A recap on some of the weekend’s biggest moments
1. Shock in Dublin: Cuala and Kilmacud Crokes Both Crash Out
Dublin SFC Semi Final: Na Fianna-3-11 Kilmacud Crokes-1-16
Dublin SFC Semi Final: Ballyboden St. Enda’s-3-21 Cuala-2-22
Two of Dublin football’s biggest names, Cuala and Kilmacud Crokes, were sensationally knocked out of the Dublin SFC semi-finals in a dramatic day at Parnell Park.
In the opening semi-final, Na Fianna stunned 2023 champions Kilmacud Crokes with a thrilling late winner from captain James Doran. Their fierce defensive effort in injury time kept Crokes at bay, sealing a famous win.
Next, Ballyboden St Enda’s produced a comeback for the ages. Trailing by seven points with five minutes to play, two late goals from Daire Sweeney turned the game on its head and dethroned reigning All-Ireland champions Cuala.
Ballyboden now face Na Fianna in the Dublin Football Final on Saturday, October 18th at Parnell Park. A new name will be etched on the county trophy, standing as proof that Dublin football’s landscape is changing fast.
2. Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels Complete Meath Treble
Meath LGFA Final: Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels 4-11 Dunboyne 2-8
Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels celebrated a stunning three-in-a-row after overpowering Dunboyne at Páirc Tailteann. It was Dunboyne’s seventh consecutive final, but once again they fell short against their fiercest rivals.
With a strong wind behind them, Dunshaughlin tore into the contest, racing into a 3-9 to 1-1 half-time lead. Dunboyne rallied briefly, cutting the deficit to eight points, but any hopes of a comeback ended when Niamh Gallogly fired home their fourth goal.
Gallogly was named Player of the Match, while Rachel Doonan, Sarah Duffy, Ella Moyles, Ciara Gorman and Meadhbh Byrne shone throughout. Dunboyne’s Sarah Wall led by example but spent ten minutes in the sin bin, further denting their chances.
Dunshaughlin’s slick attacking play and relentless pressure ensured a dominant win. Their three-in-a-row marks them as one of Meath’s finest ever club sides.
3. Éire Óg End 35-Year Wait for Clare Glory
Clare SHC Final: Éire Óg Inis 0-17 Clooney-Quin 0-12
Éire Óg Inis ended 35 years of heartbreak by lifting their first Clare Senior Hurling Championship since 1990, defeating Clooney-Quin in front of a thrilled crowd at Páirc Chíosóg.
Only one player, Danny Russell, had been born the last time Éire Óg won the title. His five-point haul and leadership helped steer them to victory. The win also gave Shane O’Donnell and David Reidy their long-awaited county medals.
Éire Óg led from the ninth minute and never trailed again. Marco Cleary, Oran Cahill, and O’Donnell all added crucial scores, while goalkeeper Darragh Stack made a key save late on to deny a certain goal.
Clooney-Quin’s talisman Peter Duggan hit nine points but couldn’t drag his team level. Éire Óg finished with three unanswered points to seal a famous 15th county title, and keep their dream of a hurling-football double alive.
4. Baltinglass Back on Top in Wicklow
Wicklow SFC Final: Baltinglass 1-20 Carnew Emmets 0-15
Baltinglass returned to the summit of Wicklow football with their first Miley Cup since 2020, defeating Carnew Emmets in an entertaining final at Aughrim.
Baltinglass dominated the early exchanges, led by the Keogh brothers and Mark Jackson. They built a 1-13 to 0-9 half-time lead after John McGrath slotted home the game’s only goal following superb work by Karl Furlong.
Despite a spirited Carnew revival, wides and turnovers proved costly. Ben Brosnan and Jack Doyle battled hard, but Baltinglass’s accuracy from frees and open play kept them clear.
Late points from Adam McHugh and Christopher Heslip sealed victory. Baltinglass will now represent Wicklow in Leinster, while Carnew refocus for the county hurling final. The result reaffirms Baltinglass’s status as a force in Wicklow club football.
5. Kilmacud Crokes complete Four-in-a-Row
Dublin LGFA Final: Kilmacud Crokes 1-11 St Sylvester’s 0-12
Kilmacud Crokes made it four Dublin senior titles in a row, surviving a fierce challenge from St Sylvester’s in stormy conditions at Parnell Park.
An early goal from Michelle Davoren gave Crokes the edge, while Kate Sullivan led the Sylvester’s response with nine points. The game remained tense throughout, with both sides defending heroically against strong winds.
Captain Éabha Rutledge shone with 0-4, supported by Ailbhe Davoren, Kate Murray, and Aoife Kane. Even after losing Davoren to a yellow card, Crokes held firm under pressure.
In stoppage time, Kate Sullivan almost forced extra time, but her effort rose just over the bar. Crokes held on to claim their fourth straight title, cementing their dynasty in Dublin ladies football.
