and 2020.

Kilkenny goalkeeper Eoin Murphy wins his third All-Star and the Cats’ 189th ever, while Waterford full-back Connor Prunty gets a spot in front of him.

The rest of the team is filled with Treaty talent including Séan Finn, Kyle Hayes and Cian Lynch but right corner-forward sees a deviation from the trend – Clare star Tony Kelly appears for his third career award.

Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy said: “In the fullness of time, the achievement of getting club and county games played in the midst of a harrowing pandemic will rank as one of our most significant achievements. It was a collective effort, and enormous credit is due to our players for their dedication and diligence.

“This PwC All-Star hurling selection represents the cream of a memorable crop in 2021. I salute all of those who have been chosen in this final 15 and know that after the year you have had it will be extra special and celebrated by your families and clubs.”

Tom Parsons, GPA CEO said: “To all the hurling nominees, congratulations on making it to the shortlist and to each winner, your selection is fully merited given the exceptional individual performances you produced in 2021.

“You lit up what was another tough year and brought joy and memorable moments to millions. Indeed, to every player who lined out in 2021, thank you.”

In light of the on-going pandemic and its restrictions, a decision was taken not to proceed with the traditional presentation banquet.

However, the event will still be showcased live by RTE 1 television in a special programme this Friday at 7 pm.

The PwC All-Stars for Football 2021 will be announced live on the night of the awards which also see the naming of the PwC GAA/GPA Players of the Year in hurling and football as well as the Young Players of the Year in both codes.

PwC All-Stars Hurling 2021

1.      Eoin Murphy (Glenmore, Kilkenny) (2016, ’18)

2.      Seán Finn (Bruff, Limerick) (2018, ’19, ’20)

3.      Conor Prunty (Abbeyside-Ballinacourty, Waterford)

4.      Barry Nash (South Liberties, Limerick)

5.      Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell, Limerick) (2020)

6.      Declan Hannon (Adare, Limerick) (2018)

7.      Kyle Hayes (Kildimo/Pallaskenry, Limerick) (2020)

8.      Will O’Donoghue (Na Piarsaigh, Limerick)

9.      Darragh O’Donovan (Doon, Limerick)

10.  Gearoid Hegarty (St Patrick’s, Limerick) (2020)

11.  Cian Lynch (Patrickswell, Limerick) (2018, 2020)

12.  Tom Morrissey (Ahane, Limerick) (2020)

13.  Tony Kelly (Ballyea, Clare) (2013, ’20)

14.  Seamus Flanagan (Feohanagh-Castlemahon, Limerick)

15.  Peter Casey (Na Piarsaigh, Limerick)

The post Limerick make history with 12 All Stars after dominant year appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

McGrath has struggled with injury in recent years but will be remembered for playing his part in Donegal’s second All-Ireland triumph in 2012.

The corner-back was an All-Star nominee in Donegal’s All-Ireland winning year after several top performances helped play a part in his side’s journey to the summit of Gaelic football.

The Ardara man was in Croke Park in September once again in 2014 as Jim McGuinness brought the county to their second All-Ireland final in three years.

However, that day was not to be as Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s Kerry bridged a five-year gap to earn their 37th Sam Maguire.

“To have played for Donegal just once, I never would have imagined that as a wee fella growing up,” McGrath told the Donegal News.

“But to have had 12 years and some medals to go along with it, it’s been amazing.

“The friends made and just the honour of wearing my county’s colours, it’s the stuff of dreams.”

McGrath was among the many players that made the leap from under-21 to senior football with ease for Donegal after finishing second in the U21 All-Ireland Championship.

John Joe Doherty gave the defender his senior debut for the county in an Ulster Senior Football Championship loss to Down in 2010 but McGuinness, who managed the U21s at that time, came in for 2011 and took the team to new heights.

Three Ulster titles followed under McGuinness, on top of the All-Ireland triumph but Donegal regressed under Rory Gallagher, who succeeded the All-Ireland winning coach and former All-Irelan winning player.

McGrath remained a mainstay in the side throughout Gallagher’s reign and in the early period of current boss Declan Bonner’s second term with the county.

He picked up his fourth and fifth Ulster titles under Bonner in 2018 and 2019, becoming a centurion for the county in the latter season, before an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Mayo in the All-Ireland Super 8s began the end of his career.

His club Ardara praised him on social media after announcing his retirement from the inter-county scene on Monday morning: “Paddy finally bows out from County football after a fantastic career. Donegal’s loss is Ardara’s gain and we look forward to seeing him for many more years in our own green and gold jersey inspiring the next generation of Ardara footballers.

“What a career @mcgrath_2..!”

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