Gerald McDonagh wins the first All-Ireland title of 2026 for Munster

McDonagh overcame Ulster champion Johnny Campbell by a bowl of odds in Ballinagree

Gerald McDonagh in action.

Gerald McDonagh won the first All-Ireland title of 2026 for Munster when he beat Ulster champion, Johnny Campbell, by a bowl of odds in Ballinagree.

He totally dominated the early exchanges and looked set for a runaway win. Campbell hit his best form in the second half, while McDonagh’s form briefly dipped. Campbell brought the lead back to a bowl of odds, but McDonagh found his mojo again in the run in.

McDonagh’s first bowl was perfect it ran past Coakley’s lane, but hopped the bridge into the stream. Campbell was left with his and missed the tip by 30m. Campbell’s second bowl just made An Capaillín Bán. McDonagh replied with another big one, which pushed him almost a bowl clear.

McDonagh raised the bowl with his third throw and was pushing towards two bowls after his fifth shot towards the double gates. Campbell began to find his feet in the following shots towards the pink cottage, but it was still close to two bowls there after eight and ten throws.

He followed with a big shot facing up towards the post office. McDonagh beat that by 150m, but Campbell’s challenge was sparking into life. After a super 13th shot from Campbell past the post office the lead was just 40m over a bowl. He continued to press strongly past the quay wall, but McDonagh was digging in too and he had 24m with a bowl at light there.

They matched each other in the following shots. It shifted definitively back McDonagh’s way after a nice rub on his 17th bowl towards the village. He won the next exchange comfortably to Robin’s Lock. He then sealed his win with a brilliant bowl from there that beat the line well.

Local sporting legend, eighteen time All-Ireland camogie and ladies gaelic football winner, Briege Corkery, played the first bowl to launch the series.