Gaelic Games

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  1. Limerick win 'one of the best days Dublin have had'published at 20:52 21 June

    Cian O'SullivanImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    O'Sullivan scored Dublin's second goal as they held on for a famous win against Limerick

    Dublin forward Cian O'Sullivan said their shock 2-24 to 0-28 All-Ireland quarter-final win against Limerick is "up there with one of the best days we've ever had as a group".

    Despite playing the majority of the game with 14 men after captain Chris Crummey's 15th-minute red card, the Dubs recorded a famous win as they reached the All-Ireland semi-finals for the first time since 2013.

    O'Sullivan, who scored Dublin's second goal, praised his side's dogged display in their victory.

    "Credit to the lads, 14 men for 55 minutes what more could you ask for, never mind beating Limerick the best team down through the last 10 years," he told BBC Sport NI.

    "Out there it felt like the final whistle couldn't have come soon enough, they got a chance towards the end and had a pop at goal, but we kept it out. We kept them at arm's length, and everyone left it out there."

    Dubs boss Niall O Ceallachain added that he "knew" his side were capable of causing an upset against Limerick, something they will look to do again in the last four against Cork on 5 July, which can be watched live on the BBC.

    "We probably felt we weren't as far off this as the outside noise thought we were," he said.

    "There isn't the level of respect to Dublin hurling which should be given at times, but we haven't earned that so days like today are really important."

    Aaron GillaneImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Limerick also lost the Munster final earlier this month

    Whilst it was a glorious day for Dublin, it was another disappointing afternoon for Limerick, whose Munster reign was ended by Cork earlier this month.

    Limerick boss John Kiely admitted his side simply failed to get going at Croke Park, despite their numerical advantage.

    "I think in every department you have to say Dublin had the edge on us, they were just sharper on the breaking ball, better on their own restarts, better on our restarts and better in front of goal," he admitted.

    "Everything was sticking and there's no reason I can put my finger on; you have to say hats off to Dublin they played very well and deserved to win the match.

    "For us it's disappointing our season ends like this, but we have to accept this, we were beaten by a better team."

  2. Dublin edge battling Cork to reach All-Ireland last eightpublished at 20:07 21 June

    Paddy Small of Dublin in action against Neil Lordan of Cork Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Dublin fought back to win after trailing at half-time in Croke Park

    Dublin held off a battling Cork side to win 1-19 to 1-16 at Croke Park and progress to the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

    Cork recovered from a poor start to lead 1-8 to 0-9 at half-time with Chris Og Jones scoring their goal with a composed finish.

    Dublin were much improved in the second half with the forward trio of Cormac Costello, Paddy Small and Sean Bugler helping the hosts to a win after Brian Howard's goal had got them back in the game.

    Cork's wait for a first championship win over Dublin in 15 years goes on, as they fell agonisingly short against a more experienced side.

    The Dubs were dealt a blow before throw-in as three-time All Star Con O'Callaghan, who was named to start after returning from injury in the win against Derry, dropped out of the squad.

    They started well as Paddy Small got an early point after 30 seconds, weaving through and tapping over when it looked like a goal chance would open up.

    He fisted over another, again after driving directly at the Cork defence, with points from Ciaran Kilkenny and Bulger stretching the dominant Dubs' advantage.

    Cork grew into the game and responded in ruthless fashion as Og Jones curled home their first point on eight minutes before their top scorer Mark Cronin added a free.

    Og Jones then rattled home a goal on 11 minutes, firing past Stephen Cluxton after Cork opted to take a quick sideline ball as the Rebels moved a point ahead.

    Brian Hurley came to life with two well-taken points sandwiched in between John Small registering Dublin's first score in 13 minutes.

    The two sides exchanged a few points before Og Jones squandered the chance of a second goal as his low effort from a tight angle was denied by Cluxton.

    Bugler then hit two-pointer as the half was drawing to a close to cut the gap to two points at the break.

    Chris Og JonesImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Og Jones' goal helped Cork to lead the Dubs at half-time

    Dessie Farrell's side knew they needed to raise the tempo in the second half to stay in the competition and they managed to level five minutes after the restart after another fast start.

    The momentum truly swung in their favour on 45 minutes as Howard drove inside before rifling into the roof of the net for his first championship goal as Dublin led for the first time since the fourth minute.

    Their lead was swiftly wiped out as Cork reacted well to the goal, kicking three points in a row.

    Neil Lordan also blocked a goal chance from Lee Gannon, before Sean Walsh registered another point to edge the John Cleary's men back in front.

    Cormac Costello levelled, and the two sides swapped scores for a period as the tight affair remained on a knife-edge.

    That was until the influential Costello re-established a two-point lead for Dublin with a long-range free.

    Sean McDonnell squandered the chance to level the game for the seventh time as his two-pointer attempt from a free dropped short.

    Luke Breathnach had an impact from the bench as he curled over a late insurance point as Dublin moved into the last eight.

  3. Tipp ease past Galway to set up Cats semi-finalpublished at 19:56 21 June

    Oisin O'Donoghue celebrates his goal for TipperaryImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Oisin O'Donoghue scored Tipperary's goal to help seal a comfortable win

    Tipperary proved too strong for Galway in Saturday's second All-Ireland Hurling quarter-final with a 1-28 to 2-17 victory setting up a last-four encounter against Kilkenny.

    All six of Tipp's forwards scored in the first half at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick to give the Premier County a 0-16 to 0-11 lead at the break.

    Galway hit back early in the second half with a superb individual goal from Colm Molloy bringing the Leinster side back to within two points.

    However, Tipperary were not to be denied and kept the scoreboard ticking over before substitute Oisin O'Donoghue's 60th-minute goal killed the game as a contest.

    Corner-forward Jason Forde top-scored for Tipp with 0-7, while Jake Morris and Andrew Ormond hit 0-5 apiece. Cathal Mannion scored 0-13 for Galway, for whom substitute Declan McLoughlin scored a late consolation goal.

    Tipperary, who are chasing a 29th All-Ireland title, will face Leinster champions Kilkenny in a repeat of the 2019 final on 6 July for a place in this year's decider.

    Dublin, who stunned Limerick earlier on Saturday, face Cork in the other semi-final on 5 July.

  4. Fourteen-man Dublin stun Limerick to reach semispublished at 18:14 21 June

    Dublin's John Hetherton celebrates at full-timeImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Dublin will face Cork in the last four

    Dublin overcame the setback of losing Chris Crummey through a red card in the first half to stun Limerick 2-24 to 0-28 at Croke Park and set up an All-Ireland Hurling semi-final with Cork.

    Crummey was dismissed 15 minutes in after catching Gearoid Hegarty with an elbow but the Dubs still led 0-15 to 0-12 at the interval.

    Four unanswered points helped Limerick into a 0-19 to 0-18 lead, but eight minutes after the resumption two quickfire goals within the space of a minute from John Hetherton and Cian O'Sullivan put their side back in the driving seat with a five-point advantage.

    Limerick - whose Munster reign was ended by Cork earlier this month - fought back to reduce the deficit to a single point but Dublin rallied and held fast to secure a famous victory and a place in the last four.

    Limerick managed to keep their noses in front in the early stages but Crummey's dismissal appeared to give the underdogs added incentive, with Fergal Whitely's point drawing them level at 10 points apiece.

    Five points in a row moved Dublin five in front, before their opponents pointed twice to narrow their arrears to two after a pulsating first period.

    The margin between the sides was still three points when a run of four consecutive points saw Limerick move ahead, but that double goal salvo from Dublin changed the complexion of the game within 60 seconds.

    First Hetheron fired home from the tightest of angles and then O'Sullivan latched onto a long ball forward and found the net past Nickie Quaid.

    Aaron Gillane shone for Limerick, he ended up with eight points in total, as they clawed their way back into the game, but ultimately fell just short.

    Gearoid Hegarty and Adam English scored four points each.

    Sean Currie top-scored for the victors with nine points, with Conor Burke contributing 0-5.

  5. Clifford hits hat-trick in Kerry win over Cavanpublished at 17:17 21 June

    Kerry star David Clifford celebrates one of his goals against CavanImage source, Getty Images

    David Clifford starred as Kerry bounced back from last week's shock defeat by Meath to beat Cavan 3-20 to 1-17 in Saturday's All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final in Killarney.

    Five-time All-Star Clifford hit 3-7 - including 2-5 in the first half to give Kerry a 2-12 to 0-8 half-time lead - as he put Cavan's defence to the sword in a heavily one-sided opening 35 minutes.

    After a chastening first period, Cavan made a game of it, with Evan Crowe's 51st-minute goal part of an unanswered 1-3 that raised hopes of an unlikely fightback.

    But Clifford's third goal eased the Kingdom's worries and fired them into next week's quarter-finals, where they could meet reigning champions Armagh in a repeat of last year's semi-final.

    Cavan - for whom Paddy Lynch top-scored with 0-12 - bow out of the championship after losing three straight games to Donegal, Tyrone and Kerry, having started the round-robin phase with a superb win over Mayo in Castlebar.

    Niall Carolan and David Clifford clashImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    An early coming together with Carolan left Clifford with a torn jersey

    Stung by an 11-point home reverse to Meath, Kerry boss Jack O'Connor made six changes, and despite losing the returning Diarmuid O'Connor to injury after just three minutes, the Munster kingpins raced away from the Ulster county in the early exchanges.

    And Clifford, as he has been so often down the years, was central to an attacking masterclass.

    Having been riled by an early coming together with Niall Carolan that left him with a ripped jersey, the Fossa club-man raced past his man-marker and drilled a low shot into Liam Brady's net.

    Cavan's early plight was exacerbated when they lost Cian Reilly to injury and Carolan to a black card after an off-the-ball clash with Clifford.

    Two minutes after registering his first two-pointer, Clifford finished a flowing move in style with his shot going in off the post. The 26-year-old notched another two-pointer before Seanie O'Shea raised an orange flag of his own.

    While Clifford was denied a hat-trick by a fine Brady save, his substantial contribution helped give the hosts a commanding 10-point cushion at the break.

    With Kerry easing off the accelerator, the Breffnimen roared back into proceedings when Crowe's goal was swiftly followed by Oisin Kiernan's two-pointer and a Padraig Faulkner score which could have been a goal.

    And when impressive full-forward Lynch nailed a two-pointer, Cavan trailed by just four at 2-16 to 1-15.

    Two minutes later, however, Clifford finally bagged his treble when he pounced after Brady denied Joe O'Connor, another crucial intervention from the forward from which Cavan never recovered.

  6. Armagh and Donegal exit All-Ireland at group stagepublished at 15:40 21 June

    Ruth Sargent tackles Blaithin MackinImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Armagh reached the All-Ireland semi-finals last year

    Armagh and Donegal have both been eliminated from the Ladies All-Ireland series at the group stage.

    The Orchard County, who reached the semi-finals last year, went out after a surprise 1-12 to 1-10 defeat against Kildare, who move into the last eight.

    Donegal exited the competition after a 0-11 to 1-6 loss to Tipperary, who go through to the quarter-finals with the victory.

    Those two sides join holders Kerry, Meath and Dublin in reaching the last eight.

    Ulster champions Armagh and Kildare went in level at 0-6 apiece at half-time after a tight first period at a sunny Athletic Grounds.

    It was nip-and-tuck throughout before Kildare moved ahead through Laura Curran and Alannah Prizeman but frees from Caroline O'Hanlon and Niamh Reel got the Orchard County back on level terms.

    Armagh - who were without captain Clodagh McCambridge and Aoife McCoy - then managed to scramble the ball off the line when Kildare had a promising goal chance before Ciara Wheeler and O'Hanlon exchanged points late in the half.

    It was equally tight at the start of the second half, with Armagh responding every time Kildare pulled ahead.

    That was until Laoise Lenehan ghosted in at the back post to score a goal for Kildare, with Aoife Rattigan adding a point soon after to take them six clear.

    Armagh replied with a goal six minutes from time to renew hope of a comeback

    Lauren McConville fired home from close range, before Aimee Mackin registered a point soon after coming off the bench to bring them back to within a point.

    Those hopes of fighting back faded after substitute Miah Ryan kicked a late score to seal the two-point win for Kildare.

    Katie DowdsImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Donegal suffered a two-point defeat against Tipperary in Bansha

    Donegal trailed 0-8 to 0-3 at half-time after a tough first half in the heat in Bansha.

    Kirsty Crotty Ryan got Tipperary off the mark before Anna Rose Kennedy kicked three successive points to give them an early lead.

    Susanne White got Donegal's first score with a free on 18 minutes, but Kennedy replied soon after.

    White kicked another free before two quick-fire points from Crotty Ryan and Emma Morrissey re-established Tipp's advantage.

    Blathnaid McLaughlin and Aishling Moloney exchanged late scores as Tipperary lead by five at the break, a gap that proved just too big for Donegal to bridge.

    Moloney added two more frees after the restart before Donegal sparked into life with two points and then a goal.

    Jodie McFadden reacted quickest after the ball came off the post to coolly slot home before she added another point to bring them back within one.

    Moloney registered her fifth point with a crucial free as Tipperary saw out the win which booked their place in the last eight.

  7. Tyrone All-Ireland winner McShane signs for Strabanepublished at 13:22 21 June

    Cathal McShane signs for Strabane AthleticImage source, Strabane Athletic
    Image caption,

    McShane stepped away from the Tyrone panel in May

    Tyrone All-Ireland winning forward Cathal McShane has signed for Premier Intermediate side Strabane Athletic after opting out of the Red Hands' panel this year.

    McShane decided to step away in May ahead of the All-Ireland series and made his last appearance for Tyrone in April in their Ulster Championship opener against Cavan.

    The 29-year-old made his inter-county debut against Donegal in 2015 and during his time in red and white he picked up three Ulster SFC medals (2016, 2017 and 2021) alongside his All-Ireland SFC medal in 2021.

    The forward won an All-Star for his performances in 2019, finishing as the All-Ireland SFC's top scorer, kicking 3-48 in nine games.

    He has now switched his focus to soccer and returns for another spell at Strabane, who will play in the third tier for the first time next season after winning promotion.

    "I'm delighted to be signing with Strabane Athletic, a club I've played with in the past and always kept a close eye on, it was brilliant to see the recent success, a real credit to everyone involved," he told the club's website.

    "From a personal note I'm really excited to get back playing and do whatever it takes to help drive the club forward and to reach the heights it's capable of."

  8. 'The boys winning the All-Ireland has pushed us on' - McCoypublished at 10:14 21 June

    Aoife McCoy in action for ArmaghImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    McCoy was part of the Armagh side that reached the Ladies All-Ireland semi-finals last year

    Armagh forward Aoife McCoy says the men's side winning the All-Ireland Championship last year has "pushed" her side on to replicate their success.

    The ladies' side watched on as the Orchard County edged Galway to claim a second men's All-Ireland title at Croke Park last July.

    Barry McCambridge and Connaire Mackin played key roles in that triumph and their siblings Clodagh and Meabh McCambridge and Blaithin Mackin are in the ladies' panel.

    As a result, McCoy believes her side have plenty of motivation to go all the way in the Brendan Martin Cup after falling at the semi-final stage last year.

    "I think plenty of people have said it. The boys winning the All-Ireland last year, not really realising it, but it has maybe been a good push for us as well," said McCoy.

    "It has just brought a lot of happiness to the county. I think for us, it probably has pushed us on.

    "We have a lot of girls that have siblings that are involved in that panel and we're definitely trying to emulate that success."

    Armagh continue their quest for glory in the Ladies All-Ireland Championship on Saturday as they face Kildare in their second group game.

    They drew with Meath in their opening game, but the Orchard County know a win against Kildare at the Athletic Grounds will help them book their place in the last eight of the competition.

    "We're going out to get a win first of all. A win will basically secure us a spot in the quarter-final and then after that, obviously we'd love to finish first in the group," McCoy added.

    "To get that home quarter-final, that would be great. We'll be focusing really on a win first and then just take it from there.

    "They [Kildare] have obviously come into Division One this year and they've maintained their status there. In 2023 they won the intermediate, so they're a very good side."

  9. Love wants Fermanagh to 'follow along' Down's pathpublished at 10:11 21 June

    Odhran Crumley
    BBC Sport NI Journalist

    Fermanagh's Conor Love is expecting another 'tough battle' at Croke Park on Sunday. Image source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Fermanagh's Conor Love is expecting another 'tough battle' at Croke Park on Sunday.

    Fermanagh forward Conor Love is prepared for another "tough battle" when they face Kildare in Sunday's Tailteann Cup semi-final at Croke Park (16:00 BST).

    The Ernesiders reached the last four of the competition for the very first time by beating Sligo at Brewster Park last weekend.

    They now face a stiff test from the 'Lilywhites' who have spent the majority of their time competing at the top end of the National Leagues and battling for the Sam Maguire Cup.

    The two most recent winners of the Tailteann Cup in Meath and Down have more than held their own in the All-Ireland Championship this year.

    The Royals have already secured direct passage to the last eight while Down are the kick of a ball away from joining them.

    That same Down side many will feel were lucky to get past Fermanagh in the Ulster Championship and Love is hoping his side can replicate their success.

    "It'll be another tough battle for us, I suppose Kildare have definitely been there more recently than us at the top table, so it's more of a stepping stone for them, but we're looking at the likes of Down and Meath in the past couple of years and hoping to emulate them," Love told BBC Sport NI.

    "Down have really shown the way for teams like ourselves. We were a kick away, but a kick away is a big kick in these games, so if we just followed along their path, I think we'd be more than happy.

    "I don't think easy as winning it [Tailteann Cup] and getting to where Down and Meath are at the minute, but it's definitely a great place to start. I think that's the great thing about the Tailteann Cup.

    "There's been critics, but I think the the proof's in the pudding. Meath have ended up beating Dublin and Kerry this year and a couple of years ago they were playing teams like us in the league. So, it's something we're looking forward to hopefully emulating."

    Days out in Croke Park are not a regular occurrence for the people of County Fermanagh but this Sunday will mark a second appearance at GAA headquarters this summer.

    The north Dublin venue was selected as the neutral ground for their group win over Wexford, a game in which the Enniskillen Gaels man starred in by kicking nine points, but Love was quick to allude to a greater significance.

    "It was more a monkey off the back for Fermanagh. It was 2004 the last time we got a win in Croke Park, which is massive," he added.

    "We'll take it, even if it was a group game. Less of a meaning maybe, but we 100% needed that. That's a couple of weeks ago, so the lads know what we need to do.

    "It's great to see the crowds we've been getting the last couple of games, so hopefully it continues, but it can't hurt going back to Croke Park a number of times."

  10. Fermanagh make two changes for Tailteann Cup semi-finalpublished at 14:08 20 June

    Luke FlanaganImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Flanagan's inclusion is one of two changes made by Fermanagh boss Kieran Donnelly

    Fermanagh boss Kieran Donnelly has made two alterations for their Tailteann Cup semi-final against Kildare on Sunday.

    The Ernesiders have reached the last four for the first time after beating Sligo in the quarter-finals.

    Luke Flanagan and Jonathan Cassidy come in for Che Cullen and Conor McKee.

    Kildare are unchanged from the side that beat Meath in the last eight and are boosted by the return of Callum Bolton to the bench although Ben McCormack is out.

    Fermanagh: Sean McNally; Luke Flanagan, Lee Cullen, Oisin Smyth; Shane McGullion, Declan McCusker, Jonathan Cassidy; Joe McDade, Darragh McGurn; Fionan O'Brien, Ryan Lyons, Ronan McCaffrey; Josh Largo Ellis, Garvan Jones, Conor Love.

    Subs: Ross Bogue, Che Cullen, Sean Cassidy, Diarmuid Owens, Glenn Treacy, Aogan Kelm, Jack Largo Ellis, Oisin Murphy, Conor McKee, Brandon Horan, Paul Breen.

    Kildare: Cian Burke; Harry O'Neill, Mark Dempsey, Ryan Burke; Brian Byrne, David Hyland; James McGrath Kevin Feely, Brendan Gibbons; Tommy Gill, Alex Beirne Colm Dalton; Ryan Sinkey, Darragh Kirwin, Daniel Flynn.

    Subs: Didier Cordonnier, Jack McKevitt, Mick O'Grady, Kevin Flynn, Callum Bolton, Aaron Masterson, Paddy McDermott, Darragh Swords, Brian McLoughlin, Niall Kelly, Eoin Cully.

  11. Dublin and Cork unchanged for Croke Park meetingpublished at 13:18 20 June

    Con O'CallaghanImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    O'Callaghan retains his place after returning in the win against Derry last weekend

    Dublin boss Dessie Farrell has named an unchanged side for their All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final against Cork at Croke Park.

    Farrell goes with the same starting side that managed a victory over Derry in their final group game.

    Con O'Callaghan retains his place after making his return from injury to start in Newry last weekend.

    Cork are also unchanged after they saw off Roscommon last time out.

    Dublin: Stephen Cluxton; Sean MacMahon, Theo Clancy, David Byrne; Brian Howard, John Small, Lee Gannon; Peadar O'Cofaigh-Byrne, Killian McGinnis; Ciaran Kilkenny, Sean Bugler, Niall Scully; Paddy Small, Con O'Callaghan, Cormac Costello.

    Subs: Evan Comerford, Luke Breathnach, Nathan Doran, Alex Gavin, Tom Lahiff, Greg McEnaney, Ross McGarry, Eoin Murchan, Cian Murphy, Lorcan O'Dell, Eoghan O'Donnell.

    Cork: Mark Aodh Martin; Sean Meehan, Daniel O'Mahony, Maurice Shanley; Brian O'Driscoll, Sean Brady; Matty Taylor, Ian Maguire; Colm O'Callaghan, Paul Walsh, Sean Walsh, Sean McDonnell; Mark Cronin, Brian Hurley, Chris Og Jones.

    Subs: Patrick Doyle, Neil Lordan, Rory Maguire, Sean Powter, Luke Fahy, Conor Cahalane, Eoghan McSweeney, Ruairi Deane, Conor Corbett, Cathail O'Mahony, Hugh O'Connor.

  12. O'Shea and Clifford return to Kerry panel for Cavan clashpublished at 12:16 20 June

    Paudie CliffordImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Clifford missed Kerry's shock defeat against Meath through injury

    Sean O'Shea has been named in the starting line-up as Kerry welcome back a host of players from injury for their All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final against Cavan.

    Paudie Clifford is also back and amongst the replacements on the Kerry bench as Jack O'Connor makes five alterations to the side after a shock defeat by Meath in Tullamore last time out.

    Diarmuid O'Connor, Conor Geaney and Brian O Beaglaoich return to the side after recovering from injuries with Sean O'Brien replacing Mark O'Shea.

    Killian Spillane, Micheal Burns and Tadhg Morley drop to the bench whilst Tony Brosnan misses out after picking up a hamstring injury.

    Cavan make just one change from their 0-31 to 0-18 defeat against Tyrone in their final group game.

    It comes in midfield as Oisin Kieran is replaced by Ryan Donohoe for the Breffnimen with Dara McVeety continuing at centre-forward after previously playing at centre-back earlier in the season.

    Gearoid McKiernan returns from injury to make the bench for Raymond Galligan's men.

    Kerry: Shane Ryan; Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, Tom O'Sullivan; Brian O Beaglaoich, Mike Breen, Gavin White; Joe O'Connor, Sean O'Brien; Diarmuid O'Connor, Sean O'Shea, Graham O'Sullivan; David Clifford, Conor Geaney, Dylan Geaney.

    Subs: Shane Murphy, Dylan Casey, Killian Spillane, Tadhg Morley, Armin Heirich, Micheal Burns, Evan Looney, Tom Leo O'Sullivan, Mark O'Shea, Paudie Clifford, Dara Moynihan.

    Cavan: Liam Brady; Niall Carolan, Killian Brady, Cian Reilly; Brian O'Connell, Ciaran Brady, Padraig Faulkner; Ryan Donohoe, Evan Crowe; Gerard Smith, Dara McVeety, Oisin Brady; Cormac O'Reilly, Paddy Lynch, Cian Madden.

    Subs: Gary O'Rourke, Luke Fortune, Killian Clarke, Oisin Kiernan, Jason McLoughlin, Ruairi Curran, Luke Molloy, Gearoid McKiernan, Thomas Edward Donohoe, Ryan O'Neill, Sean McEvoy.

  13. O Baoill starts for Donegal against Louthpublished at 11:58 20 June

    Daire O Boaill Image source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    O Baoill returns to Donegal's starting side for their preliminary quarter-final against Louth

    Daire O Baoill returns for Donegal as Jim McGuinness makes one change to his side for their All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final against Louth.

    O Baoill replaces Caolan McColgan, who started Donegal's late win against Mayo in their last group stage game last weekend.

    Captain Patrick McBrearty has to once again settle for a place on the bench.

    For Louth, Dermot Campbell returns after missing the narrow win against Clare last week through injury.

    He comes in for Dan Corcoran, who drops to the bench, whilst Bevan Duffy is unavailable again after being ruled out of the Clare game.

    Donegal: Shaun Patton; Finnbarr Roarty, Brendan McCole, Peadar Mogan; Ryan McHugh, Eoghan Ban Gallagher Ciaran Moore; Hugh McFadden, Michael Langan; Daire O Baoill, Ciaran Thompson, Shane O'Donnell; Conor O'Donnell, Michael Murphy, Oisin Gallen.

    Subs: Gavin Mulreaney, Stephen McMenamin, Odhran McFadden-Ferry, Mark Curran, Odhran Doherty, Aaron Doherty, Patrick McBrearty, Jamie Brennan, Eoin McHugh, Caolan McColgan, Jason McGee.

    Louth: Niall McDonnell; Daire Nally, Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny; Emmet Carolan, Peter Lynch, Craig Lennon; Tommy Durnin, Dara McDonnell; Conall McKeever, Ciaran Downey; Conor Grimes, Ciaran Keenan, Sam Mulroy, Ryan Burns.

    Subs: Tiernan Markey, Liam Jackson, Anthony Williams, Sean Callaghan, Kieran McArdle, Ciaran Byrne, Dan Corcoran, Conor Branigan, Ryan Walsh, Daire McConnon, Paul Mathews.

  14. Galway's Walsh relishing trip to Newrypublished at 07:14 18 June

    David Mohan
    BBC Sport NI Journalist

    Galway forward Shane Walsh after his match-winner against ArmaghImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Galway's Shane Walsh hit the match-winning score against Armagh which set up a Sunday's preliminary quarter-final against Down

    Galway's Shane Walsh says he and his team-mates "know all about Down" as they prepare to hit the road for Sunday's All-Ireland Senior Football Championship preliminary quarter-final in Newry.

    The Tribesmen were forced to dig deep at the weekend to edge past Armagh and seal third-place in Group Four, a result which saw them through the knockout phase.

    Walsh was in inspirational form with nine points, including the winner at the death, to earn himself the nod for Footballer of the Week.

    Being drawn against Down means it is Ulster opposition for the third game in a row for Galway, having drawn in Derry before getting the better of the All-Ireland champions last weekend.

    Walsh is expecting a hostile reception in Pairc Esler on Sunday, and is anticipating the Mournemen will be fired up with a place in the last eight on the line, but says he relishes such occasions.

    "I know Down manager Conor Laverty is a gent off the field, but when it comes to football, he's very serious about winning. You know exactly what way he is going to create his atmosphere in Down this weekend," Walsh said.

    "You embrace that because the more hostile environments - and it tends to be that way when you go across the border with the crowd involved a lot more - makes for a better atmosphere.

    "When the game is in the melting pot, you can hear every breath from every supporter."

    Walsh has experienced mixed fortunes at the Newry venue in the past, having been part of the Galway team that won a Division Two contest against Down in 2022, but then suffered All-Ireland Club semi-final heartbreak with Kilmacud Crokes against Glen two years later.

    The 32-year-old is delighted to still in the championship as at half-time against Armagh, the exit door was staring Galway in the face.

    Padraic Joyce's men rallied from eight down to claim an invaluable win and although their third-place finish means they are away from home this week, it is a scenario last year's beaten finalists are more than comfortable with.

    "It's great to be here and that was the aim at the start of the game, to still be in the championship," said Walsh, an All-Star recipient in 2022.

    "It didn't look good at half-time, but Padraic got behind us and demanded a bit more from us.

    "We came out firing in the second half and thankfully so, because if things had stayed the same, we wouldn't be here today."

  15. All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final draw detailspublished at 15:21 16 June

    Sam Maguire trophy Image source, Inpho

    The draw has been made for the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-finals.

    Kerry v Cavan (Saturday 21 June - 1530 BST)

    Dublin v Cork (Saturday 21 June - 1830 BST)

    Down v Galway (Sunday 22 June - 1345 BST)

    Donegal v Louth (Sunday 22 June - 1600 BST)

    Tyrone, Armagh, Monaghan and Meath have already qualified for the last eight, with those games scheduled to be played on 28/29 June.

  16. Donegal must not let supporters down - McGuinness published at 12:01 16 June

    David Mohan
    BBC Sport NI Journalist

    Donegal manager Jim McGuinness was a happy man on Sunday Image source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Donegal manager Jim McGuinness was thrilled with his side's will to win against Mayo on Sunday

    Donegal manager Jim McGuinness challenged his players "not to let the supporters down" when they return to Ballybofey for their All-Ireland Senior Football Championship preliminary quarter-final this weekend.

    The Ulster champions will have home advantage against Lough after finishing second in their group.

    Ideally, Donegal would have preferred to have topped Group One and move straight into the quarter-finals, but their last-gasp one-point win over Mayo in Roscommon on Sunday was only good enough for second.

    That was due to their defeat at home by Tyrone in the opening round, meaning the Red Hands topped the group and will enjoy the week off due to the head-to-head tiebreaker as both finished with four points from their three games.

    McGuinness suffered his first loss as Donegal manager at MacCumhaill Park in league or championship in that game and he is keen to ensure the same doesn't happen this week.

    "We're happy, it's one game, we have another one next Sunday and hopefully the Sunday after that," he said.

    "We know what is coming down the line. We know if we want to be where we want to be, we had to win this weekend. We did that and we have another game coming.

    "The fact that it's at home is brilliant. The last time we were at home we let our supporters down, so we're hoping to not do that this time around and put in as big a performance as we can."

    Ciaran MooreImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Ciaran Moore's post-hooter score secured second place for Donegal in Group One

    It was a thrilling afternoon in Roscommon which culminated in Ciaran Moore's winning point after the hooter had sounded.

    Just seconds prior, Mayo thought they had snatched a draw and a lifeline to stay in the championship when Fergal Boland slung over an equaliser, but Donegal's will to win shone through, even though a draw would not have made any difference to their second-place finish in the group.

    McGuinness said he was unaware of that situation during the game and had not been paying attention to the updates from Enniskillen where Tyrone were beating Cavan, but insists all he and his players were concerned about was putting two wins back-to-back.

    "Absolutely delighted - it always is a tough battle when you face Mayo," he reflected.

    "We had to go to the wire and they did that very well. We had no ears or eyes on the other game, we were focussed on ourselves. We spoke about that in the hotel this morning: bring our own performance levels and we're delighted with that.

    "They're playing games in training and there's a final phase called. They have to go do something in that final phase so Ciaran Moore, brilliant for him to step up and the way he went at Mayo's defence and mixed a score under serious pressure was a lot of class.

    "The squad is huge and you have to have everyone prepared to step in and do the right thing for the team in clutch moments."

  17. Tailteann Cup semi-final draw detailspublished at 09:57 16 June

    Tailteann CupImage source, Inpho

    The draw has been made for the Tailteann Cup semi-finals:

    Wicklow v Limerick (1400 BST)

    Fermanagh v Kildare (1600 BST)

    The games will be played on Sunday, 22 June at Croke Park with the final scheduled for Saturday, 12 July.

  18. Meyler 'emotional' after long-awaited Tyrone returnpublished at 07:18 16 June

    Conor Meyler hugs his dad after Tyrone beat CavanImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Meyler has spent close to two years out with successive knee injuries

    Tyrone forward Conor Meyler said he was "emotional" after making his first appearance for his county in almost two years.

    Meyler came off the bench to help the Red Hands to a 0-31 to 0-18 win against Cavan which secured top spot Group Four progress to the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

    The 30-year-old's last appearance before Sunday came against Kerry at Croke Park in the last-eight of the All-Ireland in 2023 and he admitted it was a tough journey back after various knee and other injuries.

    "It's been nearly two years so it's a long stint and a rocky road, but I'm delighted to get back out there and to get a win too more importantly," he told BBC Sport NI's Odhran Crumley.

    "It was emotional, it is a lonely road when you're injured, it's a long process and when you're on the road there are a few bumps and there are a lot of people I'm grateful for.

    "My family believed in me when I probably doubted myself, so to get back in a Tyrone jersey is class, it's hard to replicate those moments anywhere else."

    Meyler conceded that he had moments when he thought a return to the inter-county scene appeared unlikely, but that his return made him glad he kept persevering to get back.

    "It was very realistic [not playing for Tyrone again] with a couple of injuries and big surgeries and medically, it was a big task," he added.

    "You have to keep believing even if you do fall short, I'd rather have got to the end of the year throwing everything at it rather than wondering what if, so, it's great the hard work paid off and the boys and the management backed me to play."

  19. O'Rourke on Tyrone win and 'bad' McKernan injury published at 20:46 15 June

    Malachy O'RourkeImage source, Inpho

    Tyrone boss Malachy O'Rourke praised his side's efficiency in their 0-31 to 0-18 win over Cavan which booked their place in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

    The Red Hands bounced back well from defeat against Mayo last time out as they swept away Cavan at Brewster Park.

    They had 11 different scorers as Darren McCurry top scored with 0-9 while Darragh Canavan finished with 0-5 and O'Rourke was content with their attacking display.

    "We are delighted, I thought we were efficient up front when we did get the chances, we took a lot of them and I think in the first half our shot to score ratio was maybe 80% which was really high, so very pleased with that," he told BBC Sport NI.

    "I thought early on we were conceding a bit of space, and they could have been closer to us but as the game went on, we got a stranglehold round the middle we won a lot of breaking ball, and we used the ball really well going forward."

    Michael McKernanImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    McKernan went off after two minutes against Cavan

    Tyrone finished top of Group Four with the win, beating Donegal on the head-to-head rule and it means they go straight through to the last eight.

    That gives them an extra week's rest over their opponent, who will play in the preliminary quarter-finals next weekend.

    O'Rourke hopes they can use the additional week's rest to their advantage, although he admitted they may be without forward Michael McKernan for their next game after he went off holding his left arm just two minutes into the Cavan game.

    "We were disappointed with the Mayo defeat, so we wanted to make sure we had a better performance today to give us our best chance of topping the group and getting through to the quarter-final so delighted with that and it's a case of recovering and focusing on what's ahead," he added.

    "There's no doubt after high intensity games like these boys will be sore, so it gives you a bit of time to recover.

    "Unfortunately, Michael McKernan picked up a bad injury, he's away to hospital we don't know exactly what it is but we're hoping it is not as serious as it might be, and he'll have a chance to be there in two weeks' time."

  20. Moore breaks Mayo hearts to seal thrilling win for Donegalpublished at 19:08 15 June

    David Mohan
    BBC Sport NI journalist at Dr Hyde Park

    Donegal's Ciaran Moore celebrates his winning point Image source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Ciaran Moore celebrates his winner for Donegal on Sunday

    Ciaran Moore popped up with a dramatic last-gasp winner to secure a 0-19 to 1-15 victory for Donegal in Dr Hyde Park and send Mayo crashing out of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.

    Mayo substitute Fergal Boland thought he had rescued a point with a late score, which would have been enough for the Connacht side to move into third spot in the Group One standings and eliminate Cavan.

    However, Moore's winner meant Mayo came up empty-handed and finish bottom on head-to-head with the Breffnimen, who beat them in Castlebar on the opening weekend.

    Given how delicately the group was poised prior to the game, there was a guarantee of drama and the 18,731 in attendance certainly got bang for their buck.

    It was tense at times, brilliant at others as this game hung in the balance right until the final kick, which was enough for a Donegal win, but not enough to finish top of the pile due to their own opening day defeat to the Red Hands, who had the head-to-head advantage.

    The game began with a bang as Peadar Mogan and Darren McHale swapped early points, but Mayo were fortunate not to be punished with a goal as an Aidan O'Shea slip saw a lightning Donegal counter with Mogan put in, but he thumped high.

    After Caolan McColgan added another, Mogan was black carded for a trip in the ninth minute and while he was away, Mayo hit three points as Ryan O'Donoghue's frees sandwiched McHale's second of the day.

    It was a tense opening period with both sides defending well and giving little away cheaply, but the advantage swung back to Donegal following a two-point free converted by Michael Murphy.

    While the Ulster champions outscored Mayo by four to two heading into the break to lead 0-9 to 0-6, it seemed the game was now beginning to open up a little.

    Mayo upped their game early in the second period with points from Jack Carney and O'Donoghue, but Donegal always seemed to have an answer when Mayo got to within one as the point-for-point run ended as Conor O'Donnell and Moore hit back-to-back points.

    Mayo got it back to one again and it seemed they had taken a huge step towards victory when O'Shea laid off a delicate pass to Jack Carney, who played in David McBrien to swivel and find the net via the post.

    But the Donegal reply was excellent as substitute Daire O Baoill kicked an outrageous two-pointer to level, whilst points from Murphy and O'Donnell would follow.

    After Flynn pulled one back, Donegal had their chance to put it away as Mayo goalkeeper Colm Reape was caught outfield from a restart and Patrick McBrearty was through and seemingly certain to bury with two minutes to play, but Reape somehow recovered to get a block out for a 45 that Murphy converted.

    Mayo were then denied a goal of their own with Carney snuffed out, but after an O'Donoghue free, Mayo got on the attack in the final minute and Boland kicked over the leveller.

    However, there were still about five seconds until the hooter when Moore got on the ball and found the reserves to gallop forward and sling over the winner which sent the Donegal support into raptures and broke Mayo hearts.