Gaelic Games

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Dublin goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton could be set to call time on his inter-county career after it was announced that he has joined Ger Brennan's management team.

Cluxton, along with former Dublin greats Dean Rock and Denis Bastick, will join their former team-mate on Brennan's coaching panel for the 2026 inter-county season.

Niall Moyna also rejoins the coaching staff having previously been part of the management team for Dublin's All-Ireland success in 2011.

Cluxton, 43, has won nine All-Ireland titles with Dublin, including six championships in a row from 2015 to 2020 as well as six All-Stars.

He has also picked up 18 Leinster titles and five National Football League medals and was part of the Dublin side that lost at the quarter-final stage of the championship this year against Tyrone, which proved to be Dessie Farrell's final game in charge.

The Pobal Parnell clubman will now work with Brennan, who was appointed Dublin boss last month on a three-year term after leading Louth to a first Leinster Championship title in 68 years in June with victory over Meath.

"Dublin GAA are very fortunate to have such a high calibre management team leading our senior footballers," said Dublin county board chairman Ken O'Sullivan in a statement

"Ger, himself, has been hugely successful as both a player and coach across his career.

"I'm delighted to see Dean, Denis and Stephen get involved with the management of the Dublin Senior Football team, having previously given so much to Dublin GAA during their playing careers.

"All three are among the most decorated players the game has ever seen and have been part of panels that have brought historic levels of success to Dublin over the last 15 years.

"Niall has also played a key role in the success and growth of Gaelic Games in the county with Dublin, with St Vincents and with DCU at colleges level."

Odhran Crumley
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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Ulster GAA president Michael Geoghegan expects the McKenna Cup to return for the 2026 season.

After being dropped for 2025, the competition, alongside similar pre-season competitions in Leinster, Munster and Connacht, are set to have their reinstatement to the calendar confirmed at a meeting of the GAA's Central Council on Saturday in Croke Park.

"I do, I fully anticipate a return because we were told last year at Central Council, I actually was there as a proxy for the then Ulster President Ciaran McLaughlin, and when that decision was taken we were told that it was going to be parked for 12 months," Geoghegan told BBC Sport NI.

"Now I also know that you know within the association there's a lot of discussion going on in terms of the duration of the season and in terms of the All-Ireland Finals as to when they will be played.

"There is a desire among a lot of the GAA public to see the All-Ireland Finals being put back so as a consequence of that we don't know what's coming down the line but I certainly hope that in 2026 we get the opportunity [to play the McKenna Cup].

"The 2026 edition would also mark the 100th anniversary since the McKenna Cup's inception so I think it'd be a great landmark and a great occasion to have if we could actually mark that 100 years of competition." Geoghegan continued.

The suspension of the competition for the 2025 season had significant financial ramifications for the Ulster Council and the clubs within the province as the tournament traditionally drew large attendances.

"Last year in particular probably would have been one of the biggest competitions because of the fact that we had Armagh on there as All-Ireland champions and the fact that they were taking capacity crowds to the Athletic Grounds for every game.

"I mean we could be potentially looking at losing up on £300,000 last year," the Ulster GAA President confirmed.

"Now people think of that as money going to Ulster Council but you have to remember that 83p of every £1 the competition earns equates to well over £200,000 in grant aid that will be coming back to our clubs in the province.

"So there's a potential loss to the clubs of £200,000 by losing it last year, so that was a massive financial hit for us."

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Cork have confirmed Ben O'Connor is set to be ratified as the county's new senior hurling manager on Tuesday night.

The Newtownshandrum man has been given a three-year term, taking over from Pat Ryan who opted to step down after three years in charge when he led the Rebels to two All-Ireland finals and their first league title in 27 years.

O'Connor won three All-Irelands with the Rebels between 1999 and 2005 and led the county's U20s to the 2023 All-Ireland title.

Confirmed as part of the backroom team will be O'Connor's former Cork team-mate Ronan Curran who is one of three selectors. The St Finbarr's man is joined by Midleton's Terence McCarthy and William Biggane from the new manager's home club.

Ballinhassig's Niall O'Halloran has been named as team coach.

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Jack O'Connor is to remain Kerry senior football manager for another two years, officially ending speculation about his future.

The Dromid Pearses man has been handed a two-year extension, ratified at a meeting of the Kerry County Board on Tuesday.

His backroom team of Cian O'Neill, Aodan Mac Gearailt and James Costello is also to remain in place following a season in which they helped deliver All-Ireland, Munster and League success, with Pa McCarthy added as a selector.

O'Connor has won five All-Ireland titles as manager of the Kingdom over three spells in charge.

The latest came in July as they beat Donegal 1-26 to 0-19 in the final, moving him to within one of Dublin's Jim Gavin on the managerial roll of honour and three behind the late, great Mick O'Dwyer, who won eight with Kerry.

Following this year's triumph, the 64-year-old hinted it may be his "last hurrah" but current Kerry players including the Cliffords - Paudie and David - expressed their desire for O'Connor to remain, while 2025 captain Gavin White told the GAA Social Live he would "try to twist his arm a small bit" moments after this year's final.

The retired school teacher won his first two All-Irelands as manager in 2004 and 2006, beating Mayo on each occasion before making way for Pat O'Shea who ensured it was back-to-back titles for the county in 2007.

O'Connor returned to guide Kerry to the 2009 title with victory over neighbours Cork, but stepped away again after the 2012 campaign.

Following spells with the Kerry minors - winning All-Ireland titles in 2014 and 2015 - and the county's U21s, he had a spell with Kildare before returning to the helm of his native county in 2021, delivering another All-Ireland in 2022 with a final victory against Galway and then this year made it number 39 for the Kingdom.

His decision to remain affords the opportunity to seek his first back-to-back as senior manager as following the 2004 and 2022 wins, they lost in the subsequent finals to Tyrone and Dublin respectively, while Down eliminated them at the quarter-final stage in 2010.

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Monaghan midfielder Darren Hughes has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

The 38-year-old has represented the Farney county since making his debut in 2006 and won a pair of Ulster titles in 2013 and 2015.

The Scotstown clubman made his last appearance for the county in their All-Ireland quarter-final defeat by Donegal in June.

"It has always been a great honour to wear the Monaghan jersey and I am truly grateful for the memories I have both on and off the field," he said in a statement.

"I am lucky to say I have enjoyed every minute. I leave with incredible memories, lasting friendships and look forward to many years supporting from the stands."

Hughes suffered a serious leg injury during the 2024 Ulster Championship but returned to play a part in his club's county championship that same year before helping Monaghan back into Division One this season.

His manager Gabriel Bannigan described him as "a true Monaghan warrior", he said.

"He would literally stand on his head for the good of Monaghan football," he said.

"To me Darren had it all as a player. He had pace and power, excellent defensively and a powerhouse going forward, and of course he was teak tough.

"He was ultra consistent - you could be guaranteed at least an 8 out of 10 every day that man went out."

David Mohan
BBC Sport NI journalist

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Aaron Kernan has taken up a coaching role with the Meath senior football team for 2026.

The former Armagh star has agreed to join Robbie Brennan's management team for next season after serving as defence coach with Sligo in 2025 under former team-mate Tony McEntee.

Meath made strides in 2025 despite losing coaches Martin Corey and Joe McMahon in March with both now involved with Down club side Kilcoo as Conor Gillespie and Shane Supple stepped into the breach.

Still, the Royals pushed on by reaching the Leinster final with a semi-final win against Dublin, but would go on to record victories against Kerry and Galway in the All-Ireland championship, only to see their run ended by Donegal at the semi-final stage - their first time back in the last four since 2009.

With Brennan beginning to plan for next year, he has enlisted the services of the highly respected Kernan - son of Armagh's 2002 All-Ireland winning manager Joe - to add his expertise.

Kernan enjoyed a stellar playing career for club and county, winning four Ulster titles with Armagh between 2004 and 2009, while picking up the Young Player of the Year award in his breakthrough year of 2005, departing the inter-county scene after the 2014 season.

With his native Crossmaglen, Kernan won 18 county, eight provincial and three All-Ireland titles and was named man-of-the-match in the 2007 final victory against Kerry's Dr Crokes.

The 41-year-old retired from club action after Crossmaglen's 2023 Ulster Club Championship loss to Trillick in 2023.

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Mark Doran has been named the Antrim senior football manager.

The Slaughtneil boss will replace Andy McEntee, whose three-year term in charge of the Saffrons came to an end after their Tailteann Cup defeat against Wexford in June.

Doran, who was linked to the Derry job last year before it went to Paddy Tally, had also been working with Roscommon footballers under then manager Davy Burke.

Antrim county committee chairperson Seamus McMullan said Doran's "depth of experience" was an important factor in his successful application for the job.

Before the Rossies, Doran held inter-county coaching roles with his native Down and Clare.

"Mark has built a solid reputation as a coach and manager," McMullan said.

"His depth of experience and understanding of the modern game make him an ideal fit to lead our senior footballers forward."

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Ulster GAA has expressed "deep sorrow and profound shock" at the death of its former president Oliver Galligan.

Galligan served as the 37th president of the Ulster Council between 2019 and 2022, a term which saw the Cavan native help guide the organisation through the Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition to roles as Ulster GAA PRO, treasurer and vice-president, Galligan was a member of the Casement Park Stadium Board, while he also served on the Central Competitions Control Committee and Croke Park Stadium Board.

As a player, Galligan won three Cavan titles with Cavan Gaels and played senior inter-county football with the Breffni County between 1969 and 1973. He also captained Cavan to an Ulster minor title in 1967.

Having served as Cavan Gaels chairman and as a member of Cavan's county board for 15 years, he joined the Ulster Council as an officer in 2010.

"Ulster GAA expresses profound sorrow at Oliver's passing and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Frances, his sons John and Oliver (Jnr), his daughter Elaine (Peter), and the wider Galligan family circle during this time of great loss.

"We remember also his colleagues at Cavan Gaels and in Cavan GAA. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."

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Kieran Donnelly has stepped down as Fermanagh senior football boss after four years in charge.

In a statement on Monday, Fermanagh GAA said Donnelly informed county officers at the weekend of his decision to exit the role, 12 months after being handed a fresh three-year term.

"Fermanagh GAA would like to sincerely thank Kieran and his entire backroom team for their dedication and commitment over the last four years," read the county board's statement.

"Transitioning from Covid and the new playing rules has not been an easy task. While silverware may have eluded, Kieran brought a great culture and positive environment to the senior side.

"We wish Kieran, his family and all the backroom team every success in the future."

Former Fermanagh player Donnelly, who succeeded Ryan McMenamin in 2021, said it was an "honour and a privilege" to lead his native county.

"I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to my backroom team for their dedication and professionalism throughout my tenure," said the former Scotstown and Cavan Gaels boss.

"The players have shown tremendous growth and development, and I am proud of the progress the squad has made during this period. I would like to wish the players, management, and supporters of Fermanagh GAA every success in the years ahead."

Donnelly led Fermanagh to promotion from Division Three in 2023, but was unable to avoid the drop last year.

The Ernesiders missed out on promotion this year and were edged out by Down in a tight Ulster SFC quarter-final in Enniskillen.

Donnelly's side managed to regroup to top their Tailteann Cup group and beat Sligo in the quarter-finals, only to fall to eventual champions Kildare in the last four.

His departure means there are two Ulster counties on the lookout for new managers, with Antrim still searching for Andy McEntee's successor.

Post-season managerial changes

Andy McEntee (Antrim) - vacant

Dessie Farrell (Dublin) - replaced by Ger Brennan

Tony McEntee (Sligo) - replaced by Eamonn O'Hara and Dessie Sloyan

Kieran Donnelly (Fermanagh) - vacant

Davy Burke (Roscommon) - replaced by Mark Dowd

Kevin McStay (Mayo) - replaced by Andy Moran

Paul Shankey (Waterford) - vacant

Raymond Galligan (Cavan) - Dermot McCabe

Ger Brennan (Louth) - replaced by Gavin Devlin

Paddy Tally (Derry) - Ciaran Meenagh

Dermot McCabe (Westmeath) - vacant

Peter Keane (Clare) - replaced by Paul Madden

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Andy Moran has been ratified as Mayo's new senior football manager on a three-year term.

The 41-year-old enjoyed a decorated inter-county career as a player with Mayo, winning eight Connacht titles, two All-Stars and being crowned Footballer of the Year in 2017.

Since retirement, Moran has had a spell as Leitrim boss, guiding the county to promotion from Division Four in 2023 and also held a coaching role with Monaghan under Gabriel Bannigan as the Farney men reached the quarter-finals of the All-Ireland this year.

Moran will take over from Kevin McStay, whose three-year reign as boss ended after Mayo exited the All-Ireland at the group stage, with former Derry boss Paddy Tally and ex-Mayo player Colm Boyle part of the ticket.

"I am honoured to be appointed as the next Mayo Senior football manager," Moran said in a statement.

"This is a proud moment for me, my family, and my club Ballaghaderreen, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this team.

"Together with my management team, I will work with dedication to provide the right environment, supports, and structures to help our players perform to the best of their ability.

"We are committed to building on the strong foundations laid by previous management teams, and we look forward to working closely with the players, the backroom team, the county board and our loyal supporters as we prepare for 2026 and beyond."

Moran's appointment is the latest managerial confirmation following Dermot McCabe's appointment as the new Cavan boss on a three-year term earlier this week.

McCabe, who won an Ulster Senior Football title and an All-Star as a Cavan player in 1997, leaves his role as Westmeath manager to take up the position with his native county.

He was previously part of the Cavan minor management and the senior backroom staff when the Breffni County won the Ulster Championship in 2020.

The Gowna club man succeeds Raymond Galligan, who stepped down in July after two years at the helm following Cavan's All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final exit to Kerry.

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The GAA Social podcast's summer break is on hold as Seamus Birt joins Thomas and Oisin on his 61st birthday to discuss living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Birt won Derry football titles as a player and manager, while delivering an Ulster Championship as manager of the Wolfe Tones club, but his life took a turn one year ago with his diagnosis.

The condition affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord which tell your muscles what to do and it is estimated there are 450 people living with the incurable condition in Ireland at any time.

The physical demands of Birt's work as an engineer ensured he retained his fitness long after his playing days on the football field were over, but in early 2023 he noticed changes in his body with spasms and cramps, as well as lacking power in his legs.

Initially explained by doctors as fatigue, Birt's condition failed to improve upon his return from a trip to Australia to visit his son in late 2023, and a visit to a private clinic resulted in an initial diagnosis of MND that was later confirmed following a round of tests

"When I was first diagnosed, the first person I thought about was Anto Finnegan because I played against him and we had a tight call with St Paul's all the time," Birt said of the day he was diagnosed.

Those with MND are given on average four years to live but former Antrim captain Finnegan died nine years after his diagnosis.

Despite his condition, he lived life with a smile on his face and Birt intends to do the same.

On Saturday, Seamus and his family will host a big breakfast and 5K walk and fun run at Bellaghy GAC before they take part in a skydive with the funds raised going to charity.

"You've two choices - get up and get on with it or lie down," he tells the podcast.

"I'm sure I've had it two years but it hasn't affected me too bad yet. I'm 61, had a good life and enjoyed everything. Whatever turn it takes for me, I'll be ready for it."

You can download and listen to the GAA Social on BBC Sounds here

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Slaughtneil boss Mark Doran has emerged a candidate for the Antrim senior football manager's job.

The Saffrons have yet to appoint a successor to Andy McEntee, whose three-year term ended following the Tailteann Cup defeat against Wexford in June, with an invitation for applications sent out in July.

Longstone native Doran was linked to the Derry job last year following the departure of Mickey Harte but instead took up a coaching role with Roscommon under manager Davy Burke, who has since departed.

Doran previously held a coaching role with his native Down between 2019 and 2021, whilst helping guide Ballybay to the 2022 Monaghan title as co-manager.

He has also held coaching roles in Clare and Wicklow before the switch to the Rossies in 2025.

He stepped down as Slaughtneil manager following their Derry SFC semi-final defeat to Glen last year but was reappointed in March.

Interviews for the Antrim job are due to take place on Monday evening with Louth's Colin Kelly also in the running.

Kelly managed his home county to successive promotions from Division Four and Division Three in 2016 and 2017 before spells with Westmeath, Wicklow and most recently, Cavan club side Kingscourt Stars.

Also in the frame is former St Brigid's manager Anthony McGrath, who was a coach under Stephen Poacher in Leitrim this year, while Barry Dillon, who led Ulster University to the 2024 Sigerson Cup, has also been nominated.

Paddy Bradley had been linked to the role, but last week it emerged he had withdrawn from the race.

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Armagh were beaten in the Camogie All-Ireland Junior final as they suffered a 2-15 to 0-12 defeat against Laois at Croke Park.

The Leinster side made a dream start to the showpiece occasion as Grainne Delaney drilled home a goal inside the first minute.

A block from Gemma McCann prevented Aimee Collier from scoring another moments later as Laois eventually moved four points ahead.

The Orchard County responded well after a shaky start to level, and the game was end-to-end from that point on with Eimear Hassett hitting the post as she attempted to score Laois' second goal.

The sides went in level at the break, with Armagh then edging two points ahead early in the second half, but Laois came roaring back.

They proved too strong as they outscored Armagh 1-10 to 0-2 in a strong final quarter display with Amy Daly scoring their second goal.

In the All-Ireland Senior final, Galway claimed a fifth title with a narrow 1-14 to 1-13 victory against Cork.

Carrie Dolan scored the winner with a free in injury-time as they avenged last year's defeat by the same opponents.

In the All-Ireland Intermediate final, Offaly edged past Kerry 0-14 to 0-11 after a tense and tight affair in Dublin.

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Dublin have confirmed the appointment of All-Ireland winner Ger Brennan as manager.

Brennan replaces Dessie Farrell, who left his role after Dublin's All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Tyrone.

A two-time All-Ireland winner as a player with Dublin, Brennan led Louth to a first Leinster Championship title in 68 years in June with victory over Meath.

Louth's 2025 season ultimately ended with a 2-22 to 0-12 defeat by Donegal in Ballybofey at the preliminary quarter-final stage on 22 June.

He left his role with Louth in July and Brennan has now been appointed as Dublin manager on a three-year deal.

"Ger has achieved the highest honours as a player with Dublin and he has our full support in leading the Dublin Senior Football panel in pursuit of further honours in the coming years," said county chairman Ken O'Sullivan.

"We wish Ger, his team and the panel the very best and look forward to the 2026 season".

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Tyrone boss Darren McCann praised his side's "heart and determination" in Sunday's All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate final victory over Laois.

The Red Hands captured their first title since 2018 with a 2-16 to 1-13 victory at Croke Park

Aoife Horisk and substitute Katie Rose Muldoon scored goals in either half to help the Red Hands avenge last year's agonising one-point decider defeat by Leitrim, much to McCann's delight.

"On the sideline, we felt totally in control," he said.

"We were creating chances but we just weren't taking them, which was frustrating for us.

"When we play relaxed football, we are a hard team to stop and we played relaxed football, especially in the second half.

"The whole group have serious heart and determination as a collective and that was a collective performance. I was really happy with their performance today and the key thing was getting on top and staying on top."

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But while Tyrone toasted an immensely satisfying triumph, Antrim were left disappointed after being edged out by Louth in the Junior decider.

The Saffrons started strongly, scoring an early goal, but Louth fought back to eventually win 0-13 to 1-8 and deny the Ulster county their fourth title at the grade - and first since 2022.

For joint manager Chris Scullion, it was a case of Antrim not taking their chances in the second half.

"It just didn't fall our way today. It seemed to be mistake after mistake sometimes and we were constantly trying to regroup the girls to go again, go again," said Scullion, who leads the team alongside Michael Devlin.

"It maybe took a toll on them, but I'm not taking anything away from Louth. Louth were brilliant today. They set up defensively, kept their same structure and they were able to break out and it caused us problems.

"They were able to work the ball around and get their scores. Fair play to them."

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A dominant first-half display paved the way for Dublin to regain the All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football title with a 2-16 to 0-10 win over Meath in Sunday's final at Croke Park.

The Dubs, who were knocked out in last year's quarter-finals, started with intent and led 1-2 to 0-0 after seven minutes, with Nicole Owens finding the net after a couple of early Hannah Tyrrell scores.

Niamh Hetherton also plundered a three-pointer to give Dublin a commanding 2-9 to 0-4 lead at half-time.

Meath - who are managed by former Armagh boss Shane McCormack - started the second half strongly with a trio of scores, but were unable to get close enough to their Leinster rivals to set up a tense climax to the game.

It is more disappointment for the Royals, who were searching for their third title after breaking through with back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.

The result also completes a clean sweep of wins for Dublin over Meath in 2025 after victory in the league meeting and two Leinster Championship fixtures, including the final.

In front of a 48,089-strong crowd, former Ireland rugby international Tyrrell top-scored for Dublin with 0-5 in the final game of her inter-county career before hobbling off with an injury late on.

Captain Carla Rowe and corner-forward Kate Sullivan struck 0-4 each for Dublin, who gained a measure of revenge after falling to a surprise defeat by Meath in the 2021 decider.

Emma Duggan led the way for Meath with 0-7.

Dublin scorers: H Tyrrell 0-5 (3f), C Rowe 0-4 (2f), K Sullivan 0-4, N Hetherton 1-1, N Owens 1-0, N Crowley, O Nolan 0-1 each.

Meath scorers: E Duggan 0-7 (6f), A Cleary, C Smyth, V Wall 0-1 each.

Dublin: A Shiels; J Tobin, L Caffrey, N Donlon; S Goldrick, M Byrne, N Crowley; E O'Dowd, H McGinnis; N Owens, C Rowe, O Nolan; H Tyrrell, N Hetherton, K Sullivan.

Subs: S McIntyre for Owens (49), A Kane for McGinnis (51), H Leahy for Donlon (54), L Grendon for Tyrrell (55), C Darby for Sullivan (57).

Meath: R Murray; K Kealy, MK Lynch, A Sheridan; S Ennis, S Wall, A Cleary; O Sheehy, M Farrelly; M Thynne, N Gallogly, C Smyth; E Duggan, V Wall, K Cole.

Subs: K Bermingham for Farrelly (25), Farrelly for Ennis, E Moyles for Sheehy (both 42), N McEntee for Cole (49), C Lawlor for Kealy (51).

Referee: Gus Chapman (Sligo).

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Tyrone captured their first All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football title since 2018 with a 2-16 to 1-13 victory over Laois in Sunday's final at Croke Park.

Aoife Horisk and Katie Rose Muldoon scored goals in either half to help the Red Hands avenge last year's agonising one-point decider defeat by Leitrim.

Niamh O'Neill top scored for Tyrone with 0-7, while Horisk finished with 1-3.

In a tight first half, Laois struck the first goal after 22 minutes when Shifra Havill emphatically fired the ball into the roof of Amelia Coyle's net.

Tyrone were initially frustrated in their hunt for goals, being denied first by Laois corner-back Faye McEvoy's goal-line clearance before Sorcha Gormley was denied from the penalty spot after Horisk was fouled.

But after Laois carelessly gifted possession back to the Ulster side, player of the match Gormley teed up Horisk, who drilled a low shot past Eimear Barry to help give Tyrone a 1-7 to 1-5 half-time lead.

Laois kept in touch after the restart with a couple of Mo Nerney points and Fiona Dooley's score, O'Neill and Horisk ensured Tyrone kept a slender advantage.

The Leinster side's hopes of overturning the deficit in the closing stages were dented when Ciara Crowley's yellow card was followed by an O'Neill free.

Tyrone were a point up when Muldoon delivered the decisive blow, finishing low to the net from close range with six minutes remaining.

Having established a more comfortable cushion, O'Neill, Gormley and captain Aoibhinn McHugh sealed a six-point win and a place in the 2026 senior championship for Tyrone.

Tyrone scorers: N O'Neill 0-7 (3f), A Horisk 1-3 (0-1f), S Gormley 0-3, K Muldoon 1-0, A McHugh, S McCarroll, C McCrossan 0-1 each.

Laois scorers: E Lawlor (3f), M Nerney (3f) 0-5 each, S Havill 1-0, F Dooley, J Moore, E Lacey 0-1 each.

Tyrone: A Coyle; J Lyons, G McKenna, E Quinn; C Campbell, M Mallon, C Canavan; A McHugh, S McCarroll; E McNamee, S Gormley, A Horisk; N O'Neill, C McCrossan, M Corrigan.

Subs: E McCanny for McCrossan (36), K Muldoon for McNamee (45), A McGahan for Campbell (53), C McCaffrey for O'Neill (58), J Barrett for Horisk (59).

Laois: E Barry; S Farrelly, C Dunne, F McEvoy; A Gorman, A Moore, A Moran; F Dooley, J Moore; S Havill, E Galvin, C Crowley; E Lacey, E Lawlor, M Nerney.

Subs: L Kearney for Gorman (39), M Cotter for McEvoy (45), K Donoghue for Lacey (47), A Fitzpatrick for Havill (56).

Referee: Shane Curley (Galway).

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Antrim were denied a first All-Ireland Junior Football Championship since 2022 after losing to Louth by 0-13 to 1-8 at Croke Park.

Bronagh Devlin netted a third-minute penalty for the Saffrons after Theresa Mellon was fouled within the square.

Aoife Russell cancelled out another swift point by Mellon, but Antrim extended their advantage through Omolara Dahunsi.

Dahunsi responded to back-to-back points from Louth forwards Russell and Ceire Nolan, and the Saffrons' advantage was cut further after Kate Flood and Shannen McLaughlin capitalised on Devlin's yellow card.

Louth held a 0-8 to 1-4 advantage at the break after a score by captain Aine Breen and two points from Flood.

Maria O'Neill got Antrim back on level terms early in the second half, but Eimear Byrne soon restored Louth's advantage.

Louth, who lost the 2024 decider to Fermanagh, put one hand on the title when Flood, Breen, Mia Duffy and Lucy White put them five points clear in the closing stages.

Antrim rallied late on through Ana Mulholland, Mellon and a late O'Neill point, but Louth had enough in hand to get over the line.

Louth: R Lambe Fagan; R Beirth, E Hand, E Murray; H Lambe Sally, S McLaughlin, L Byrne; A Breen, A Halligan; L White, E Byrne, S Matthews; A Russell, K Flood, C Nolan.

Subs: M Duffy for Matthews (42), L Collins for Russell (56), G McCrave for Lambe Sally, Z Sweeney for White (both 59).

Antrim: A Devlin; N McIntosh, M Blaney, M Mulholland; S O'Neill, C Brown, C McKenna; A Mulholland, A Tubridy; T Mellon, M O'Neill, Aoife Kelly; B Devlin, O Dahunsi, L Agnew.

Subs: A Turley for Tubridy, A Monaghan for Kelly (both 39), B Nic Cathail for Agnew (47), N Jones for B Devlin, Aine Kelly for McKenna (both 56).