Review of the year in Fermanagh: Back-to-backs for Erne Gaels

By Shaun Casey

Tailteann Cup success the target in 2026

FERMANAGH were just one win away from another big day out at Croke Park and a Tailteann Cup final appearance in 2025 but just came up against a Kildare side that were too strong in the semi-final. The Lilywhites went on to win the competition, beating Limerick in the decider, but Fermanagh showed they are a top contender for Tailteann Cup glory. They topped their group following their Ulster Championship defeat to Down, in a game they will feel they should have won. After losing to Carlow in the first round, they bounced back with consecutive wins over Antrim and Laois before defeating Sligo to book their spot in the last four. The Erne County will of course be looking up in the league as they want to get back to Division Two football, which could see them compete in the Sam Maguire if things go their way, but the Tailteann Cup is their best chance of experiencing All-Ireland success next year.

Double delight for Erne Gaels

AT the start of the 2024 season, Erne Gaels only had two county titles to their name and hadn’t won one since 1981. Now, they’ve doubled their haul on the roll of honour and go into the 2026 season as back-to-back champions. They got the monkey off their back in 2024, beating Enniskillen Gaels in the final after a replay and needed a rematch this year again to get their hands on the title, beating Derrygonnelly this time around, with Ultan Kelm’s first half goal ultimately proving to be the difference between the two teams. They also chalked up their first Ulster Championship victory in the first round of the provincial campaign, beating Cavan champions Kingscourt after extra time. Kilcoo proved a step too far in the semis, but the Belleek men are in a great position heading into the new year.

Ladies looking up

FOLLOWING their All-Ireland Junior success of 2024, this was a big year for the Fermanagh ladies team. They earned promotion from Division Four, winning seven of their nine league outings, losing twice to Antrim. It was the Saffron County that ended their hopes of collecting some silverware in the league, with Antrim winning the final by two points in the end, 2-7 to 0-11. Still, the Erne County girls entered the championship season in fine fettle and were six points up against Tyrone in the Ulster Intermediate quarter-final, but the Red Hands staged a dramatic late comeback to win by three. Fermanagh then lost to Laois in the All-Ireland group stages before bouncing back to beat Roscommon and reach the last eight. As fate would have it, they came up against Tyrone and lost out once again, with five the difference this time around, and Tyrone went on to win the competition. Fermanagh know they can compete at this level and will be eager to show that again in 2026.

Bonner takes the hotseat

FORMER Donegal player and manager Declan Bonner was the man who led Erne Gaels to the promised land in 2024 and 2025, and Fermanagh fans will hope he can work his magic at county level having been appointed as the Fermanagh boss. Bonner brings a wealth of experience to the setup and knows the inter-county scene inside out. Having spent the last two seasons in charge of the Belleek men, he’ll know exactly what he’s dealing with and have a great insight into the talent that the Erne County holds. Fermanagh showed in the opening round of the Ulster Championship against Down this season that they can perform at a certain evel and Bonner will have his eyes very much set on promotion and Tailteann Cup success next season.

So near yet so far for Lisbellaw

2025 was a successful season for Lisbellaw, but unfortunately for the Fermanagh men, they just came up short on the most important day of the year. David Teague’s side defeated both Swatragh and Castleblayney to reach the Ulster final for the third time in their history, making their first appearance in the decider since 2021. 2012 was the last time they earned success on the provincial stage and they were confident of doing so once more this season, but Tyrone champions Éire Óg, Carrickmore proved a step too far in the showpiece. A goal from substitute Sean Óg Grogan just after half time swayed the game in favour of Éire Óg, who stretched their advantage to six by the time the referee blew the full-time whistle.