GList: Fresh faces…

Clonduff footballers and Dunloy camogs were breakthrough winners last weekend. Michael McMullan takes a look at some of the new faces making waves across the province…

Antrim – Dunloy

WHEN Loughgiel camogs saw their amazing run of success come to an end, there was going to be a memorable county final on the cards. As it turned out, it was Dunloy who came out on top of their showdown with Cushendall. It was teenage star Éobha McAllister who lit up the final and her winning point saw them win a first title in 23 years. There is a familiar face in Sunday’s football final as Rossa aim to lift the McNamee Cup for the first time in 35 years against first-time finalists St Brigid’s.

Armagh – Madden

WHO will ever forget 2025 in Armagh? The footballers of Madden certainly won’t as they lifted an historic first county title. It was a wall of emotion as the club danced around the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds with the Gerry Fagan Cup. They have since lost their champions’ tag butstories of their historic triumph will remain. Killeavy will aim to make a breakthrough this year as they look to win the championship for the first time since 1948. Crossmaglen will have something to say about that.

Cavan – Knockbride

LURGAN were going for three-in-a-row in the Senior Ladies Championship this year but they were beaten by All-Ireland intermediate champions Knockbride. Gia McCabe but five points with Abbi Connor and Abby Reilly also finding the net. While it was natural progression, beating a side of Lurgan’s level was a major step forward brought the cup to Knockbride for the first time in over two decades.

Derry – Bellaghy

BELLAGHY camogs ended Swatragh’s winning run when they landed the 1993 title and are back in a first final since then they lock horns on Sunday. Swatragh, champions two years ago, are vying for just their second title since 2005 so it makes for the most novel story in the Oakleaf County. The cup is named after the late Martin Mulholland. The final will take place on his native turf in Sleacht Néill this weekend.

Down – Clonduff

‘YELLA’ was the colour of choice in Down last weekend as Clonduff danced a jig of delight with the Gerry Fagan Cup. Kilcoo saw their run of success come to an end in the semis, making for a novel pairing, and it was Clonduff who took home the silver for the first time since Ross Carr captained them to glory in 2000. With so many connections from that team and the class of 1980, they have been the story of the year in Down. Their camogs and hurlers have their respective finals on the horizon too.

Donegal – Naomh Pádraig

NAOMH Pádraig Uisce Chaoin were the story a few years ago when they went all the way to the All-Ireland Junior final in Croke Park. It has turned out not only to be a part of their history but a springboard to more glory. They booked a spot in their first ever Donegal intermediate decider and with Kevin Lynch to the fore, they brought home he bacon at the weekend. Their ladies had already won their championship to make it an amazing year for the club.

Fermanagh – Erne Gaels

WHEN Erne Gaels won the senior title two years ago, they bridged a gap back to 1981. That has been the most recent breakthrough in the Erne County. It has freshened up the title race and they take aim at a third successive title on Sunday, to better the last crop who were champions twice in three seasons. The last time three-in-a-row was done in Fermanagh was in 2017 by the Derrygonnelly team who won five successive titles. They now stand in the way of Erne Gaels make it three.

Monaghan – Ballybay

IN a county where Scotstown have hoovered up the most titles, Ballybay’s win in 2022 stands out as the most memorable county final story. They also saw off Crossmaglen in the Ulster Championship. Dessie Ward and Christopher McGuinness hit a combined 1-7 as they overcame Scotstown after being in the final in both 2018 and 2020. Since then, they have dropped to the intermediate ranks but have made it to the final with a chance to bounce back from relegation.

Tyrone – Loughmacrory

YOU could write a book on breakthroughs in Tyrone where the senior title has continued to change hands. The Loughmacrory story of 2025, winning their first, was one that can be matched on Sunday. The champions have since been dethroned but Edendork have made it to the final where they chase history against Errigal Ciaran. The scenes from last year when Loughmacrory won the O’Neill Cup were simply amazing, one of those days to remember.