It was another unforgettable day across the GAA world on Saturday, with several county champions defending their crowns and others writing new chapters in their club’s history. From Dublin to Fermanagh, there was drama, late winners, and pure championship heart.
Here’s how it all unfolded.
Na Fianna make it 3-in-a-row in Dublin
Na Fianna 1-20 Lucan Sarsfields 0-22
Na Fianna remain kings of Dublin hurling, but only just. The reigning All-Ireland club champions were pushed all the way by Lucan Sarsfields in Parnell Park before edging to victory with a late point from Seán Currie.
Lucan led by two as the clock ticked past 60 minutes, but Na Fianna showed the heart of champions. Brian Ryan narrowed the gap with his fifth point, before Colin Currie levelled from a free. Then, deep into injury time, Seán Currie struck the winner after gathering a long free from goalkeeper Jonathan Tracey.
Lucan will feel hard done by. A controversial penalty awarded in the 39th minute, converted by Donal Burke, proved crucial. Ben Coffey’s ten-point haul nearly inspired a famous win for Lucan, but Na Fianna’s experience saw them through to a Leinster quarter-final clash with the Wexford champions on November 9.
It’s now three Dublin titles in a row for Na Fianna, who remain unbeaten this season.
Ballina Stephenites pull off a stunning comeback
Ballina Stephenites 2-13 Westport 1-15
Over in Mayo, Ballina Stephenites pulled off one of the great championship turnarounds. They looked dead and buried, ten points down with just 16 minutes left, but somehow found a way back to claim their third consecutive county title.
Westport had started on fire. A first-minute goal from Finnbarr McLaughlin set the tone, and they led by seven at half-time. When McLaughlin scored again early in the second half, it looked over.
But Ballina refused to die. Evan Regan led the charge, scoring 1-5 in total. His goal on 46 minutes sparked belief. Dylan Thornton added another soon after, and the Stephenites piled on the pressure.
With time running out, Regan, Frank Irwin, and Conor McStay hit crucial scores to turn the game on its head. Ballina led for just 20 seconds, but they were the only ones that mattered. Three in a row, and another chapter of Stephenites folklore.
Moycullen edge out salthill in Galway thriller
Moycullen 1-17 Salthill-Knocknacarra 1-15
In Galway, Moycullen lifted the Frank Fox Cup for the third time in six years after a thrilling win over Salthill-Knocknacarra.
They led by five at half-time, 1-11 to 1-6, helped by a strong wind and two superb long-range efforts from Peter Cooke. Sean Kelly’s early goal gave them the perfect platform, but Salthill fought back with a Finnerty penalty.
The second half was a tense, low-scoring affair. With five minutes to go, Moycullen trailed by one. Then Dessie Conneely stepped up. He fired over a clutch point and followed it with a two-pointer into the breeze. Sean Kelly added the final score, sealing a famous win.
Salthill had two late chances to level it through Tomo Culhane, but both frees drifted wide.
It was a day for leaders with Kelly, Cooke, and Conneely all to the fore as Moycullen once again proved they’re the team to beat in Galway.
Comeragh Rangers look unstoppable in Munster
Comeragh Rangers (Waterford) 2-15 Kilmihil (Clare) 2-2
In the Munster Ladies Championship, Comeragh Rangers continue to look unstoppable. Last year’s runners-up cruised past Kilmihil on a 2-15 to 2-2 scoreline at St Molleran’s.
Ava Connolly and Eileen Power both hit the net in the second half as the reigning Waterford champions powered to victory.
Rangers dominated from the first whistle, showing pace, accuracy, and a ruthless edge that few teams can match. They now advance to the provincial final, where they’ll face either Southern Gaels (Kerry) or Brian Borus (Tipperary).
With that kind of form, few will bet against them going one step further than last year.
Erne Gaels retain the title in Fermanagh
Erne Gaels Belleek 1-12 Derrygonnelly Harps 1-9
Finally, in Fermanagh, Erne Gaels Belleek held off a strong second-half comeback from Derrygonnelly Harps to claim back-to-back county titles.
Oisin and Ultan Kelm were electric in the first half, combining for 1-5 to help Belleek lead 1-9 to 0-4 at the break. Derrygonnelly battled bravely after the restart, especially when Thomas McCaffrey was black-carded, but the deficit was too steep.
A stunning goal from Leigh Jones gave the Harps hope, and Stephen McGullion’s score brought them within two. But Seamus Ryder’s late point steadied Belleek’s nerves before Aogan Kelm sealed it in injury time.
It’s another New York Gold Cup for the holders and another reminder of Belleek’s growing dominance in Fermanagh football.
