Leading men: The top scores in the Ulster IFC

Shaun Casey charts the top scorers in the Ulster Intermediate Football Championship ahead of this weekend’s final between Glenullin and Cuchulainn’s

Ryan McNicholl (Glenullin) – 3-8

McNICHOLL has been the leading light in the forward line for Glenullin, and his scoring ability has helped them reach a first-ever Ulster final. The rangy corner-forward hit the net against both Moneyglass and Sarsfields (twice) and rattled off a further 0-6 in their extra-time victory over Carrickmacross. If Michael O’Kane’s men are going to get their hands on provincial silverware, then they will need McNicholl firing at all cylinders, while Cuchulainn’s will be plotting his downfall.

Connor McAliskey (Clonoe) – 1-13

THE former Tyrone forward is the main man in the Clonoe attack and has been for some time now. He was the go-to scorer for his club as they achieved a domestic double, winning the league and the championship in Tyrone without losing a game to secure top-flight football once again in 2026. McAliskey kicked 0-6 in their first round win over Saval and added a further 1-7 in their shock semi-final defeat to Cuchulainn’s, the first loss that Clonoe experienced all season.

Conrad Mullan (Glenullin) 1-10

AN emerging talent in the Oakleaf County, Mullan may have come into the Ulster Championship under the radar for those outside of Derry. He was the man of the match in Glenullin’s quarter-final victory over Sarsfields of Armagh, kicking 1-7 (1-6 from play) and perhaps hasn’t hit those same heights in their other two outings. He chipped in with a score against Moneyglass on the opening day and knocked over 0-2 on the last day out against Carrickmacross.

Donal O’Kane (Glenullin) – 1-9

O’KANE was on fire in the preliminary round, kicking 1-4 as the Derry champions hammered Antrim’s Moneyglass, with 17 points to spare. The big full-forward has been a constant scoring threat for Glenullin in the Ulster Championship and chipped in with 0-3 as they downed Sarsfields in their last eight match-up. O’Kane then added a personal haul of 0-2 as they shaded out Carrickmacross in the semi-final, after extra-time, and will hope to bring his scoring boots to the decider against Cuchulainn’s of Cavan.

Aaron Lynch (Carrickmacross) – 0-11

TOP-SCORED for Andy Callan’s side in both of their Ulster Championship fixtures as the Monaghan men fell at the semi-final hurdle. Lynch posted 0-8 in their first round tie against Naomh Columba of Donegal, with all of his scores on the day coming from placed ball efforts. He also notched 0-3 the last day out as Carrickmacross suffered an extra-time defeat to Derry champions Glenullin. Lynch was on fire for Carrick during their successful Monaghan campaign and carried that scoring form into the provincial series.

Néill McNicholl (Glenullin) – 1-8

SPENT a bit of time between the sticks for Derry this season under Paddy Tally but is showing at club level that he’s an accomplished outfield player. McNicholl has been outstanding around the centre of the park for Glenullin throughout their run to the Ulster final and has regularly been chipping in with scores. He didn’t get on the scoresheet against Sarsfields, but nailed 0-6 in the first round against Moneyglass and rattled off an individual tally of 1-2 as they overcame Carrickmacross the last day out.

Bryan Magee (Cuchulainn’s) – 0-9

THE leading man in the Cuchulainn’s attack, he has been at the forefront of the Cavan team’s form across the Ulster Championship campaign. Magee was responsible for 0-5 as Niall Lynch’s charges seen off Fermanagh’s Irvinestown in the quarter-final, with three points to spare and he was their joint top scorer in their now famous semi-final victory over Tyrone’s unbeaten champions Clonoe the last day out. Magee hit 0-4 on the day as Cuchulainn’s secured a slender one-point triumph to book their spot in the showpiece.

Stephen O’Hanlon (Carrickmacross) 0-8

THE Monaghan star was one of the key men for Carrickmacross as they reached the Ulster Championship semi-final, claiming the championship crown in the Farney County to restore their place in senior football once again for the 2026 season. O’Hanlon claimed a personal haul of 0-6 in their opening round win over Irvinestown but didn’t have the same influence in the semi-final and only recorded 0-2 on the day as they lost out to Glenullin by one point after extra-time.