Paul McGirr Championship gets underway with meeting of St Eunan’s and Clan na Gael

THE 2026 Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Championship gets underway on Saturday at Páirc Ghearrdhroma (2.00 p.m.) with a heavyweight preliminary-round clash between two of the tournament favourites, Armagh champions Clan Na Gael and recently crowned Donegal champions St. Eunan’s of Letterkenny.

Clan Na Gael return to Páirc Ghearrdhroma hoping to build on the experience gained in last year’s competition, when they bowed out at the semi-final stage. With the majority of last year’s squad still available, there is little doubt that the Lurgan men will make the journey west believing they have what it takes to go all the way this time around.

A club with a proud tradition of Ulster success, Clan Na Gael have found it difficult in recent years to reach the heights of previous generations. However, this current crop undoubtedly possesses the ability to bring provincial glory back to Lurgan, having already demonstrated its pedigree by capturing the All-Ireland Féile title in 2025.

Dominant in the Orchard County this season, a comprehensive victory over Killeavy at the Athletic Grounds secured a league and championship double for the Lurgan-based outfit.

Led at centre-forward by the outstanding JJ O’Hagan, one of the stars of last year’s tournament, Clan Na Gael have developed a formidable reputation for finding the net. Their forward line, featuring the scoring threat of O’Hagan, Brogan O’Kane and Calum Boyd, will pose a significant challenge to the St. Eunan’s defence.

Michael McConville, Caden Conway, Aodhán Campbell and the rampaging centre-half-back Daragh O’Hagan will provide the platform further out the field as Paul O’Hagan’s side embark on their latest title quest.

“We are delighted to be back again in the Paul McGirr for the second year in a row,” stated O’Hagan, who also serves as club secretary. “It’s a fantastic competition to be part of and we hope we can give a good account of ourselves. There are no easy games and we know St. Eunan’s will present a serious challenge. Hopefully, we can come out on the right side of it.”

St. Eunan’s are no strangers to the Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Championship and are one of just two Donegal clubs to have lifted the prestigious trophy, having claimed the title in 2016. That successful side featured several players who have since gone on to become established members of the current St. Eunan’s senior team, making it a particularly memorable period for the Letterkenny club.

Barry Meehan and Eugene Duffy’s side have improved considerably throughout the season following a sluggish start. The Donegal champions favour an attacking brand of football and will undoubtedly provide a stern test for their Armagh opponents.

Sam Tourish is the standout threat in a lively St. Eunan’s attack, having amassed an impressive 2–06 from play in an outstanding all-round display against a fancied Gaoth Dobhair side in the Donegal final. He will be ably supported by Eoghan Callaghan and Cathal Doherty, while captain Senan Kavanagh provides a stylish and imposing presence at midfield. His leadership and influence in the middle third could prove vital in what promises to be an enthralling battle.

“It is a huge honour for our players, management and club to take part in the Paul McGirr Tournament,” said Meehan. “This competition represents the pinnacle of U16 club football in Ulster and testing ourselves against the best teams in the province is a challenge we’re really looking forward to. The lads have put in immense effort all season and they are excited to test themselves against Clan Na Gael this Saturday.”

A place in the quarter-finals, where the Fermanagh champions await next weekend, is the prize for the winners of this mouth-watering encounter. The other contenders will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the outcome, with two of the competition’s leading challengers meeting at the very first hurdle.

St. Eunan’s will be keen to maintain their upward trajectory and build on their impressive Donegal campaign. However, Clan Na Gael’s experience of last year’s tournament, coupled with their outstanding attacking firepower, may just give the Orchard County men the edge in what promises to be a fascinating opening contest.