Ulster’s All-Ireland Club winning captains

Shaun Casey looks at the players who have had the pleasure of lifting the Andy Merrigan Cup

Connor Carville (Glen, 2023/24)

CARVILLE led the Watty Graham’s club throughout the most successful period in their history, culminating in the 2024 All-Ireland Senior Championship title. Glen won three Derry Championships in a row (2021, ‘22 and ‘23) and two Ulsters (‘22 and ‘23) before Carville got to climb the steps of the Hogan Stand to accept the biggest trophy of them all.

Aidan Branagan and Conor Laverty (Kilcoo, 2021/22)

TWO of the leading lights for the Kilcoo revival over the past two decades as they’ve taken control of the Down Championship, Branagan and Laverty are still key men for the Magpies. The pair have been inspirational figures for Kilcoo and deservingly got their hands on the Andy Merrigan Cup, along with manager Mickey Moran, who they brought up the steps to lift the cup alongside them.

Stephen Kernan (Crossmaglen, 2011/12)

KERNAN has the distinction of winning Armagh SFC titles with Crossmaglen as manager and captain, a feat also achieved by his father Joe. But in 2012, he captained the Rangers to their sixth All-Ireland title and they needed a replay to finally shake off the attentions of Westmeath’s Garrycastle. After the drawn game in Croke Park, Crossmaglen proved much the better side and ran out comfortable 15-point winners.

Paul McKeown (Crossmaglen, 2010/11)

McKEOWN had a brief spell with the county team but was an outstanding player for the Rangers and still remains a member of the team. The tough-marking corner-back climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand in 2011 to accept the Andy Merrigan Cup as Crossmaglen defeated Roscommon’s St Brigid’s by three points to capture their fifth All-Ireland title and their first in four years.

Colin Brady (St Gall’s, 2009/10)

HAVING come so close in 2006, St Gall’s weren’t going to let this opportunity pass them by again and the Belfast based club saw off Clare’s Kilmurry-Ibrickane with five points to spare in 2010. Brady, who enjoyed a great career in the Saffron jersey as well, was the captain of the St Gall’s team that created history, and he guided the club to their first ever All-Ireland Senior Championship crown.

John McEntee (Crossmaglen, 1998/99)

ONE of the best players of his generation, Joh McEntee was the skipper in 1999 when Crossmaglen defeated Mayo men Ballina in the All-Ireland final by the minimum of margins. He had a wonderful career in black and amber, forming a key part of the team that won 13 Armagh titles in-a-row, as well as their historic success on the provincial and national stage.

Oisin McConville (Crossmaglen 2006/7)

ANOTHER Armagh and Crossmaglen legend, Oisin McConville captained Crossmaglen to their fourth All-Ireland SFC title in 2007. He kicked a nerveless equaliser in their first day out against Dr Crokes to set up a replay, and they finished the job in their rematch on a scoreline of 0-13 to 1-5. Speaking after the game, McConville described it as an ‘unbelievable feeling.’

Adrian McGuckin (Ballinderry, 2001/02)

BALLINDERRY struggled to get out of their own county for a number of years prior to 2001 but once they won Derry, the sky was the limit. They claimed the club’s second Ulster title by beating Mayobridge of Down in the decider before going all the way to the top. McGuckin captained their first ever All-Ireland winning team as they beat Cork’s Nemo Rangers.

Anthony Cunningham (Crossmaglen, 1999/00)

CUNNINGHAM led Crossmaglen to the club’s first-ever two in-a-row in 2000 as they defeated Dublin’s Na Fianna by five points in the All-Ireland final. The former midfielder also managed the Rangers to two Armagh county titles as well in recent seasons, beating Granemore in 2022 and Clan na Gael in 2023.

Jim McConville (Crossmaglen, 1996/97)

JIM McConville had the pleasure of climbing the steps of the Hogan Stand in 1997 as the first ever Crossmaglen captain to lift the Andy Merrigan Cup. The Rangers would go on to win another five All-Ireland titles, making them Ulster’s most successful team, but McConville led the team that started it all.

Johnny McGurk (Lavey, 1990/91)

LAVEY got their hands on an All-Ireland Senior Club Championship title back in 1991. Johnny McGurk was the skipper as the Derry men overcame Salthill-Knocknacarra in the final by five points. It was another piece in the Derry puzzle ahead of lifting Sam two years later.

Vincie McGovern (Burren, 1987/88)

AFTER their initial All-Ireland winning campaign of 1986, the Down men were back for more two years later and added a second All-Ireland crown to their roll of honour. Vincie McGovern, brother of 1986 winning captain Tommy, was the skipper this time around and the became the first pair of brothers to captain their club to All-Ireland titles.

Tommy McGovern (Burren, 1985/86)

Burren were the first ever Down team to go all the way in the All-Ireland club series, landing the biggest prize of all in 1986. They had won three Ulster titles in a row beforehand, so were well placed for a shot at the All-Ireland crown and Tommy McGovern has the honour of being the first Burren and Down man to captain a club to an All-Ireland title.

Laurence Diamond (Bellaghy, 1971/72)

THE Tones were the first Ulster team to get their hands on an All-Ireland club title back in 1972. Laurence Diamond captained the team to their second provincial title in 1971, with the club winning the first ever Ulster competition in 1968 and they went all the way to land the All-Ireland title.