This weekend delivered another brilliant round of club action across hurling, football and camogie. Five major results stood out, with drama, history and high-scoring performances right across the country. Here’s a look back at the biggest stories.
1. Sweet revenge for Ballygunner
Munster SHC Semi-Final: Ballygunner 4-18 Sarsfields 2-17, 📍 Walsh Park
Ballygunner are back in a Munster final after a powerful win over Sarsfields, and it was a performance driven by goals and intensity. They struck four goals in total, including two from Dessie Hutchinson, as they finally earned revenge for last season’s defeat.
Ballygunner made a flying start and controlled the early exchanges with work-rate and accuracy. Pauric Mahony set the tone with early frees, and Hutchinson pounced for the first goal after a clever ball into the square. A sideline cut then opened the door for Hutchinson’s second, pushing the Waterford champions into a dominant position.
Sarsfields hit back with a late first-half goal and kept in touch with some tidy points, but Ballygunner were never rattled. After half-time they responded again, with Patrick Fitzgerald sprinting clear to score their third goal. Moments later, Kevin Mahony smashed home their fourth, a brilliant top-corner effort that killed the contest.
From there, Ballygunner closed it out with maturity. Their accuracy, discipline and scoring spread were too much for Sarsfields, and they now move into their eighth straight Munster final in strong form.
2. St Ergnat’s make history in Ulster
Ulster SFC Final: St Ergnat’s Moneyglass 3-10 Errigal Ciarán 0-6, 📍 Brewster Park
St Ergnat’s Moneyglass produced a superb performance to win their first Ulster senior club title. Their three first-half goals created a huge platform, and their defensive shape kept Errigal Ciarán at bay.
Errigal started brightly and even earned a penalty early on, but they dragged it wide. Moneyglass settled and grew into the game, with Cathy Carey leading the charge. A quick burst of two goals midway through the half pushed them well ahead, and Maria O’Neill added a third before the break.
The second half was controlled and calm. Moneyglass kept possession well, kicked important scores, and shut down any comeback attempt. Even when Errigal thought they had a late goal, it was ruled out for a square ball. Moneyglass finished with confidence and deservedly celebrated a landmark provincial title.
3. Dicksboro crowned Leinster Champions again
Leinster SCC Final: Dicksboro 0-17 Oulart-the-Ballagh 1-13, 📍 SETU Carlow
Dicksboro are Leinster champions once more after a dramatic finish against Oulart-the-Ballagh. Wing-back Ciara Phelan hit the winning score deep in added time to seal their second provincial title in three seasons.
The All-Ireland champions of 2023 started strongly with early scores and a saved penalty keeping them in control. However, Oulart stormed back before half-time, hitting 1-5 in a powerful spell that left Dicksboro five points down at the break.
Dicksboro regrouped with huge composure after half-time. They chipped away at the lead, tightened up defensively, and gradually took control. With eight minutes remaining, they still trailed by three, but their fitness and belief told. A run of late points brought them level before Phelan stepped up with the decisive strike.
They now move on to face Athenry in the All-Ireland semi-final.
4. St. Brigid’s storm past Ballina
Connacht SFC Semi-Final: St Brigid’s 1-21 Ballina Stephenites 3-8, 📍 Dr Hyde Park
St Brigid’s delivered one of the performances of the weekend with a dominant attacking display against Ballina. Even though they conceded three goals, they controlled every other part of the game and spread scores across the team.
Ballina struck two early goals to keep things interesting, but Brigid’s soon took over. They won midfield, moved the ball quickly and kicked nine points in a row before half-time. Their scoring power told, with all six forwards on target in the opening half.
The second half continued in the same pattern. Ballina grabbed a third goal, but St Brigid’s responded immediately with steady points and calm possession. Ruaidhrí Fallon’s influence was huge, and they finished with confidence to reach another Connacht final.
5. Athy power past Summerhill in Leinster
Leinster SFC Quarter-Final: Athy 1-16 Summerhill 0-9, 📍 St Conleth’s Park
Athy advanced to the Leinster semi-finals with an impressive second-half burst that blew Summerhill away. It was a day where experience and youth combined perfectly, with veteran Kevin Feely and rising star Colm Moran both shining.
Summerhill started well and led midway through the first half, but a goal from Brian Maher turned the momentum. Athy finished the half strongly and then completely dominated the second half, outscoring their opponents 0-10 to 0-1 after the break.
Man of the Match Sean Moore played a key role, while Moran showed maturity beyond his years. Athy pressed aggressively, forced turnovers, and finished their chances with authority. They now march into the final four with real confidence.
