Derry star Ní Lochlainn named as player of the month

DERRY star Annie Ní Lochlainn has been honoured with The Croke Park Hotel/LGFA Player of the Month award for June 2026.

The Watty Graham’s, an Gleann, player (23) has been in sensational scoring form for the Oakleaf County in the TG4 All-Ireland Junior Championship to date.

As Derry marched to the semi-finals of the competition, and a clash with Carlow next Sunday, Annie has delivered eye-catching displays.

As Derry stunned Antrim in their opening group game in early June, Annie registered 0-11, including three magnificent two-pointers.

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She followed that up with a four-point haul in the comfortable win over Longford, including a two-pointer, a tally of 3-4 in the win against Kilkenny, and five points in the loss to Longford, including another two-pointer.

With an overall championship tally of 3-24, Annie is one of the leading contenders for the ZuCar Golden boot award, the prize on offer for the top scorer during the 2026 TG4 All-Ireland Junior, Intermediate and Senior Championships.

Annie is currently in second place, just two points behind Antrim’s Maria O’Neill, and she has the chance to boost her total next Sunday when Derry take on Carlow at Kingspan Breffni (2pm) for a place in the TG4 All-Ireland Junior Championship final.

Victory for Derry would send them through to a first TG4 All-Ireland Junior Championship final since 2017.

Annie was presented with her award by Olivia Colgan, Business Development Executive, The Croke Park Hotel.