GAA county champions 2025: every winner in hurling and football throughout the country
CUP OF CHEERS: St Finbarr's captain Steven Sherlock lifts the Andy Scannell Cup; TJ Reid lifts the Tom Walsh Cup after the Kilkenny decider, Dingle captain Paul Geaney with the Bishop Moynihan Cup. Pics: Tom Beary, Ray McManus, Brendan Moran/ Sportsfile
Five players who were involved in Galway’s All-Ireland quarter-final against Meath featuring in an entertaining county final last Saturday which ended Maigh Cuilinn 1-17 Salthill/Knocknacarra 1-15. It would have been six if not for John Maher’s unfortunate ankle injury in the semi-final. Galway captain Sean Kelly inspired Maigh Cuilinn to their third county title in six years while Peter Cooke had another incredible impact off the bench.
: It took a replay and a remarkable late comeback for Ballina Stephenites to clinch their three-in-a-row against Westport. Captain Evan Regan landed the winning score having kicked 1-4 in the final 15 minutes. Westport led by ten after 50 minutes but were left shellshocked in the end. They were without star Lee Keegan after an injury picked up in the drawn final while Eoghan McLaughlin had to be replaced with 12 minutes remaining.
There were dramatic scenes at the end of the Mayo SHC final as Tooreen just edged out their biggest rivals Ballyhaunis to secure a fifth successive title. Ballyhaunis, with former Mayo All-Star Keith Higgins in their side, were one point up in extra-time but a long range Shane Boland free ended up in the net controversially. Ballyhaunis were adamant it was a square ball but the goal stood. There was heated scenes after the final whistle with two red cards shown. Tooreen will now take on Four Roads in the Connacht club intermediate quarter-final.
: It was a historic first-ever Leitrim title for Leitrim Gaels with former Derrygonnelly Harps players Ryan, Garvan and Connall Jones powering them to victory. The brothers, all of who have starred for Leitrim, starred as the Gaels downed reigning champions Mohill in the semi-final. Leitrim Gaels only became a club in late 1996.
: Pádraig Pearses 1-15 St Brigid’s 1-15 - A thrilling dream means the 2024 champions and 2023/24 All-Ireland finalists must meet again. Pádraig Pearses were looking for back-to-back crowns for the first time in their club’s history and looked on the cusp of it when Paul Carey had chance to win it. His two-point effort drifted wide. St Brigid’s county stars made their mark on the day with Brian Stick kicking the equalizer and Ben O’Carroll landing four frees. The replay is set for next Saturday.
Two goals from Conor Morris helped Four Roads to a fourth Roscommon SHC title in a row. The teenager also converted five frees. It caps a remarkable year for the club. County captain Conor Mulry captained Roscommon to the Nickey Rackard Cup in Croke Park earlier this year and was named Man of the Match in the decider.
If you’re going to end a famine, may as well do it in style. Shamrock Gaels overcame holders Coolera-Strandhill in a replay on Sunday to secure their first Owen B Hunt Cup since 1992. A red card for Leo Doherty after 41 minutes weakened the defending champions’ chances. Sligo star Niall Murphy was their only scorer on the day. Shane Deignan scored 2-3, including a goal in the final minute, to down the Connacht champions. This means that of the four All-Ireland club semi-finalists, none managed to get out of their respective county championships.
Still on top. Easkey secured a sixth Sligo SHC title in a row with Andrew Kilcullen hitting a remarkable 2-14 in the decider. The county kingpins now focus on backing up their Connacht title, having won three consecutive junior titles in recent years.
: A first SFC title for Old Leighlin in 12 years as they pipped defending champions Rathvilly by a point, 1-11 to 0-13. The club’s fifth senior title was confirmed by county man Cathal Coughlan’s last-gasp point from 30 metres. James Dowling had earlier netted the only goal of the game.
When the need was greatest in the county final, Mount Leinster Rangers delivered, reeling off the game's last five points to see off St Mullins by 1-19 to 0-16. It was their fourth final meeting in five seasons and a 12th title for Rangers who continue to rely heavily on Carlow star Chris Nolan. A 1-10 haul from him and 0-4 from county colleague Donagh Murphy proved decisive in the final win over Mullins.
: Ballyboden St Enda’s had been scoring freely in the group stages and they extended their rich vein of form all the way to the final where they saw off Na Fianna by four points, 1-16 to 1-12. Daire Sweeney has been consistency personified and once more he was prominent with eight points in the final, all but one coming from frees. Galway’s Céin Darcy landed the goal for the Firhouse Road men and former Clare star Keelan Sexton raised the green flag for Na Fianna.
Sean Currie's 64th-minute winning point secured a three-in-a-row of capital crowns for Na Fianna, the reigning All-Ireland champions, who will set about their Leinster defence now. They trailed a Lucan Sarsfields side chasing their first ever title by two-points at the hour mark of last Saturday's final. It's a third title for former Limerick All-Ireland SHC winner Brian Ryan who scored 0-5 and was man of the match.
Athy had taken exception to how much they had been written off before upsetting Naas the weekend before last, 1-17 to 0-18. Barry Kelly scored 1-3 for the challengers and former Tyrone defender Cathal McCarron clipped over three from defence.
Naas continue to dominate the Kildare hurling scene. By defeating Maynooth 3-15 to 0-16 in the decider they made it a remarkable seven-in-a-row of SHC titles. Jack Sheridan fired over eight points in the final, capping a great year having previously drilled 1-4 for Kildare in their surprise Joe McDonagh Cup final win. Maynooth will take solace in their young team which has the potential to come back stronger.
In the first senior county football final played this year, Mullinavat ran out 10-point winners over Mooncoin, 1-21 to 0-14, in May. Oisín Knox was top scorer for Mullinavat with six points from play.
Manager Henry Shefflin pointed out after guiding Ballyhale Shamrocks to the head of the Kilkenny SHC roll of honour with a 21st title that their win rate in 2024 was a lowly 16 percent. They weren't working hard enough, he claimed, but King Henry's return for 2025 changed everything. With a half-forward line of TJ Reid, Eoin Cody and Adrian Mullen, they made a significant statement when they defeated O'Loughlin Gaels by 1-18 to 0-12 in Sunday's final.
They may have needed a second day to seal their fifth SFC title in six years but there’s no disputing Portarlington are the kingpins of Laois football. Beating Courtwood 1-7 to 0-7 in Saturday’s replay, Colm Murphy’s penalty goal proved the difference between the sides.
These are boom times for Clough-Ballacolla who have won five of the last six county SHC titles. Stephen Bergin has been central to the glory era and reeled off a terrific 1-13 in this year's final defeat of Camross, a repeat of the 2022 outcome. Ultra experienced performers Willie Dunphy and Stephen 'Picky' Maher continue to contribute too.
The men for the big occasion, Killoe Emmet Óg maintained their 100% record in finals as they squeezed past Colmcille, 2-9 to 1-11, earlier this month. Ronan McGoldrick delivered the winning point just as he did in the 2023 final.
After three final defeats in a row, success was never going to come easily for Longford Slashers who needed a replay to eventually get the better of Wolfe Tones Mostrim. John Murray was Man of the Match and Micheal Mulcahy's early goal was hugely important in the four-point win. That was the Slashers' first title since 2021, when they also beat Mostrim.
County captain Sam Mulroy was in fine form as Naomh Máirtín surprised the odds to defeat Newtown Blues in Sunday’s final – 1-18 to 1-11. Mulroy scored 1-4 and his county colleague Cianan Downey’s personal tally was five points.
Naomh Moninne broke the stranglehold enjoyed by St Fechin's on the Louth SHC this year, claiming a record 24th title and their first since 2019. Conor Murphy was at the centre of late drama, firing 1-1 at the death to secure a dramatic comeback win in August's final. Murphy then added 3-3 in the league final as the Dundalk club beat Termonfeckin outfit St Fechin's again, grabbing a first league and championship double since 1998.
Summerhill’s intensity proved too much for Ratoath in the end as they claimed victory, 0-16 to 0-13, in the October 12 showdown. Meath captain Eoghan Frayne produced eight points all from placed balls and Ratoath left it too late to stage a fightback.
A week after striking the equalising point for Ratoath, Podge O'Hanrahan was Man of the Match in last Saturday's county final replay, scoring eight points. All four McGowan brothers - Ben, Jack, Daithi and Gavin - started and played key roles too as Ratoath beat Kiltale at the second attempt, securing back-to-back titles and just their third ever. Six of their starting team also lined out for the county SFC final defeat to Summerhill.
: Tullamore completed the three-in-a-row on Sunday as they ran out 0-19 to 1-12 winners over Ferbane. With his own hat-trick of two-pointers, Harry Plunkett won the game in spectacular fashion just as it appeared Darragh Flynn’s goal was sending the cup Ferbane’s way.
A second three-in-a-row of county titles in the space of 13 years is a testament to the underage work that has been put in at Kilcormac-Killoughey. They beat Shinrone in this year's decider, turning it on in the second quarter and again late on to win by seven. Charlie Mitchell and Adam Screeney hit 1-9 between them in the final and still have their best years ahead. Conor Slevin and Cillian Kiely bring vital experience.
The Downs hit Coralstown-Kinnegad for four goals in Sunday’s decider and they were six-point victors, 4-12 to 1-15. With seven points, Westmeath star Luke Loughlin was top scorer for last year’s runners-up. The Downs were nine points up with just over 10 minutes remaining as Ian Martin struck his team’s third goal.
Castletown Liam Mellows and Shelmaliers face off in the final this Sunday. Castletown are defending champions and Shelmaliers previously claimed the title two years ago.
For the second year in a row, Barry O'Connor struck a hugely important county final goal to clinch the silverware for St Martin's. The ex-AFL player is based in Australia most of the year but netted in last year's decider and struck 1-2 in last weekend's final win over Rathnure, securing back-to-back titles for the first time in the club's history. His cousins, Wexford duo Jack and Rory O'Connor, lined out too.
Baltinglass claimed their first senior football county title in five years on October 5 when they defeated Carnew Emmets, 1-20 to 0-15. Wexford footballer Ben Brosnan impressed for Carnew but his efforts weren’t enough to stop a Baltinglass side who were inspired by county goalkeeper Mark Jackson.
You wouldn't have picked Carnew Emmets as Wicklow champions elect back in July after a Round 1 loss to Kiltegan. But they blitzed all comers after that and scored a surprise final win over Bray Emmets, ending Bray's bid for seven-in-a-row with a 0-16 to 2-8 win in a cracking match. It's Carnew's first title since 2009 and they will tap Padraig Doran and Eoin Kavanagh for further inspiration in the Leinster club IHC.
: The second half of the double of Éire Óg Ennis. Another neighbour knocked over. A fourth crown in five years to take them ahead of Kilrush at the top of the roll of honour. Eight players - Ciaran Russell, Darren Moroney, Aaron Fitzgerald, Oran Cahill, Jarlath Collins, David McNamara, Darren O’Brien, and Nially McMahon - featured in both.
The first half of the double. A 35-year wait washed away. Neighbours Clooney-Quin denied an end to their own 83-year famine. Captain David Reidy, reigning hurler of the year Shane O’Donnell, local championship top-scorer Danny Russell, and young Marco Cleary began a special fortnight for the club.
: A shift in southside superiority. At the sixth attempt, the Barrs finally bested neighbours Nemo on the concluding afternoon of local fare. Brian Hayes dominated restarts on either side to remind Cork football followers what they’ve been missing out on since his switch in inter-county codes three years ago.
: Reliable and unrelenting, Sars reaffirmed their status as the pre-eminent club team in Cork with a second county in three years. The smart and effective contributions of Cork call-up Cian Darcy, 35-year-old Daniel Kearney, and final debutant Donal English reinforced how Johnny Crowley has built a collective of few frills. Injury-maligned Midleton took to the field with one hand tied behind their back.
: No Dr Crokes, no East Kerry, and neither of the sides - Mid Kerry and Rathmore - that successfully slayed the two most recent county champions. That cleared the stage for Dingle - who had injuries to Tom O'Sullivan and Conor Geaney clear up and Mark O’Connor return home from Oz in perfect timing - to claim a first Bishop Moynihan success since 1948. Paul Geaney’s 2-2 inspired the West Kerry men past the Tralee kids of Austin Stacks.
: Played on August 3, Abbeydorney bagged one of the first county senior hurling titles of the 2025 club season. For the second summer in succession, they had that little bit to spare over Ballyduff. Captain James O’Connor led a rearguard action that denied their opponents the green flag oxygen they required.
: Champions Adare face Mungret St Paul’s in one semi-final, Fr Casey's take on Newcastle West in the second.
Substitute Conor Boylan’s equalising goal at the end of regulation time and six unanswered points in the first period of extra-time propelled Na Piarsaigh to sweet revenge over their final conquerors from Doon 12 months previous. A ninth local success since their maiden triumph in 2011.
: Still ongoing. Kilsheelan-Kilcash, who secured a first final appearance since 1981 when ending the latest double bid of reigning champions Loughmore-Castleiney, await the winners of the second semi between Clonmel and Upperchurch-Drombane.
: Half of Loughmore’s 10 county final scorers carried the McGrath surname. Captain Liam’s 48th-minute goal was arguably the most crucial of those contributions to stave off Jake Morris and Nenagh. Their first ever retaining of the Dan Breen silverware and third acquaintance in five seasons.
Read More
: This Sunday sees a repeat of the 2023 decider between Rathgormack and The Nire. Three-in-a-row chasing Rathgormack just about squeezed into a seventh consecutive final the weekend gone. They trailed Abbeyside/Ballinacourty by three with four minutes left. Stephen Curry punched a goal and Jason Curry converted a last-minute free.
: Copy and paste from 12 months ago. Or any of the previous 10 years before that. The 22-point final hammering of Mount Sion was a non-event. It was the semi-final where Ballygunner were unusually tested. Pauric Mahony’s second-half introduction and two late goals from Dessie Hutchinson got the 14 men in black and red past the De La Salle scare.
So often noted for their hurling exploits, Dunloy showed there’s plenty of footballing talent in the club too as they beat a Cargin side chasing a ninth title in 11 years to end an 89-year wait for the crown. Antrim hurlers Seean Elliott and Keelan Molloy were in fine scoring form in the 3-12 to 2-6 success.
Pre-tournament favourites Dunloy and Cushendall both fell at the semi-final stage ensuring a novel final between St John’s and Loughgiel. Two-time All-Ireland champions Loughgiel were favourites, but the Belfast side had other ideas with Donal Carson and Oisin McManus goaling in the 2-16 to 1-18 win as the Volunteer Cup headed to the Johnnies for the first time in 52 years.
Madden and Cullyhanna met in what was sure to be a history-making final as never had reigned supreme before, and it was Madden who joined the roll of honour with a thumping 0-20 to 0-09 win on an emotional occasion for a club hit by off-field tragedies in recent times. Armagh star Darragh McMullen produced a simply stunning showing for the Raparees.
: Middletown’s dominance in the Orchard County continues, but only just as they defeated old rivals Keady 0-21 to 0-19 to secure a seventh title in succession. Dean Gaffney finished with 13 points for the victors with Conor Corvan coming up with a dozen for the losing side as the Jimmy Carlisle Cup stayed with the Na Fianna men.
Kingscourt lost to Gowna by 17 points in the 2023 final, but two years on the roles were reversed as the Stars eased to a 2-6 to 0-13 win despite being the underdogs pre-match. The experienced Joe Dillon rolled back the years while Meath’s Jordan Morris finished with nine points with the likes of Padraig Faulkner providing the solidity to keep Vinny Corey’s charges at bay.
For the third year in a row, Cootehill and East Cavan Gaels met in the county final with Cootehill regaining their title on a 0-17 to 0-13 scoreline. The sides couldn’t be separated for the majority of the game, but it was Cootehill who made the late charge with Mark Moffett firing over a series of frees to get them over the line.
Newbridge’s 2024 Derry final win over All-Ireland champions Glen was a massive shock at the time, but they showed that they are no one-hit wonder with a high quality 1-17 to 1-15 Oakleaf final win over Magherafelt. Callum McGrogan fisted home an early goal while Conor McAteer picked off some brilliant scores as they saw off the Rossa to go back-to-back.
Slaughtneil made it 13 Derry titles in a row, and the manner of their 3-24 to 1-10 win over Dungiven suggests that it’s a run that’s not going to end any time soon. Brendan Rogers and Oisin O’Doherty have played in all 13 of those, with the former scoring two goals in this final and Shea Cassidy netting between those strikes.
Naomh Conaill proved to be the cat with nine lives as they came back from the dead on a number of occasions on their way to claiming a fifth title in seven years. That extended to the final too as Gweedore seemed to be in complete control – leading by seven at the break – before being pegged back by a Shea Malone two-pointer to force extra-time. From there, Naomh Conaill took control with Max Campbell’s goal helping them to a 2-18 to 1-19 win.
Setanta made amends for their 2024 final loss to Burt with a 2-12 to 0-13 win over the same opposition. For so long though, Burt were right in it, but a brace of late goals from Josh Cronolly McGee turned the game in his side's favour. Gerard Gilmore also chipped in with a vital nine points for the winners.
Kilcoo became the first Down team to win seven titles in a row, and 13 in 14 speaks for itself with the loss to Burren in 2018 their only loss in knockout football in the Mourne County since 2011. Paul Devlin, about for all 14 titles, scored an early penalty in a 1-17 to 1-11 win over Carryduff with Down manager Conor Laverty coming on for the final 12 minutes to help the Magpies see it out.
Portaferry Portaferry became the first Down side to win four in a row since Ballycran in the mid-80s, but they required a third-quarter surge to defeat Ballygalget 2-24 to 2-13 in Newry. Eoghan Sands, playing his first game in three months, grabbed their first goal in the 44th minute with Cathal Coleman nailing a penalty too.
: It took two goes, but Erne Gaels managed to keep the Fermanagh title in Belleek after a 1-12 to 1-9 replay win over Derrygonnelly. Declan Bonner, the new Erne County boss, knew his side got out of jail in the drawn encounter, and they were much better this time around with Ultan Kelm’s first-half goal helping them to a 1-9 to 0-4 half-time lead. The Harps fought back after the break, but the buffer was too big.
The Fermanagh senior championship hasn’t been played since 2013. Lisbellaw have been nominated to compete in the Ulster Intermediate Championship. Erne Gaels, who won the Fermanagh Junior title, will play in the Ulster Junior Championship.
Business as usual in Monaghan as Scotstown made it 10 titles from 13 attempts, but they needed extra-time to see off Inniskeen on a 0-22 to 0-17 scoreline. Youngster Tommy Mallon scored seven points with Jack McCarron and Darren Hughes making big impressions as the pain for the Grattans – without a title since 1948 – continues.
Castleblayney’s grip on the Monaghan title feels as strong as ever, but a gallant Truagh Gaels were competitive in a 1-19 to 2-8 defeat. Truagh were two points behind at the switch and opened the second-half scoring, but that’s as good as it got as Blayney took control with Hugh Byrne putting the seal on the win with a goal at the death.
A famous first for a Loughmacrory side, so often living in the shadow of parish rivals Carrickmore, as they defeated Trillick 0-18 to 2-11 having never been even in a senior semi-final prior to this season. Cathal Donaghy scored the late winner with Ryan Grimley also on the field on the same day his brothers Niall and Liam helped Madden to a first title in Armagh.
A dramatic finale to the Tyrone decider as Seamus Sweeney banged home a goal at the death to give the Carrickmore side a 2-15 to 0-18 win over perennial rivals Eogahn Ruadh. It’s six titles in a row for Eire Óg, and few were harder won with the Dungannon side coming close to winning the title for the first time since 2019.
A collection of the latest sports news, reports and analysis from Cork.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
