This Saturday marks a pivotal moment in the Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard, and Lory Meagher Cups with the final round of group stages set to unfold. Here’s a comprehensive preview of the crucial matchups:

Christy Ring Cup: Top-of-the-Table Clash

London vs. Kildare at Ruislip

Kildare, with four consecutive victories, are on the verge of another Christy Ring Final. A loss to London could create a three-way tie, but Kildare’s superior score-difference should secure their place. London’s winning streak was disrupted by Derry, making this clash decisive.

Key Players:
Kildare relies on Jack Sheridan, James Burke, Cathal Dowling, and the Boran brothers. London’s Jack Goulding leads the scoring charts, supported by Seán Glynn, Owen Sheil, and Ronan Crowley.

Derry vs. Sligo

Derry, eyeing a third final in four years, faces Sligo. A recent nine-point victory over London boosts their momentum. Sligo, yet to score points, aims for an upset.

Key Players:
Derry’s strength lies in Darragh McGilligan, Corey O’Reilly, Ruairí Ó Mianáin, and top scorer Cormac O’Doherty. Sligo’s hopes rest on Gerard and Tony O’Kelly-Lynch and Rory McHugh.

Tyrone vs. Wicklow

Both teams seek to end their campaign positively, each having secured a win over Sligo. A win here ensures their Christy Ring status.

Key Players:
Tyrone’s Aidan Kelly, Joe McToal, and Seán Óg Grogan are crucial, while Wicklow looks to Seánie Germaine, the Maloney brothers, and Pádraig Doran.

Nickey Rackard Cup: Battle for Final Spots

Roscommon vs. Mayo

This decisive game determines who faces Donegal in the final. Both teams have six points, with only Donegal halting their unbeaten runs. Mayo can progress with a draw due to a better score-difference.

Key Players:
Mayo’s hopes are pinned on Cormac and Adrian Phillips, Liam Lavin, and Shane Boland. Roscommon’s key players include Cian Murray, Paddy Fallon, and Brendan Mulry.

Donegal vs. Louth at Dowdallshill

Donegal, already in the final, face Louth, who seek to secure their status after a narrow win against Monaghan.

Key Players:
Donegal’s Gerard Gilmore, Liam McKinney, and Danny Cullen will be pivotal. Louth depends on Darren Geoghegan, Conor Murphy, Peter Fortune, and Conor Clancy.

Armagh vs. Monaghan

Monaghan needs a significant win to avoid finishing last, while Armagh aims to build on their win over Monaghan in the Allianz League.

Key Players:
Armagh’s Alex O’Boyle, Tiarnán Nevin, and Paul Gaffney are essential, while Monaghan looks to Thomas Hughes, Niall Garland, and Niall Arthur.

Lory Meagher Cup: Final Spots Up for Grabs

Fermanagh vs. Longford

Fermanagh, almost assured of a final spot, face Longford, who need a win to ensure their place.

Key Players:
Fermanagh’s Seán Corrigan, Danann McKeogh, Luca McCusker, and Brian Teehan are vital. Longford’s hopes lie with Cian Darcy, David Buckley, Reuben Murray, and Cathal Mullane.

Cavan vs. Leitrim at Drumshanbo

Cavan needs a win and must watch Longford’s result to secure a final spot. Leitrim, despite a potential third win, can’t make the top two due to head-to-head results.

Key Players:
Cavan’s Liam O’Brien, Nicky Kenny, Canice Maher, and Seán Keating are key, while Leitrim counts on Gavin O’Hagan, Stephen Goldrick, and veteran keeper Clement Cunniffe.

Lancashire vs. Warwickshire at Páirc na hÉireann

In this clash of the Exiles, both teams seek to end their seasons on a high note.

Key Players:
Warwickshire’s Jordan Conway, Jack Grealish, and David Devine will be crucial, with Lancashire relying on Eoghan Clifford, David Lynch, and Christopher Convery.

Stay tuned for an exciting weekend of hurling as these critical matches unfold.

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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)

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Fifty years on, the story of the All-Stars – Ireland’s longest-running sports award scheme – has been penned by Moira and Eileen Dunne, daughters of Mick Dunne, who along with his fellow journalists, Paddy Downey, John D Hickey and Pádraig Puirséal, got the scheme up and running in 1971.

Using their father’s records as a starting point, the sisters met over 100 All-Stars and other stakeholders, who shared their memories of All-Star banquets and trips along with reflections on what the accolade means to the players, families and communities.

The book includes a listing of each Football and Hurling All-Star team from 1971 to 2020, and for the first time ever, a complete list of all players nominated over the past 50 years.

Labhrás Mac Cárthaigh, Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael greeted the launch of All-Star Gazing: “The GAA All-Stars is the most prestigious sporting awards scheme in Irish society and has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 1971. 

“While the GAA and various sponsors – current partners PwC among them – have played a central role in running the scheme, one of the most important pillars of the All-Stars has been its independence and integrity, provided by the role of GAA journalists making the all-important selections of both nominees and overall winners.

“To that end, it is fitting that the Dunne sisters, Eileen and Moira, should be the driving force behind this excellent publication to mark the 50th anniversary.”

Feargal O’Rourke, Managing Partner, PwC, said: “We would like to congratulate Moira and Eileen Dunne on the launch of their fantastic book celebrating the 50-year history of the All-Stars.

“The book showcases a superb collection of All-Star players down through the decades, whose talent, teamwork and sheer determination have awed us all.

“As proud sponsors of the PwC All-Stars we are delighted to celebrate the 50th anniversary and to show our support for the book. No doubt it will be in high demand with all GAA fans.”

Some of Gaelic games’ top footballers and hurlers talked about the significance of winning an All-Star award:

Brian Fenton, Dublin Footballer, 5-time All-Star

“Winning an All-Ireland is amazing but to win an All-Star at the end of the year is unreal. It is the perfect year”.

Henry Shefflin, Kilkenny Hurler, 11-time All-Star

“Winning the All-Star meant I was joining the other great players who had won it. I was up there with Anthony Daly, Johnny Dooley thinking, I have arrived

Mickey Quinn, Leitrim Footballer, the county’s first ever All-Star

“An All-Star is something every player wants to win. I was privileged to be the first person in Leitrim to win one.”

Joe Canning, Galway Hurler, 5-Time All-Star

“It was really special to receive an All-Star with Ollie in 2009 and a great night for Mam and Dad.”

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Fennelly confirmed his retirement after he won his 10th Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship with his club Ballyhale Shamrocks.

The 32-year-old lifted the Tom Walsh Cup aloft as captain on Sunday after three second-half goals helped them past O’Loughlin Gaels in this year’s county final.

“Naw, I’ll be finished up. I have had enough,” Fennelly said about his inter-county career after the club’s fourth Kilkenny SHC victory in a row.

“I had a year to think about it and I am glad I took that time to think about it. I am happy playing with the club and there are so many young lads coming through. I had a great time playing with Kilkenny. Fantastic so it was.”

The Ballyhale captain made his debut for Kilkenny in a Leinster semi-final win over Wexford in 2011 and had been on the panel for ten consecutive seasons before he decided to opt out of the 2021 season.

The forward won four All-Ireland’s with the Cats and collected two All Stars during his time on the inter-county scene.

The 2020 Leinster SHC win was his fifth of his career, with his first coming in 2011 – the Bob O’Keeffe Cup was the last piece of silverware Fennelly claimed with his county.

On top of his success in the Championship, the Ballyhale hurler has three National Hurling League medals to his name as well as 21 club titles with the Shamrocks, including five All-Irelands.

He will continue to line out for Ballyhale.

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Mulcahy was part of the Cork side that went back-to-back in 2004 and 2005 in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

However, Mulcahy missed much of Cork’s triumphant 2004 campaign after being involved in a car accident.

The 46-year-old also won four Munster titles, as well as one National Hurling League title and was an All-Star in 2005.

At club level, he is an All-Ireland medallist with Newtownshandrum and also has three Munster medals and five county titles to his name – four senior and one intermediate.

His coaching experience includes work with his club as well as the Cork Institute of Technology hurlers.

All-Ireland winning Cork minor manager Noel Furlong will join him in Kingston’s backroom for 2022 – both men will join the backroom as selectors and coaches.

Diarmuid O’Sullivan will stay on as a selector and coach and Donal O’Grady will continue on in his role in coaching and analysis for the side.

Stephen Casey will join as a strength and conditioning coach for the 2021 All-Ireland SHC finalists.

Gary Keegan, who is currently involved with Irish Rugby, will return to the Cork senior hurling setup as a performance coach.

Keegan has previously worked alongside the Dublin senior footballers and Irish boxers and was part of Kingston’s backroom in his first stint as Cork manager.

Keegan also worked under former Cork boss John Meyler, who is the father of former Ireland international David Meyler.

The announcement of the new personnel that are set to be ratified by the county board on Tuesday night also includes a thank you to now-former selector and coach Ger Cunningham who has stepped down.

The former Dublin senior hurling manager follows Clare native Christy O’Connor, who left the setup last week.

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Moran retires with two Munster titles, two National Hurling League titles and two All-Stars to his name.

The midfielder also represented his county in three All-Ireland finals in 2008, 2017 and 2020 against Kilkenny, Galway and Limerick respectively.

Moran captained the county to victory in the 2015 NHL and was also their leader when they made the run to the All-Ireland final in 2017, picking up his second All-Star that year from his sixth nomination in seven years.

He made 143 appearances for the county in the league and the championship – only Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh and Tony Browne have made more for Waterford.

His first for the side came in the 2006 NHL against Wexford under Justin McCarthy and he made his debut in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship later that year in the qualifiers.

His final appearance for the side was a loss to John Kiely’s Limerick machine under Liam Cahill, his sixth manager at Waterford.

His peak came under Derek McGrath in a midfield duo with Jamie Barron – he played in 56 of McGrath’s 58 league and championship games as manager of the Crystal County.

In a statement announcing his retirement, the De La Salle clubman said: “After 16 years, I have decided that the time is right for me to step away from inter-county hurling and to concentrate on putting more time into my club DLS.

“I would like to thank everyone that has been involved with all the Waterford senior hurling teams during my time on county panels.

“In particular, I would like to thank the Waterford fans, my club DLS, family, friends and my wife Aoife for being so supportive through all the good and bad days.

“I would really like to wish all the very best to Liam Cahill and all the Waterford backroom and panel for the next year.

“Up the Déise.”

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The teams are locked in after St Eunan’s and Naomh Conaill both won their semi-finals at the weekend.

Eunan’s pulled away from Naomh Micheál in the second half to earn their place in the Donegal senior football final.

The club’s footballers join the hurlers as county finalists, with the latter set to play for the county hurling title this weekend.

Naomh Conaill edged out a grudge match against Kilcar in O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny in a game that was also shown live on TG4 after Paddy McBrearty’s late equalising goal was ruled out.

It was the first game between the two sides since the controversial 2020 county final, which was won by Naomh Conaill on penalties – the first county final to be decided by spot kicks.

The Donegal inter-county footballer’s goal did not stand as the referee called a square ball, which replays showed to be right as McBrearty had entered the square before the free-kick from which he got the ball was taken.

The rematch between the 2020 finalists went the way of Naomh Conaill once again and Martin Regan’s team will now have a chance to win a third county championship in a row.

To do so, they must beat the last side who achieved that feat – St Eunan’s, led by John Haran and Donegal legend Brendan Devenney, won the county championship in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

However, the team have only won the Dr Maguire Cup once more since becoming the third-ever to win three years uninterrupted.

St Eunan’s were victorious in 2014 after five years without reaching the final and came second in their defending campaign but a six-year gap exists between their most recent final appearance and their upcoming match.

Naomh Conaill will face St. Eunan’s in the final at 3.15 pm on Sunday 7th November live on TG4.

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The match will be played the home ground of Eunan’s, O’Donnell Park in Letterkenny.

This will be the third year in a row that the two sides will play each other in the final stage of the county championship.

Setanta are looking to continue their period of dominance in Donegal and stamp out the threat Of Eunan’s once again.

The challengers to their crown are hoping that it will be third time lucky as they aim to win their first Donegal senior title since 1972.

The pair earned the right to another rematch after wins over Burt and Buncrana respectively.

Eunan’s beat the record-holders by five points to progress to the final stage to the despair of Burt’s players and staff.

Burt have not reached the final since 2018 and are the last side to beat Setanta in the final, winning their 39th title by two goals.

Setanta brushed aside Buncrana, who could not match their intensity and tempo as they fell to a 20-point loss in Letterkenny.

The defending champions have won all six of their games in this year’s county hurling championship and are yet to see a side they face stay within ten points of them.

The Killygordon club have also only conceded 72 points after six games – an average of 12 points conceded per game.

Eunan’s are another high-scoring side but their defence allowed over 100 points in the round-robin games.

They will need to show that they have improved that facet of their game enough to stop Setanta’s attack from putting a cricket score past them.

Before the senior final, Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon and Dungloe will contest the Michael Murphy Sports Donegal junior hurling championship.

Fixtures

Michael Murphy Sports Senior and Junior Hurling Finals

Saturday, Oct 30^th, Páirc Uí Dhomhnaill, Aodh Ruadh v An Clochán Liath, 13:30, James Callaghan

Saturday Oct 30^th, Páirc Uí Dhomhnaill, Naomh Ádhamhnáin v Setanta, 15:30, Aidan McAleer.

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Lynch’s club Patrickswell will take on Kilmallock in the county final on Sunday, October 24, held at the Gaelic Grounds.

The 25-year-old midfielder has won the county title once previously but is yet to do so in the same year as an All-Ireland victory.

A Cian Lynch-led Patrickswell sealed the Limerick crown in 2019, which is wedged between three All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship victories for the Treaty County.

“Obviously, it’d be special and I suppose everyone tries to go out with the same aim at the end of the day,” Lynch said at the launch of John West Féile 50^th anniversary celebrations.

“For us, it’s not about looking beyond this week, d’you know, looking beyond the training sessions that we have because we know Kilmallock have huge strength in depth and they are a massive team…so we just have to focus on ourselves.”

Earlier this year, Limerick retained the All-Ireland title for the first time in their history with a dominant performance against Cork that can only be described as ‘total hurling’.

The famed fitness of this Limerick side was on full display as they never put their foot off the gas, racing into a 13-point lead after 35 minutes, with three goals to their name.

The side ended the match with a points record for an All-Ireland final and had increased their lead by three when the final whistle was blown.

The Limerick number nine picked up the Man of the Match award for his impact on the game and scored six points on the day.

Lynch credits his Limerick teammates and the county backroom for helping him to reach such high levels.

“I suppose the lads around you as well [as the backroom], d’you know. It’s not only the 15 lads on a given day that have the opportunity to start games.

“I suppose there are 16 other lads on the panel that push you and you keep pushing each other and I suppose that’s what makes it look special.”

Lynch will be hoping to be part of another special team performance on Sunday with his club.

It’s a game that his mind is firmly set on preparing for and his demeanour is calm and assured when speaking of it.

“All we can do is focus on ourselves and get the best out of ourselves.”

Patrickswell and Kilmallock will play for the John Daly Cup on Sunday at 3:45 pm in a match that will be broadcasted on TG4 as part of a double-header.

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The Donegal JHC semi-finals will be held on that date and see Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon and Setanta B, and Dungloe and Letterkenny Gaels fight it out for the two final berths.

The Senior semi-finals will be held on Sunday, October 10 and will see St Eunan’s and Burt, and Setanta and Buncrana face-off against each other for their place in the county final.

The Junior matches will be held at the Donegal GAA Centre in Ballybofey and both games will be played in the evening.

Dungloe and Letterkenny Gaels will be the earlier throw-in at 7 pm while Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon and Setanta B will get started at 8:30 pm – both games will be under the lights.

The senior fixtures will take place in Letterkenny at the ground of St Eunan’s, O’Donnell Park.

The matches will be played in the afternoon on Sunday with Eunan’s kicking off proceedings when they welcome Burt into their home at 2 pm.

Defending champions Setanta will take on Buncrana in the later throw-in of the day at 4 pm.

Extra time will be used if required in any of the semi-finals across the two championships.

Setanta are looking for a third county title in a row and, should they beat Buncrana, familiar foes St Eunan’s may stand in their way, pending this weekend’s results.

A Setanta – St Eunan’s finals matchup is a familiar sight in the Donegal SHC, with three of the last four finals involving both sides.

Burt is the last team outside of those two to reach the county final and will be looking to repeat that feat this Sunday.

The last time the 39-time Donegal SHC winners reached the final, they won the championship, beating Setanta by two goals in 2018.

The most dominant side in the history of the competition will look to further underline that status, with a first final appearance in three years on the cards.

Buncrana will look to upset the odds and pull off a historic win against Setanta to reach the SHC final.

The side are in unknown territory in the semi-finals and their inexperience may cost them but an underdog is never to be underestimated.

Fixtures

Junior Hurling Championship Semi-finals

Fri, 08 Oct, Donegal GAA Centre, Convoy, Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon V Setanta B, 8:30 pm, (extra time if required), James Connors
Fri, 08 Oct, Donegal GAA Centre, Convoy, An Clochán Liath V Letterkenny Gaels 7:00 pm, (extra time if required), James Callaghan

Senior Hurling Championship Semi-finals
Sun, 10 Oct, Páirc Uí Dhomhnaill, St Eunan’s V Burt 2:00 pm, (extra time if required), Aidan McAleer
Sun, 10 Oct, Páirc Uí Dhomhnaill, Setanta V Buncrana 4:00 pm, (extra time if required), James Connors

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