Donegal edge Armagh in Ulster epic to retain title
Late Moore goal and O’Donnell point seal Anglo-Celt Cup as Orchard men fall agonisingly short once again
Ulster Senior Football Championship Final
Donegal 2-23 Armagh 0-28 (AET)
St Tiernach's Park, Clones, witnessed an epic Ulster final as Donegal edged Armagh after extra time in one of the most dramatic provincial deciders in recent memory.
Donegal appeared to have the game under control on two occasions, surging into seven-point leads in both halves of normal time. Their attack, led by the peerless Niall O’Donnell, seemed to disrupt Armagh and break their resolve.
But Armagh’s renowned fighting spirit was never quenched. The Orchard County clawed back magnificently, with Rian O’Neill and Rory Grugan orchestrating a comeback that forced extra time. The sides were level at 1-20 to 0-23 at the end of normal time.
The match ebbed and flowed until Donegal substitutes Hugh McFadden and Ciarán Moore both struck crucial goals in the additional period. Moore’s goal proved the turning point as Donegal wrestled back momentum and composure.
Armagh threw everything forward in a desperate final push but were denied by Donegal’s disciplined defending. O’Donnell popped up once more with a late point to seal a famous win and back-to-back Ulster titles for Jim McGuinness's side.
A post-match brawl involving players and officials led to Gardaí intervention. For Armagh, it was a heartbreaking loss for the second successive year. They must now regroup quickly for the All-Ireland series.
Louth stun Meath to end 68-year Leinster wait
Captain Sam Mulroy stars as Wee County claim emotional Delaney Cup triumph at Croke Park
Leinster Senior Football Championship Final
Louth 3-14 Meath 1-18
History was made at Croke Park as Louth claimed their first Leinster title since 1957 with a pulsating victory over old rivals Meath to lift the Delaney Cup. The game had everything—goals, drama and a late flurry that kept over 65,000 spectators on edge.
Louth captain Sam Mulroy was superb, leading the line and contributing an outstanding 1-7.
Two first-half goals gave Louth an early cushion as their pace and directness continually troubled Meath’s defence. Meath refused to fold, and Matthew Costello’s late goal brought them within touching distance.
The Royals launched wave after wave of late attacks, but Louth, under the calm guidance of Ger Brennan, held firm with heroic defending.
The final whistle sparked unforgettable celebrations as Louth were crowned Leinster champions for the first time in 68 years.
Limerick power past London in Tailteann opener
Donovan and Nash lead the scoring as hosts dominate at Newcastle West Tailteann Cup
Limerick 0-25 London 1-15
Limerick’s Tailteann Cup campaign got off to a perfect start as they comfortably dispatched London at Newcastle West.
Brian Donovan and Peter Nash kept the scoreboard ticking over for Limerick, who led from start to finish. London battled valiantly and netted a goal to stay in contention, but Limerick’s superior point-scoring and strong defending ensured the Exiles could not close the gap.
The hosts move on to the next stage of the competition with confidence and ambitions of a strong run in this year’s Tailteann Cup.
HURLING
Jason Forde of Tipperary in action against Conor Lean of Clare (picture by Ray McManus/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Tipp end winless run with thriller against Clare
McGrath and Ormond strike twice each as Liam Cahill’s side revive Munster hopes
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
Tipperary 4-18 Clare 2-21
Tipperary ended a 10-match winless run in the Munster Championship with a thrilling win over Clare at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis.
John McGrath and Andrew Ormond both found the net twice during a devastating first half that left Clare stunned and Tipp supporters in full voice. Tipperary’s early intensity and sharpness around the breaking ball set the tone, with their forward line operating with clinical precision.
Clare, however, showed tremendous character. Led by the inspirational Tony Kelly, whose goal ignited the home crowd, and Shane O’Donnell, who followed with another fine finish, the Banner men clawed back the deficit. Points from Peter Duggan and David Fitzgerald kept the pressure on Tipperary, and by the final quarter, the sides were level in a white-knuckle finish.
Crucially, Tipperary’s defence, marshalled by Ronan Maher and Craig Morgan, stood tall under immense pressure. Points from Jason Forde and Jake Morris, combined with tireless work around the middle by Noel McGrath, nudged Tipp ahead again.
The result lifts Tipperary back into contention and provides a huge boost for under-pressure manager Liam Cahill. Clare must regroup quickly but still remain firmly in the hunt for Munster silverware.
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