Six champions, one unforgettable gathering

The remarkable gathering followed a historic clean sweep for Munster clubs across the junior, intermediate and senior grades in both hurling and football. The celebrations began earlier this month when Upperchurch-Drombane of Tipperary and Kilbrittain of Cork claimed the intermediate and junior hurling titles.

Kerry then took centre stage in the football championships, with Ballymacelligott lifting the junior title and An Ghaeltacht securing the intermediate crown. The following weekend completed the clean sweep, as Waterford’s Ballygunner won the senior hurling final before Dingle brought the curtain down with victory in the senior football decider.

Dingle the natural meeting point

With all three football champions coming from Kerry, and two based on the Dingle Peninsula, the west Kerry town was a fitting venue for the celebrations.

Footage from Saturday afternoon showed Dingle, Ballymacelligott, Kilbrittain, Upperchurch-Drombane and Ballygunner gathered in Kruger’s Pub, where the five trophies were proudly displayed. The pub was packed with players and supporters, many dressed in club and county colours, creating a unique and memorable scene.

An Ghaeltacht, who were in Kanturk earlier in the day, are set to join the festivities later, completing the full set of champions.

A celebration tour to remember

The celebrations are set to continue with visits planned to several iconic local venues, including Páidí Ó Sé’s Pub in Ventry and Paul Geaney’s Bar in Dingle town, owned by the Dingle captain.

The idea for the gathering came from Southern Star writer Kieran McCarthy, whose brainchild brought the historic achievement to life.

Earlier on Saturday, Kilbrittain shared images of their squad preparing for the trip, having already celebrated alongside Upperchurch-Drombane outside Cork Courthouse earlier this month.

For the six clubs involved, it was a fitting way to mark an extraordinary Munster achievement.