Paul McGirr Cup: Burren and Ardboe step into Ulster arena in Dromore

Paul McGirr Cup – Ulster U-16
Quarter-final
Ardboe v Burren
Sunday, 2.30pm, Dromore

THE second quarter-final takes place this Sunday with Tyrone champions Ardboe facing Burren of Down.

Tyrone champions Ardboe will be aiming to improve on their last appearance in the tournament back in 1999, when they exited at the quarter-final stage.

A string of impressive performances in Tyrone this season — including a six-point victory over a strong Carrickmore side in the county final — has marked them out as one of the frontrunners for Ulster honours.

The team features up to eight starters from their u-18 championship-winning panel. Among them are prolific corner-forward Ciarán McKeown, reliable full-back Daire McKeown, and the industrious midfield pairing of Jack and Luke Muldoon, who provide a strong platform for a potent attack led by Ruairí O’Neill, Odhrán Coleman, and McKeown.

It has already been a memorable year for the Loughshore club, and the management team of Cathal McKeown, Ryan McFlynn, and Seán Doris believe there is more to come from their young Rossa side.

“Ard Bó Uí Dhonnabháin Rosa are delighted to have been invited to the prestigious Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Competition, in which it will be our second appearance,” said McKeown.

“We’ve been drawn against formidable opposition in County Down champions Burren. Our lads are really looking forward to representing our club and Tyrone on the Ulster stage.”

Down champions Burren are regular visitors to Gardrum Park and are chasing history this year as they bid to become the first club to win the Paul McGirr title three times, having previously triumphed in 2014 and 2019.

Burren claimed the Down crown in a replay following a harrowing incident involving star player Shea Trainor, which led to the abandonment of the first final. Thankfully, Shea has now made a full recovery and will be on hand to cheer his teammates, who again look among the strongest underage sides in the province.

Their emphatic 2-12 to 0-5 victory over Castlewellan in the replayed Down final underlined their quality at both ends of the pitch, as they kept their opponents scoreless in the second half. Narrowly beaten at the quarter-final stage last year, the Mourne lads will be determined to make amends this time. Although Trainor’s absence will be keenly felt, Burren can still call on the talented Sam Murdock and Michael Trainor, while the experience of last year’s campaign should serve them well.

“Here in Burren, taking part in the Paul McGirr U16 Tournament is a real honour,” said manager Martin Brennan.

Ardboe u-16s, champions of Tyrone

“As one of the most prestigious underage GAA competitions in Ireland, it’s a brilliant opportunity for our players to represent their club and county, and a source of pride for everyone involved — players, coaches, parents, and the wider Burren community.

“It’s a privilege to compete again this year, keeping alive the spirit and legacy of Paul McGirr. The lads have worked hard all season, and we’re looking forward to facing Ardboe, winners of a tightly contested Tyrone championship. We’re ready for the challenge and hope to represent Burren with pride. On behalf of the management team, I’d like to thank everyone involved in organising the tournament for providing such a meaningful platform for young players.”

Sunday’s clash could well prove the tie of the round, with both teams among the pre-tournament favourites. Ardboe, as Tyrone champions, will be familiar with the surroundings at Pairc Gheardhromma, but Burren’s experience and their bid for a historic third title will be powerful motivation.

Ardboe’s physicality, particularly in the middle third, may test Burren in ways they have not yet encountered — and could just give the Loughshore men the edge.

Following consultation with the Trainor family, all proceeds from Sunday’s match will be donated to Air Ambulance NI in recognition of the care provided to young Shea Trainor.

“During the Burren v Castlewellan u-16 Down Final in Mayobridge, our son Shea suffered a cardiac arrest just ten minutes before the end of the match,” said Shea’s parents, Franco and Sinéad Trainor.

“Thanks to the swift and exceptional response from the doctors and nurses present, followed by the NIAS and Air Ambulance teams, Shea received outstanding medical care at the scene. Because of their timely intervention, Shea’s life was saved. He will be at the Burren-Ardboe game with his family and friends to cheer on his teammates.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for the care, kindness, and support shown to Shea and our family, and we sincerely thank the Spirit of Paul McGirr Trust and Dromore GFC for donating the proceeds of today’s match to Air Ambulance — a truly deserving charity that provides vital support to communities across the region.”