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  1. 'Forgotten' Brennan's return a boost for Tyrone published at 06:37 28 January

    Rory Brennan (centre) pictured with Tyrone team-mates Aidan Clarke and Aodhan Donaghy before Saturday's Allianz Football League Division One game against DerryImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Rory Brennan (centre) made his return to Tyrone duty for the first time since 2022 when he came on as a second-half substitute in Saturday's opening Division One win over Derry

    Oisin McConville believes the return of Trillick's Rory Brennan to the Tyrone squad since Malachy O'Rourke arrival as manager can boost the Red Hands.

    Brennan was a constant in the Tyrone panel between 2016 and 2022 and won an All-Ireland medal in 2021 although he didn't feature in the final against Mayo.

    He opted out of the Tyrone squad after the 2022 season but has now returned and he came on a second-half substitute in Saturday's opening Allianz Division One League win over Derry.

    "Rory Brennan was very much a forgotten player and how good he was when he was going well. It was good to see him back," McConville told The GAA Social on BBC Sounds.

    The resident GAA Social contributor was also impressed by corner-back Michael McKernan's display against Derry which included notching 1-2.

    McKernan has always been keen to help the Tyrone attack and McConville believes the new 3v3 rule will give the corner-back even more licence to roam forward.

    "Michael McKernan will have the freedom to go forward a bit now because you know you're definitely covered at the back."

    McConville added that Derry "didn't seem flustered" after losing the game.

    "They are obviously still getting used to Paddy Tally. It was probably more important for Malachy O'Rourke to get that win at home.

    "I was impressed with Tyrone and I wouldn't have expected anything else even though they were missing their Errigal Ciaran players.

    "They looked as if they have a good bit done. It was an impressive win because they struggled in Division One last year."

  2. New football rules a mixed picture says McConvillepublished at 12:03 27 January

    Wicklow manager Oisin McConvilleImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Oisin McConville's Wicklow side did not get the opportunity to play under the new rules as their Division Four contest with Waterford was postponed

    Oisin McConville says the new football rules are speeding the game up and leading to more battles for possession in midfield but he has concerns over the level of officiating required and the new advantage rule.

    After attending and watching games on TV over the first weekend of the new rules, McConville, whose own Wicklow team were not in action following the postponement of their Allianz Football League fixtures against Waterford, felt the overall take was a mixed picture.

    "I'm very reluctant to be negative. It definitely has sped the game up a bit but the level of officiating now required and the amount of stoppages are concerns for me," McConville told The GAA Social on BBC Sounds.

    "I went to see a game on Saturday and there were a lot of stoppages. What's contributing to the stoppage is that the advantage seems to be going on for that big longer and then seems to be pulled back.

    "That slows the game up a bit so the advantage rule may be one that needs to be tweaked."

    The weekend also did nothing to decrease McConville's doubts about the merits of the new rule where players who commit fouls and have the ball, must hand it to an opponent.

    "But we weren't going to get through the first weekend without there being contentious stuff," added the 2002 All-Ireland winner.

    "Aesthetically, when you look out on to the pitch, there's a lot more balance to it, where you don't see everybody back in their own half."

    The new rules prevent short kickouts following the introduction of the 40-metre arc and McConville says the weekend evidence suggests a return to more old-style battles for possession in midfield.

    And while Tyrone beat Derry in their Division One opener, McConville said this could be an issue for the Red Hands in the coming weeks and months.

    "Tyrone should struggle considering their size around that middle eight but they probably came out 50-50 [against Derry].

    "That's going to be an area of concern unless they can get a few more bigger bodies into that area although I know Conn Kilpatrick wasn't 100% fit and he's going to help that situation."

  3. McConville expects O'Neill return 'sooner than later'published at 09:17 27 January

    Rian O'Neill celebrates after Armagh's All-Ireland Final win over Galway last JulyImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Rian O'Neill helped Armagh beat Galway in last year's All-Ireland Final but he missed Saturday's opening Allianz League defeat by the Tribesmen at Salthill

    Oisin McConville is optimistic his nephew Rian O'Neill's absence from the Armagh squad will not prove lengthy after he missed the All-Ireland champions' opening Allianz Football League Division One defeat by Galway.

    Following the Salthill game, Kieran McGeeney told reporters that the Crossmaglen man was "taking a few months to himself", adding: "I don't know whether it's weeks or months".

    However, Oisin McConville told The GAA Social on BBC Sounds that he expects to see O'Neill playing for Armagh again before too long.

    "I imagine he'll be back in sooner rather than later," said McConville.

    Wicklow manager McConville added that O'Neill taking a break now could benefit Armagh in the long run.

    "The more he's able to stay away for whatever length of time it takes and to go back in and be fully committed [the better] because if you're not fully committed in an inter-county set-up then you're going to get found out."

    McConville praises McGeeney

    McConville framed O'Neill's decision in the wider context of stars such as David Clifford, Jack McCaffrey and Paul Mannion opting to take breaks from the inter-county game.

    McCaffrey and Mannion both stepped away from the Dublin squad for lengthy periods before recommitting and have declared themselves unavailable again while Kerry's Clifford has sat out the early rounds of the Football League in recent seasons and wasn't set to play in Sunday's scheduled opener against Donegal which was postponed.

    "There are quite a few lads who are stepping away, taking a break, retiring too early," added McConville.

    "If you look at Clifford, him and Rian are very, very similar in profile, ability and the fact that they probably do have a lot of focus and attention on them and it's up to you how you deal with that."

    McConville also backed Kieran McGeeney's support for O'Neill in allowing him to take some time out.

    "The game that we play, we're under no illusions about how much commitment it takes to play this game. Plus the fact that it's amateur.

    "There are other strands to life. Whether you want to take a break, whether you want to walk away, that is entirely your choice. And the fact that Geezer [McGeeney] has given him the freedom to do that is a positive from his point of view."

  4. Antrim hurlers facing learning curve after 'hiding'published at 07:48 27 January

    Antrim sweeper Niall O'Connor attempts to keep pace with Dublin's Cian O'Sullivan at Croke ParkImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Cian O'Sullivan hit 0-14 which was exactly the final margin between the sides at Croke Park in the Allianz Hurling League Division 1B opener

    Antrim hurling selector Pat Bennett admitted the Saffrons were facing a steep "learning curve" after taking what he described as a "hiding" in Saturday's Allianz Hurling League Division 1B opener against Dublin at Croke Park.

    New manager Davy Fitzgerald could not patrol the sideline or be in the dressing-room as he was serving a suspension which also meant that Bennett had to fulfil the media duties after the 1-25 to 0-14 defeat.

    "You have to be disappointed but you've got to put it into perspective. We've been here five, six weeks," said the Saffrons selector.

    "Dublin have been motoring for five or six years. [They were] In the Leinster Final last year. They will be trying to win the Leinster Final this year and go further. You're not going to do it in five, six weeks."

    Fitzgerald is attempting to change the short-passing style of play favoured by previous manager Darren Gleeson, and Bennett said it will take the players time to adjust to the new method.

    "You can't just change a guy who has been playing the same way for two, five, six years when we turn around and change the system and expect him to be doing different things.

    "We've agreed on the system we're going to go with and we've just got to get better at it."

    This will largely involve a more direct game plus the use of a sweeper, with Niall O'Connor attempting to undertake that role on Saturday even though he was wearing the number 15 jersey.

    "You are throwing so much at them. They are used to playing one way and then you are changing it. You are telling them what to do and they are thinking. And once they are thinking, they are in trouble.

    "We gave away seven for over-carrying. That's because they were thinking, 'what do I do next?'."

    Bennett admitted that it could take "a year" for Fitzgerald's system to become second nature to the Saffrons squad.

    But he said the Antrim players now must regroup for next weekend's home game against a Westmeath side who the Saffrons have had many battles with down through the years.

    "Westmeath beat us in the league last year and they are going to be coming expecting to beat us again. We have to go and lift our heads and go at it again."

  5. McBride hails 'great win' as Antrim beat Clare in openerpublished at 07:45 27 January

    Patrick McBride helped Antrim to a three-point win over Clare at Corrigan ParkImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Patrick McBride helped Antrim to a three-point win over Clare on Sunday

    Antrim forward Patrick McBride says hard work was the key to beating Clare 1-9 to 1-6 in the Allianz Football League Division Three opener at a wet and windy Corrigan Park on Sunday.

    Fionn Nagle's goal helped Antrim to a 1-7 to 1-1 lead at half-time, and despite three early scores from the visitors at the start of the second half, Antrim did enough for the victory.

    "It's a great win - we've had a few tough pre-season matches but when you get a win like that it's all worth it," said McBride.

    "Whoever worked the hardest was going to win that match, it was nothing to do with talent.

    "Whatever team did the things that didn't require talent was going to win and we did it."

    McBride benefited from the new rules when he scored a free after Clare were punished for only having two players in the opposing half when at least three are required.

    "It's harsh but you have to adjust - [it's about} whoever adjusts quicker. If they make a mistake you have to punish it but you have to be constantly aware of it.

    "Even bringing the keeper up - if your not tuned in it's an easy score for the other team.

    "I'm enjoying it - I love the quick transition, I love the tap-and-go rule. Everything feels quicker."

  6. Loftus earns Crossmolina emotional All-Ireland club titlepublished at 15:21 26 January

    Crossmolina's Conor LoftusImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Mayo player Conor Loftus struck Crossmolina's last-kick winning penalty just over two weeks after the tragic death of his fiancee, Roisin Cryan

    Conor Loftus scored an injury-time penalty to clinch Crossmolina a dramatic and emotional 1-12 to 0-13 win over Derry side Ballinderry in the All-Ireland Intermediate Club Football final at Croke Park.

    The game was scheduled to take place two weeks ago but was postponed following the tragic death of Róisín Cryan, the fiancee of Loftus.

    It was fitting that the Mayo player would have the final say as he tucked home a penalty with the final kick of the match under remarkable pressure, and he was swarmed by his team-mates at the full-time whistle.

    The game went ahead following consultations with the Cryan and Loftus families.

    Crossmolina held a 0-3 to 0-1 lead in the early stages as Fionan Duffy's opener was cancelled out by Ryan Bell, but Loftus and Kevin Mulhern landed scores to nudge the Mayo side in front.

    Charlie Crozier responded before James Maheady restored Crossmolina's lead, but Ballinderry hit back once more through Bell, who pointed after a goal chance.

    The Derry outfit went ahead for the first time through Crozier's superb score and a Conor O'Neill point, but Crossmolina levelled before the half-time break through Duffy.

    Ballinderry struck first after the restart through a free from Crozier but Crossmolina immediately responded through Niall Goggins, who went for the point from eight yards out, before Tiarnan Rocks and Lorcan Loftus exchanged scores.

    Crossmolina nudged back ahead through Duffy's free and moved two clear for the first time since the 10th minute when Goggins fisted over.

    Maheady's well-taken score moved the Mayo champions three clear with nine minutes to play, but Ballinderry immediately hit back with scores through Ruairi Forbes and Daniel McKinless.

    Bell's superb score brought Shamrocks level, and the game was seemingly turned on its head when Conor O'Neill put Ballinderry back in front with three minutes remaining.

    Daniel McKinless kicked another well-taken score to put the Ulster champions two ahead as the clock ticked into injury time.

    Crossmolina had a glorious chance to find the back of the Ballinderry net when Goggins blazed over the bar from close range.

    However, there was still time for the dramatic late twist as Crossmolina were awarded a penalty deep into injury time and Ballinderry goalkeeper McKinless was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for hauling down Sean Duffy as he appeared certain to net.

    After a tragic couple of weeks for the entire Crossmolina community, Loftus tucked home the decisive kick for an emotional win and after receiving the embraces of his team-mates, he ran into the dressing-rooms at Croke Park as his colleagues were about to go up the steps of the Hogan Stand to be presented with the trophy.

  7. O'Rourke pleased with 'disciplined' Tyrone displaypublished at 21:59 25 January

    Malachy O'RourkeImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    O'Rourke was victorious in his first game in charge of Tyrone

    Tyrone boss Malachy O'Rourke was content with his side's display as they opened their Division One campaign with a 2-13 to 1-9 victory against Derry at Healy Park.

    The Red Hands impressed in the first half and held a 1-7 to 0-6 lead at the break after Michael McKernan's goal.

    Derry fought back to lead in the second half with Conor Glass netting a fine goal before Peter Teague scored with a scrappy effort as Tyrone finished strongly in the final quarter.

    And O'Rourke was pleased with the fight they showed to take home the two points.

    "The first half we had a lot of possession, controlled the ball well, maybe at times we felt we could've had more penetration up front, but in general we're happy," he told BBC Sport NI.

    "We were in a good position at half-time. The start of the second half, the goal was a big turning point in that it gave Derry a new lease of life, but again the boys didn't panic, we stuck together, worked a couple of good scores and then the goal gave us that bit of breathing space to run out winners."

    Errigal players won't be rushed back'

    O'Rourke also praised his side's adaptation to the new rule 'enhancements' as Tyrone did not receive any cards or 50-metre dissent fouls.

    "That was pleasing. We've had a couple of challenge matches and we've concentrated on that in our own in-house games to get on top of that because it is a big punishment," he added.

    "The boys were disciplined at the back, some great tackling and they didn't give away needless frees and no yellow cards, so I was pleased with that."

    Tyrone's victory was made all the more impressive by the fact they were missing their Errigal Ciaran contingent including brother Darragh and Ruairi Canavan, after their run to the All-Ireland final.

    O'Rourke confirmed that those players will not be rushed back and are likely to feature in the latter stages of the league campaign.

    "We definitely want to give them a bit of a break. That couple of points tonight helps in that you aren't rushing them back in," he said.

    "You could get short-term gain out of it, but long-term pain. We'll be chatting with them and seeing how they feel and, hopefully, get them integrated back over the next couple of weeks.

    "We have a panel there that we want to get a look at as well. We'll be delighted when the boys do come back in, it is a matter of getting them up to speed with the new rules."

  8. Monaghan defeat Cavan in Division Two openerpublished at 20:14 25 January

    David GarlandImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Garland scored 1-5 for Monaghan in their victory at Breffni Park

    Monaghan marched to a 2-22 to 0-20 victory over neighbours Cavan at Breffni Park on their return to Division Two.

    An early goal from Conor McCarthy got new Farney boss Gabriel Bannigan off to a flyer and the away team led 1-10 to 0-12 at the break.

    David Garland, who scored 1-5 on the night, struck a quick-fire goal and point at the start of the second half to give Monaghan a firm grip on proceedings.

    Gary O'Rourke and Conor Madden were on target for the Breffni County, but the result always seemed out of reach.

    McCarthy engineered a score from beyond the arc, but it was Rory Beggan who may prove a cheat code with the new two-point rule.

    The goalkeeper boomed over three times from a distance that resulted in orange flags.

    Michael Bannigan added to his tally in the closing stages to seal the deal as Monaghan's bid for an immediate return to the top tier took flight.

  9. O'Rourke's reign off to flyer as Tyrone beat Derrypublished at 20:01 25 January

    Orla Bannon
    BBC Sport NI Journalist at Healy Park

    Mattie Donnelly with Eoin McEvoy and Diarmuid BakerImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Mattie Donnelly with Eoin McEvoy and Diarmuid Baker

    Malachy O'Rourke's reign as Tyrone manager got off to a winning start as his new side defeated Derry by 2-13 to 1-9 in Division One in Omagh.

    A goal in each half from Michael McKernan and Peter Teague helped the home side earn an opening round Allianz League win with the eagerly awaited new rule 'enhancements' in operation for the first time.

    Tyrone led 1-7 to 0-6 at the break with a superb Conor Glass goal helping Derry, who had Paddy Tally in charge for the first time, back into the lead midway through the second half.

    Tyrone recovered and finished strongly in the final quarter with Darren McCurry's two-pointer one of the memorable scores.

    New rules strictly enforced

    David ColdrickImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Referee David Coldrick strictly enforced some of the new rule 'enhancements'

    The sight of two arc lines on the Healy Park pitch was a tad confusing, as the original blue line was not the correct size or shape and had to be replaced by a second white line being drawn.

    Otherwise, the rule 'enhancements' themselves were not that confusing and contributed to a lively, entertaining game.

    The 'three up' change definitely seemed to lead to more space for forwards to attack and the teams were not catching on to the fact David Coldrick was going to be strict in other areas.

    If a team failed to immediately hand the ball over to their opponents after they lost possession, he was quick to bring the play forward 50 metres and Tyrone profited from that one with a Ronan Cassidy point in the first half.

    Derry raced into a three-point lead, which included Brendan Rogers' two-pointer after seven minutes.

    Tyrone didn't score until the 11th minute and then scored five on the trot to lead 0-5 to 0-3 after 24 minutes.

    Defender McKernan scored 1-2 in the first half with a superb goal after 30 minutes when he turned down an easy point option to blast the ball high into the net.

    Goal against the run of play seals Red Hands win

    Media caption,

    Highlights: Red Hands see off Oakleafers in National League opener

    Derry needed a good start to the second half and got it with a fine Glass goal after Shea O'Hare gave away possession.

    Tohill sent Glass away and he unleashed a fierce shot from distance to beat Niall Morgan.

    It sparked a strong second half from Derry and with Morgan's kickouts not finding their intended targets, the Oak Leafers profited, and a pair of Shane McGuigan frees midway through the second half put them in front for the first time since the opening 10 minutes.

    It was all Derry in the second half when Tyrone scored a goal against the run of play.

    Morgan's superb pass to pick out Ciaran Daly sparked it off, and after Niall Devlin was held up on the line, Teague bundled the ball over the line.

    It left Tyrone 2-8 to 1-9 ahead with 10 minutes to go and they finished strongly to earn an opening round win.

  10. Fitzgerald's Antrim suffer heavy Dublin loss at Croke Parkpublished at 19:55 25 January

    David Mohan
    BBC Sport NI contributor at Croke Park

    Dublin v Antrim Image source, Inpho

    The Davy Fitzgerald era in Antrim hurling got off to a slow start as they were outclassed by an assured Dublin at Croke Park on Saturday in the Division 1B opener, going down by 1-25 to 0-14.

    The Dubs have had Antrim's number since their renaissance of recent times, but despite the change of scenery from Parnell Park, it was a familiar outcome.

    Cian O'Sullivan led the way with 14 points, while Conal O Riain grabbed an early goal which set them on their way.

    Antrim made a decent enough start but they lost their way in attack with a poor enough return in which James McNaughton grabbed nine of their scores.

    With Antrim's new manager - who was suspended from the sideline for the game - seeking a different approach in their play, there were early warning signs that players were not fully in tune as the gaps appeared for the hosts quickly.

    This was exemplified by O Riain's goal which came from a long ball into the corner where debutant Iain O hEithir was not tracked when pushing up from the back and his crisp ball was taken in stride by Conal O Riain who cracked home.

    That made it 1-5 to 0-3 and while Antrim rallied well with three McNaughton scores, O'Sullivan was dead-eyed at the other end and had assistance from Dara Purcell and O Riain as the Dubs took a 1-14 to 0-9 lead into the break.

    It was a long way back for Antrim and five of the first six scores of the second half put it beyond them with Niall McKenna offering some resistance for the visitors.

    The game completely fizzled out in the final quarter but Dublin substitutes Cillian Hayes and Diarmaid O Dulaing got in on the act as they claimed a comprehensive win.

  11. Galway beat All-Ireland champions Armagh in Division Onepublished at 19:31 25 January

    Odhran Crumley
    BBC Sport NI journalist at Salthill

    Matthew Tierney celebrates his goal from the penalty spot for Galway against Armagh at Pearse Stadium.Image source, Inpho

    Galway showed the first signs of a recovery with a 1-12 to 0-9 Division One win over All-Ireland champions Armagh in a repeat of last year's Sam Maguire decider at Pearse Stadium.

    Cillian O Curraoin starred for Galway with 0-5, including a two-pointer, with the hosts scoring three two-pointers during a two-minute second-half spell under the new floodlights at Salthill.

    Matthew Tierney's first-half penalty helped Galway lead 1-4 to 0-5 at the break while Armagh had Niall Grimley sent off on the account of a red card with 10 minutes to play.

    Kieran McGeeney's side went 18 first-half minutes and 23 second half minutes without a score in the first top-flight game to feature Gaelic football's new playing rules.

    Young footballer of the year Oisin Conaty lit up the early exchanges with three fine scores as Armagh led 0-4 to 0-1 after 12 minutes.

    Armagh were happy to defend the new 40-metre arc knowing that it was near impossible for their opponents to land a score due to the resistance of the elements.

    The first infringement of the new rules arrived from the next play as Galway failed to keep three players inside their attacking half as Rory Grugan tapped over the free as a punishment.

    Galway landed the decisive blow of the opening half when Tierney slotted his penalty home after Aidan Forker's foul on O Curraoin.

    Despite the new rules, there was plenty of monotonous back-and-forth possession football on display.

    However, the two-point scores provided real entertainment for the Galway fans as Padraic Joyce's side pulled clear in the second half with O Curraoin, Shane Walsh and Paul Conroy all landing from outside the 40-metre arc.

    It went from bad to worse for the All-Ireland champions when Grimley was shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident with Galway defender Daniel O'Flaherty.

    Armagh face Ulster rivals Tyrone next week while Galway travel to Mayo.

  12. Kildare inflict heavy defeat on Fermanagh in Division Threepublished at 19:03 25 January

    Darragh McGurn in action for FermanaghImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Fermanagh had a tough start to their Division Three campaign at Newbridge

    Fermanagh fell to a heavy 2-24 to 1-12 defeat against Kildare in their Division Three opener at Newbridge.

    A first-half flurry from the hosts which yielded six points in seven minutes, gave the Lilywhites a commanding lead from the outset and they never looked back.

    Didier Cordonnier made a terrific double save midway through the opening period to deny Fermanagh a goal and a way back into the game.

    Darragh McGurn did manage to reduce the Ernemen's deficit to six points heading into the break by landing two scores, including one from beyond the arc, before the interval.

    Kildare were relegated after finishing bottom last year and were joined by Fermanagh on the final day, but it's the Leinster outfit who have been tipped for an immediate return to the second tier.

    On this evidence, they could be hard to stop. Shane McGullion netted for the visitors, but their joy was short lived.

    A point from Callum Bolton, Alex Beirne's two-point free and Darragh Kirwan's goal made it 1-21 to 1-10 with an hour gone.

    In added time, Ryan Sinkey bagged another goal before David Hyland raised the orange flag to put the polish on a fine Kildare performance.

  13. Naomh Padraig edged out in All-Ireland Junior Club final published at 16:55 25 January

    Naomh Padraig's Padraig O Loideain and Andrew McCarron of Carraroe battle for the ball Image source, Inpho

    Naomh Padraig Muff fell short in their bid to become the first Donegal side to win an All-Ireland Club Football title after losing the Junior decider 0-9 to 0-8 to An Cheathru Rua.

    The Inishowen club, the first from Donegal to contest an All-Ireland decider at Croke Park, led 0-5 to 0-4 at half-time and were 0-7 to 0-5 up 10 minutes into the second half.

    But the Galway side finished stronger and claimed their first Junior title thanks to Fionan O'Conghaile's score six minutes into injury time.

    It was a heartbreaking conclusion to a memorable season for Naomh Padraig, whose players collapsed to the Croke Park turf in devastation after their attempts to scramble a last-gap leveller were thwarted.

    Naomh Padraig had given themselves a slender advantage at the midway point thanks to a combination of Kevin Lynch's dead-ball proficiency and An Cheathru Rua's profligacy in front of the posts, kicking 10 wides in the first period.

    The Connacht champions should have scored a goal immediately after the restart, too, but Myles Mac Donnchadha's shot struck the woodwork after he broke through the Naomh Padraig defence.

    While the Gaeltacht side did level soon after, Kevin Lynch and Donegal county player Caolan McColgan struck to give Naomh Padraig a two-point cushion.

    McColgan, industrious throughout, almost created a goal for the Uisce Chaoin men when he weaved through and fist-passed across the net, only for Iarlaith O Conchubhair to deny Kevin Lynch a certain major.

    From there, An Cheathru Rua scored the next three points to lead 0-8 to 0-7, and while Caolan McColgan's superb leveller kept Naomh Padraig in it, the excellent O'Conghaile's point proved decisive.

  14. Armagh fight back to beat All-Ireland champions Kerrypublished at 15:43 25 January

    Blaithin MackinImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Substitute Mackin kickstarted Armagh's comeback with their first goal

    Armagh scored three late goals to beat All-Ireland champions Kerry 3-11 to 1-13 in their National Football League Division One opener at Austin Stack Park.

    Blaithin Mackin, Rebecca Cunningham and Roisin Mulligan netted in quick succession late in the game to secure the comeback victory for last year's Division One winners, who are under new management in Darnell Parkinson and Joe Feeney.

    It was an end-to-end start to the game played in tricky conditions, with the two sides trading points early.

    Siofra O'Shea then scored the opening goal for Kerry on 19 minutes, finishing low after a neat move.

    In their first game under new boss Mark Bourke, Kerry closed out the half with four consecutive points to take a 1-7 to 0-5 lead into half-time.

    Mackin was introduced for the Orchard County on 48 minutes and made her presence felt instantly, pointing moments after coming on to take Armagh to within three points.

    Goalkeeper Anna Carr made two good saves from O'Shea and Jadyn Lucey to keep Armagh in the game before Mackin then reduced Kerry's lead to two points.

    She drove through the heart of their defence before firing high into the far corner from close range.

    Cunnigham rifled home their second goal two minutes later to put Armagh ahead, finishing off a swift counter attack.

    Three minutes from time Mulligan found the top corner with a well-taken finish for Armagh's third goal as they avenged last year's All-Ireland semi-final defeat at the hands of Kerry.

  15. Kerry v Donegal Division One game postponedpublished at 11:20 25 January

    GAA ballImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Saturday sees the commencement of the GAA's Football and Hurling Leagues

    Sunday's scheduled Allianz Football League Division One game between Kerry and Donegal has been postponed because the Ulster county are unable to travel because of the weather conditions.

    The game was scheduled to take place at 13:45 GMT at the Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney but after consultation with Croke Park and in light of further inclement weather forecast for the weekend, the decision was made to call off the game.

    The Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) will confirm details of the rescheduling of the fixture on Monday.

    Meanwhile the Division Three encounter between Leitrim and Laois has been rearranged for 14:00 on Sunday 26 January because of electrical issues caused by Storm Éowyn. The situation will be monitored in advance of the game.

  16. Connacht GAA's Air Dome blown down in Storm Éowynpublished at 11:19 24 January

    The Connacht GAA Air Dome is located at the province's GAA Centre of Excellence at Bekan near BallyhaunisImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    The Connacht GAA Air Dome has regularly hosted inter-county games since it opened in 2020

    Connacht GAA's Air Dome indoor playing facility in county Mayo has been blown down during Storm Éowyn.

    The £2.6m facility, which was opened in 2020 and is located at Connacht GAA's Centre of Excellence at Bekan near Ballyhaunis, regularly hosts inter-county matches in the winter months as well as being used as a training venue.

    However with winds registering over 100 miles an hour along Ireland's western seaboard, the inflated roof of the facility blew down at around 04:00 GMT on Friday morning.

    "We have been unable to get out to the site to assess the damage as the winds are too high," Connacht GAA secretary John Prenty told Irish broadcaster RTE.

    Prenty added that the structure was fully insured and Connacht GAA intended to rebuild it.

    The 150m x 100m facility's inflatable roof, which used pumping stations, was anchored to a perimeter wall.

    In a statement, Connacht GAA said: "Unfortunately, the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome was significantly damaged by Storm Éowyn overnight, thankfully no one was hurt.

    "Thanks to everyone for the support, it is our full intention to rebuild this magnificent facility as soon as possible."

  17. Armagh name 10 of All-Ireland side for Galway rematchpublished at 09:30 24 January

    Armagh's Oisin Conaty and Galway's Dylan McHugh fight out an aerial duel in last July's All-Ireland Football FinalImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    All-Ireland Final man of the match Oisin Conaty and Galway's Dylan McHugh have both been named in the starting line-ups for Saturday's Division One opener at Salthill

    Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney has named 10 of his All-Ireland-winning starting team for Saturday's Allianz Football League Division One opener against Galway at Salthill (17:15 GMT).

    Paddy Burns, Aaron McKay, Joe McElroy and Rian O'Neill are not included in the matchday squad with Conor Turbitt named on the bench.

    McGeeney hands a league debut to Annaghmore man Tomas McCormack who will start at right full-back.

    Greg McCabe, Darragh McMullen, Cian McConville and Stefan Campbell are the other players drafted into the team.

    Campbell made a big impact when coming on as a second-half substitute in the All-Ireland Final which included setting up McKay's crucial goal.

    Galway have named eight of their All-Ireland Final team for the rematch with the Orchard County.

    All-Ireland Final starters Rob Finnerty and Damien Comer are not named in the squad with Shane Walsh, Jack Glynn, Liam Silke, Sean Mulkerrins and John Maher included in the substitutes.

    Sean Kelly, Daniel O'Flaherty, John Daly, Cathal Sweeney, Finnian O Laoi, Cillian O Curraoin and Sam O'Neill are all handed starts.

    Galway: C Gleeson; J McGrath, S Fitzgerald, D O'Flaherty; D McHugh, J Daly, S Kelly; P Conroy, C McDaid; C Sweeney, F Ó Laoi, C Darcy; C Ó Curraoin, M Tierney, S O'Neill

    Subs: C Flaherty, J Glynn, K Molloy, S Mulkerrins, L Silke, J Maher, J McLoughlin, L Ó Conghaile, C Costello, S Walsh, J Heaney

    Armagh: B Hughes; T McCormack, B McCambridge, A Forker; Connaire Mackin, T Kelly, G McCabe; B Crealey, N Grimley; O Conaty, R Grugan, D McMullen; C McConville, A Murnin, S Campbell.

    Subs: E Rafferty, G Murphy, C O'Neill, F O'Brien, D Magee, C Turbitt, R McQuillan, J Duffy, C O'Hanlon, J Hall, S McPartlan