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All-Ireland Hurling Final Preview

#Hurling

Your home for the latest news, views and analysis on all things hurling.

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p> Barry O'Connor of St Martin's in action against Richie Reid of Shamrocks Ballyhale during the AIB Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship final match between St Martin's of Wexford and Shamrocks Ballyhale of Kilkenny at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile</p>

S gaa-columnists

Anthony Daly: St Martin's structure is sound but Ballygunner will stretch it at the seams

St Martin’s were outstanding in the Leinster final but they’ll have to be even better again to win against Ballygunner.

<p> Mark Hickey scored 12 points for Kilbrittain in their victory over Davidstown-Courtnacuddy in the All-Ireland JHC semi-final. Pic: Dan Linehan</p>

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Battling Kilbrittain hold off Davidstown-Courtnacuddy to reach All-Ireland JHC final

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SGAA Talking points: Ballygunner out to buck Leinster trend, Loughrea's Clare connection

Niall Fitzgerald 4/11/2018

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Beyond the garden gate: Are inter-county GAA teams ready to turn native?

GAA Special Congress 2025

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Jarlath Burns: The amount of people in Asia keen to invest in the GAA is mesmerising

Kerry v Mayo - Electric Ireland GAA Football All-Ireland Minor Championship Semi-Final

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Kerry club management merry-go-round in full swing as Quillinan takes over at Glenflesk

Waterford v Clare - Electric Ireland GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor Championship Final

Munster back All-Ireland minor U18 return but adult club games to be barred during inter-county run

Munster GAA chairman Tim Murphy has backed the creation of a two-week gap between the All-Ireland senior hurling and football finals

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Cork v Tipperary - GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final

S Fogarty Forum: John McGrath’s RTÉ awards snub is a bad look

That a hurler was not deemed good enough to join David Clifford on the 12-person shortlist for the RTÉ Sport Sportsperson of the Year award was a surprise

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

Kilkenny v Galway - Leinster GAA Senior Hurling Championship Final

Galway chairman Bellew: Spend on county teams is now sustainable

Galway GAA chairman Paul Bellew paid tribute to all the people who organise and support fundraising activity and said that while generating income is a difficult task, they continue to push the boundaries.

Wed, 10 Dec, 2025

Cork v Tipperary - GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final

S John Fogarty: Munster GAA’s €12m spending surge shows a system running out of control

Munster’s projected €12m spend highlights an escalating and largely unchecked financial race that threatens the GAA’s amateur spirit and sustainability

Tue, 09 Dec, 2025

Cork v Tipperary - GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final

Cork GAA schools committee hits out at 'drastically slashed' hurling final ticket allocation

Cork GAA's post-primary schools committee said in their report to the county convention that there were many "frustrated teachers" who did not receive All-Ireland hurling final tickets

Mon, 08 Dec, 2025

Dingle v Castlehaven - AIB Munster GAA Football Senior Club Championship Final

S Christy O'Connor: Cork-Kerry Munster club finals are rarer than you’d expect

After Laune Rangers and Clonakilty faced off in the 1996 Munster Club SFC final, and Nemo played Glenflesk in the 2000 decider, there wasn’t a Cork-Kerry club final again for another 10 years

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

Cork v Tipperary - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 2

GAA 2026: Full season fixture schedule guide to next year's League and Championship

The Munster SHC gets underway on the weekend of April 18/19.

Wed, 03 Dec, 2025

Clare v Cork - Allianz Hurling League Division 1A

Hurling review committee needed, says ex-referees head Willie Barrett

Former referees chief Barrett feels the GAA need to address hand-passes and rucks

Tue, 02 Dec, 2025

DCU Dóchas Éireann v University of Limerick - Electric Ireland HE GAA Fitzgibbon Cup Final

Significant change to Fitzgibbon and Sigerson Cup schedules in the works

UL manager Brian Ryan said the Fitzgibbon and Sigerson Cup finals being played at Croke Park would "reclaim that lost ground" for the competitions

Tue, 02 Dec, 2025

Brian Hayes greets supporters as he leaves the field 23/11/2025

S Kieran Shannon: Sad that dual delights like Brian Hayes are now rare gems

If it was possible Brian Hayes would have played Dublin twice in Croke Park this past summer.

Tue, 02 Dec, 2025

Ballygunner v Éire Óg Ennis - AIB Munster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship Final

'It really did hurt': Hutchinson turns Waterford axe into Ballygunner scoring spree

Hutchinson was dropped for Waterford's Munster SHC game against Cork but has gone on to scored 9-70 for Ballygunner in their run to provincial glory

Tue, 02 Dec, 2025

Ardscoil Rís roar back to claim Dean Ryan Cup glory against CBC

Ardscoil Rís roar back to claim Dean Ryan Cup glory against CBC

CBC had led by four with 45 minutes played but Ardscoil Rís fought back to win by two points and claim the school's second Dean Ryan Cup title in three years.

Mon, 01 Dec, 2025

GAA stars lend a hand to promote sport and plant trees in Uganda

GAA stars lend a hand to promote sport and plant trees in Uganda

The Gaelic Players Association, Self Help Africa, and Warriors for Humanity are collaborating on an ambitious plan to plant one million trees in Uganda

Sun, 30 Nov, 2025

He's hurler of the year but past disappointments still driving John McGrath

He's hurler of the year but past disappointments still driving John McGrath

John McGrath and four others missed out on Tipperary's team holiday to South Africa due to club commitments.

Wed, 26 Nov, 2025

Waterford v Offaly - Allianz Hurling League Division 1B Final

S John Fogarty: Ten pressing matters GAA faces this week

A packed week of policy debates, fixture changes and funding battles will influence everything from Casement Park to championship structures

Tue, 25 Nov, 2025

Kildare v Dublin - GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Round 1

State of hurling has never been as low, says Babs Keating

Tipperary great fears Kildare face "a crucifixion" in 2026 Leinster SHC

Mon, 24 Nov, 2025

Rory O'Connor comes up against Liam O'Riley 23/11/2025

St Martin’s gamble pays off as Naas routed to set up landmark day for club

St Martin's fielded a weakened team in the Leinster IFC last week, resulting in a 32-point defeat but that gamble paid off as they beat Naas in the Leinster SHC last four.

Mon, 24 Nov, 2025

Ben Mayer fires Ballinora to Cork Junior A hurling final

Ben Mayer fires Ballinora to Cork Junior A hurling final

Mayer scored 11 points for Ballinora in their victory over Cobh

Sun, 23 Nov, 2025

Shamrocks Ballyhale v Clough Ballacolla - AIB Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship Semi-Final

Ballyhale book Leinster final spot but made to sweat by Clough Ballacolla

Ballyhale will play St Martin's of Wexford in the Leinster Club SHC final

Sun, 23 Nov, 2025

Éire Óg Ennis v Loughmore-Castleiney - AIB Munster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship Semi-Final

S Éire Óg’s dream double crowns decade of change in Ennis

Éire Óg Ennis face the Barrs in this weekend's Munster Club SFC semi-final. The will play Ballygunner in the provincial hurling on November 30.

Sat, 22 Nov, 2025

Christy O'Connor: Mungret chasing that dream debut season

S Christy O'Connor: Mungret chasing that dream debut season

Limerick champions Mungret St Paul's face Dingle on Sunday aiming to become the first club in 30 years to reach the Munster decider in the same season as winning their maiden county title.

Fri, 21 Nov, 2025

Harty Cup: Sublime Ben Cummins fires Lismore into knockouts after 13-point rout of Hospital

S Harty Cup: Sublime Ben Cummins fires Lismore into knockouts after 13-point rout of Hospital

Cummins scored 1-14 for Blackwater Community School.

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Harty Cup: Midleton secure group top spot with victory over De La Salle

Harty Cup: Midleton secure group top spot with victory over De La Salle

Fionn Daly scored 1-6 for Midleton

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Fulfil U20 Hurling Championship Launch

'He has it all': Walsh hails Lawlor as Kilkenny face life without All Star full-back

Walsh suggested Ivan Bolger is a player who could fill the gap left by Lawlor who will spend next year travelling.

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

TG4 Ladies Football All Stars 2025

S Fogarty Forum: For integration to happen, female codes must first unite

Same stubbornness that has defined camogie and LGFA relationship was again on show on awards tonight

Tue, 18 Nov, 2025

Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Football Finals - Tuesday 11th January

S Christy O'Connor: Traces of GAA DNA on show in Budapest

Seamus Coleman once said there was not probably about it, he was a better Gaelic footballer than a soccer player.

Mon, 17 Nov, 2025

Ballygunner v Sarsfields - AIB Munster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship Semi-Final

'They’ll murder you if you make mistakes': ruthless Ballygunner avenge Munster final hurt

Ballygunner knew that if Sarsfields went man-to-man with their potent set of forwards, they could take advantage.

Mon, 17 Nov, 2025

Aghabullogue riding the crest of a never-ending campaign

Aghabullogue riding the crest of a never-ending campaign

Supporters of Aghabullogue have been on some journey over the past couple of years

Sun, 16 Nov, 2025

Kevin Werner the hero as Ballinora seal epic Cork IAFC final victory over Ilen Rovers

Kevin Werner the hero as Ballinora seal epic Cork IAFC final victory over Ilen Rovers

Kevin Werner’s late goal for Ballinora in extra-time capped a gripping replay win against Ilen Rovers at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Sun, 16 Nov, 2025

Jason Ryan ahead of the game 16/11/2025

Avenging last year's Munster heartbreak a motivating factor for Ballygunner

Sarsfields manager Johnny Crowley reflected with pride on a three-year journey for this side.

Sun, 16 Nov, 2025

Ballygunner v Sarsfields - AIB Munster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship Semi-Final

Four-goal Ballygunner avenge Munster final heartbreak against Sarsfields

Second-half goals from Patrick Fitzgerald and Kevin Mahony killed off a Sarsfields fightback as Ballygunner powered through a feisty, card-strewn Munster semi-final.

Sun, 16 Nov, 2025

Galway v Limerick - Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group A

Limerick to close out National Hurling League campaign with two home games

Kilkenny will travel to Galway and All-Ireland champions Tipperary for their final two National Hurling League games of 2026.

Mon, 10 Nov, 2025

Who are the GAA’s 15 most marketable stars?

S Who are the GAA’s 15 most marketable stars?

As GAA luminaries gather for the annual All-Stars knees-up, most of the games' most high profile and savvy stars will be in the room - though not all of them.

Sun, 09 Nov, 2025

Mary Immaculate College Limerick v UCC - Electric Ireland Higher Education GAA Fitzgibbon Cup Round 2

Inter-county hurlers most likely to suffer concussion in last quarter of matches

While concussion in Gaelic football spread evenly across games, the pattern in hurling mirrors that of professional rugby

Sun, 09 Nov, 2025

PwC GAA/GPA All-Star Awards 2025

Not long ago, John McGrath was unsure of place on Tipp team, now he's hurler of the year

Gong into this season, John McGrath said there was much talk in the Tipperary panel about winning titles. It was about putting pride back in the jersey.

Sat, 08 Nov, 2025

Colin Ryan and Tiernan Ryan celebrate after the game 19/10/2025

S Hospital see off Doon in Limerick derby to set up Harty Cup showdown with Blackwater

"Your destiny is in your own hands," John the Baptist Community School manager Michael Martin said about his side's round 3 winner-takes-all clash with Blackwater. "Everything to play for, attitude is very good."

Wed, 05 Nov, 2025

Mon fight back to claim victory over CBC in spicy Harty Cup Cork derby

Mon fight back to claim victory over CBC in spicy Harty Cup Cork derby

The Mon move to three points in Group 4 while progression to the Harty Cup quarter-finals is beyond the reach of CBC.

Wed, 05 Nov, 2025

Cavan v Westmeath - Tailteann Cup Final

GAA considers restricting full-time staff from coaching outside their own clubs and counties

Potential conflicts of interest are a concern for the GAA's leadership.

Tue, 04 Nov, 2025

DJ Carey at Blanchardstown Court

S John Fogarty: Why did GPA give DJ Carey €30,000?

Oversight has been a major stumbling block in the GAA-GPA funding negotiations. The DJ Carey donation suggests they have cause to insist on more regulation

Tue, 04 Nov, 2025

Na Piarsaigh v Ballygunner - AIB Munster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship Quarter-Final

'New energy' as Dessie Hutchinson hails Ballygunner management

The Waterford kingpins face old rivals Sars of Cork next time out.

Tue, 04 Nov, 2025

Kilkenny v Galway - Leinster GAA Senior Hurling Championship Final

Galway and Kilkenny to meet in Leinster SHC opening round

Kildare will make their Leinster SHC debut when they host Wexford.

Mon, 03 Nov, 2025

Mick Clifford: DJ Carey — hurling legend who sank to the depths in pursuit of a life full of lies

S Mick Clifford: DJ Carey — hurling legend who sank to the depths in pursuit of a life full of lies

If he is so minded, DJ Carey may be in a position to make amends and show that there can be second acts in GAA lives. But it will be a long, long road back

Mon, 03 Nov, 2025

Londis & Irelands Fittest Family Launch

Davy Fitzgerald praises Tipperary's tactical gamble but has sympathy for Pat Ryan

Fitzgerald thought playing the sweeper was "very smart" of Tipperary manager Liam Cahill.

Wed, 29 Oct, 2025

Donegal v Tyrone - GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Preliminary Quarter-Final

GAAGO revenue rose to €5.7m in final year before GAA buyout

The GAA bought RTÉ out of their 50% share of GAAGO earlier this year, rebranding it as GAA+.

Tue, 28 Oct, 2025