THERE'S a magical thread that ties the GAA together: its clubs. They are the heartbeat of our communities and, in these clubs, the spirit of the GAA truly shines, acting as the backbone of local life.
While the intercounty season and players are the showpiece of the GAA, the club season is the true essence of why we love Gaelic games. It’s definitely my favourite time in the GAA calendar. For many—myself included—the excitement of hearing the latest scores and stories on social media, streaming platforms, or the radio is a cherished ritual. This tradition of gathering around, whether physically or virtually, to catch up on the triumphs and trials of local teams and neighbouring rivals is what makes the GAA so unique. It’s more than just sport; it’s personal connections and shared memories, echoing across the fields and airwaves of our beloved counties and beyond. I love hearing the stories of clubs winning their first titles or a giant-killing in a David vs Goliath match.
Now that the club season has reached its final weekends, let’s go through some of the highlights you may have missed in the club roundup recently.
Ballymacarbrys remarkable 42-year run is over
Here is one that likely slipped under the radar. In the LGFA Waterford Senior Club Championship Final, the Ballymacarbry girls were defeated, ending their 42-year succession of being county champions.
Comeragh Rangers (above) defeated the long-standing champions after scoring five goals to claim victory. This would be Comeragh’s 11th time in the last 12 years trying to dethrone the queens of Waterford. That one had to be sweet.
Loughmore-Castleiney on for the double
Now, there is nothing I love more in GAA than a dual club, and one as pure as Loughmore-Castleiney is hard to come by. Sure, a dual club fighting on two fronts is easy for these huge clubs like Kilmacud Crokes, but for these two neighbouring small parishes in mid-Tipp, it’s an unbelievable task.
The manager is the same for both the hurlers and the footballers. The squad of 30 is the same for both codes, and when training is on, you wouldn’t know if it’s hurling or football you will be working on, and sometimes it could be both in the same session.
Now, to do all that and still be fighting on both fronts at senior level is incredible. Not enough for the McGrath boys of this world, though. They have just secured a Tipp senior hurling title, and next Sunday they line out in the Tipp senior football final. A win gives them one of the greatest doubles I have ever heard of.
The drought is over for Ratoath
Ratoath finally ended their 61-year drought for a Meath SHC title in a nerve-wracking finish at Páirc Tailteann.
Leading by a slender two points, their victory appeared under threat as referee Conor Ferguson signalled a penalty for Trim in the dying moments. However, after a tense consultation with his umpires, the penalty was controversially downgraded to a free. The free was valiantly blocked, and the final whistle blew amidst a storm of protests from Trim’s players.
Ratoath, who had endured the heartbreak of losing three of the last four finals, had clinched a hard-fought victory, igniting jubilant celebrations among their supporters.
Melvin Gaels leave it late
In one of the games of the weekend by all accounts, and in an electrifying twist, Melvin Gaels pulled off an unforgettable late surge to snatch the Leitrim Intermediate title.
Down by eight points with just ten minutes left, trailing 2-9 to 0-7, they seemed all but out. Yet, the drama was only beginning. A goal in either half had Allen Gaels looking poised for victory. But Melvin Gaels had other plans. A goal in the 60th minute ignited the comeback, sparking a fire that would see them rise from the ashes. As injury -time ticked on, Glasgow Gaels’ own Liam Ryan smashed home another to have the victory within touching distance. Then, with injury time all but done, Melvin Gaels found the net again, sealing a breathtaking 3-8 to 1-10 victory. A match destined for the history books.
Same old Magpies
Kilcoo cemented their status as the undisputed kings of County Down, clinching their sixth consecutive senior title with a commanding victory over Burren in Newry.
Burren—hoping for a different outcome from last year’s final—could only muster a single point from play in what turned out to be a lacklustre affair. In truth, Kilcoo didn’t need to shift out of second gear to secure the win.
Kilcoo’s dominance is unparalleled in Down’s history—13 finals in a row, with 12 titles claimed and only one loss in 2018. Now, their focus shifts to Ulster, where they believe they have unfinished business. Their journey continues, and they aim to add to their already impressive legacy.
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