Gaelic Games

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With Tyrone and Kerry braced to write the latest chapter in an intense and storied rivalry in Saturday's All-Ireland SFC semi-final, here's a look back at their first championship meeting in the 1986 All-Ireland final, which the Kingdom won 2-15 to 1-10.

Kerry's 1986 triumph proved the last hurrah for Mick O'Dwyer's legendary band of Kingdom players as they clinched an eighth Sam Maguire in 12 years but they were already creaking that day as Tyrone's inexperience saw them contrive to lose a seemingly insurmountable seven-point advantage with just over 20 minutes left.

Granted, McCabe's skied penalty over the bar was the obvious turning point but it shouldn't necessarily have been as his point had increased the Red Hands' advantage to seven.

McCabe, who was Tyrone's first All-Star in 1980, later said that Tyrone had factored in every possible scenario that day apart from having to hold onto a big lead.

Sam did indeed seem on his way north of the border for the first time since Down's 1968 triumph as Paudge Quinn's goal helped the Red Hands take their big lead.

A successful McCabe penalty past Charlie Nelligan would have put Tyrone nine ahead but within seconds that man Spillane has palmed the ball to the net past Aidan Skelton at the other end to cut the Red Hands' advantage to four.

Mikey Sheehy, finally given room to express himself after the injury-enforced departure of teak tough Tyrone defender Lynch, soon blasted in Kerry's second goal as the Kingdom outscored their shell-shocked opponents 1-11 to 0-2 in the closing 20-odd minutes of action.

Originally published in June 2023

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Oisin McConville has extended his stay as Wicklow senior football manager for another two years, taking him through to the end of the 2027 season.

The Armagh All-Ireland winner was appointed in 2022 and led the county to the Tailteann Cup semi-finals in June, where they lost to Limerick.

The Leinster county also narrowly missed out on promotion to Division Three earlier this year.

Following that loss, McConville questioned whether he would continue in the role given the travel commitments.

McConville was co-manager of his own club Crossmaglen when they won the Ulster title in 2015.

He also managed Seneschalstown in Meath and had a spell in charge of Monaghan outfit Inniskeen Grattans.

"This year, under his leadership, Wicklow came within a score of promotion and delivered a thrilling Tailteann Cup semi-final display, only to be edged out by Limerick in the closing minutes," Wicklow GAA said.

"The progress achieved on and off the field has been widely commended by players, supporters and county board delegates alike."

Their statement added: "His commitment to fostering emerging talent, refining our tactical identity and driving a high-performance culture gives us every confidence that Wicklow football will continue to flourish."

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Derry GAA football manager Paddy Tally has left his role with the Oak Leafers after spending a sole season in charge.

After a protracted search, Tally was appointed as Mickey Harte's successor in November for what was to be a three-year term.

Instead, his time at the helm lasted only eight months during which the side failed to win a game.

After winning the Allianz League in 2024 under Harte, they were relegated from Division One this season before a 10-point loss to Donegal in the preliminary round of the Ulster Championship and a round robin exit from the All-Ireland.

"I want to thank my management, backroom and medical team and most importantly the players for their commitment and dedication over the past season," said Tally.

"Thank you to Derry County Board and the staff in Owenbeg and Celtic Park for their hospitality and support. I wish the Derry senior footballers the best for the future".

A Derry statement said Tally "brought integrity and energy to the role along with a deep commitment to the players".

Harte also only spent one campaign in charge, meaning Derry are looking for a new permanent manager for the third time in as many seasons.

Orla Bannon
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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Tyrone coach Colm McCullagh said that "time is running out" for defender Michael McKernan in his battle to be fit for Saturday's All-Ireland semi-final game against Kerry.

McKernan was substituted after picking up a shoulder problem against Cavan three weeks ago.

It had been anticipated that if Tyrone could beat Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-final, it would give McKernan a chance to feature in a last four tie.

However, McCullagh has dashed Tyrone fans' hopes just a few days out from their semi-final showdown against the Kingdom in Croke Park.

"Michael is improving, he is coming on, but this weekend will be too soon for him," he said.

"Unless there is a major improvement in the next couple of days it is looking very unlikely.

"He picked up a fairly serious enough shoulder injury early on against Cavan and it's no contact stuff for him at the minute."

Tyrone have been patchy all season mixing the good with the poor, but McKernan has been one of their most consistent performers all year.

A notable man-marker, he has also enjoyed the new rules and kicked a string of monster two-pointers for the Red Hands.

However, his bright season came to an abrupt end when he shipped a heavy knock against Cavan and left the field in Brewster Park in real distress.

With quality players like David and Paudie Clifford as well as Sean O'Shea on the opposing team on this weekend, McKernan's absence will be a real blow.

"Michael is trying his best to make it work for him, he is doing all he can and the medical team are doing all they can," added McCullagh.

"It's just the time could be running out for him possibly.

"We have a clean bill of health otherwise, a few wee niggles but nothing serious."

Meanwhile, Mark Bradley has declared himself fit to feature having sat out the last two games.

"I've had a few niggles throughout the year with my calves, it's very unpredictable," he said.

"You could be doing a warm-up and you just feel it. It's not like sprinting or like with your hamstring where you know you're going to hurt it, but it's all good at the minute, I'm training away."

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Kerry have been handed a double injury blow with Tom O'Sullivan and Diarmuid O'Connor ruled out of their All-Ireland semi-final against Tyrone on Saturday.

Defender O'Sullivan misses out with a calf problem, which forced him to come off in the quarter-final win against Armagh.

Midfielder O'Connor will be absent with a shoulder problem that has hindered him throughout the season.

They join Barry Dan O'Sullivan on the sidelines after the Dingle man ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament earlier in the campaign.

The Kingdom's boss Jack O'Connor is also sweating on the fitness of the likes of Tony Brosnan, Tadhg Morley, Mike Breen and Paul Geaney for the last four tie, although all four are back in training.

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Raymond Galligan has stepped down as Cavan senior football boss after two years at the helm.

The Breffni County's former Ulster Championship-winning captain's departure was confirmed in a statement by Cavan on Monday afternoon.

"Cavan GAA would like to put on record their appreciation and gratitude for the huge commitment and effort Raymond and his management have given to Cavan football," it read.

"We wish Raymond, his wife Niamh and their two young children the best in the future and thank you again from all in Cavan GAA."

The former All-Star goalkeeper, who made 119 appearances for Cavan, succeeded Mickey Graham as manager ahead of the 2024 season.

Last year, Cavan finished third in Division Two, lost to Tyrone after extra-time in the Ulster quarter-finals and failed to progress past the All-Ireland group stages.

Following a fourth-place finish in Division Two this year, they again fell to Tyrone in the last eight of the Ulster series, but reached the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-finals after a shock round-robin win over Mayo in Castlebar.

His last match in charge was the preliminary quarter-final loss to Kerry in Killarney last month.

Galligan is the second managerial change in Ulster in recent weeks with Andy McEntee having stepped down as Antrim boss after three years in the role.

The GAA has admitted there was "confusion" over the final score of Tipperary's All-Ireland Hurling Championship semi-final win over Kilkenny.

The full-score at Croke Park has been confirmed as a 4-20 to 0-30 victory for Tipp, but it had been recorded as a 4-21 to 0-30 win.

The confusion came after Tipperary midfielder Noel McGrath's effort in the 70th minute was waved wide but was registered as a point on the scoreboard in the stadium - which left the eventual winners with 4-21.

That left Kilkenny chasing a goal in the closing stages thinking they were four points behind, when in theory they could have taken points to draw level in additional time as there were three points between the sides.

"The GAA can confirm that the official score at the end of the Tipperary v Kilkenny GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final was 4-20 to 0-30," the statement read.

"The GAA acknowledges there was confusion over the final score.

"The CCCC is awaiting the full referees report in order to establish how the initial mistake occurred."

Speaking on the GAA Social podcast, two-time All-Ireland winner Jamesie O'Connor said: "This type of thing shouldn't happen, especially at Croke Park.

"If it's three points with four minutes left you are more inclined to tap it over the bar. With the time that was there Kilkenny have every right to feel aggrieved.

"It shouldn't take away from Tipp's win, which was merited, but this type of controversy, in a game of this magnitude and at headquarters with the technology that is available to us, it shouldn't have happened."

When asked if he would go off the scoreboard in the stadium if he was playing at Croke Park, Limerick's five-time All-Ireland winner Seamus Flanagan said: "100%".

"It has a massive bearing on the game, it really does," he added.

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Tipperary forward John McGrath reacts to Sunday's dramatic win over Kilkenny:

On the end of the match: "It's unbelievable. The finish to that game you just didn't know what was going to happen. We got a couple of really good scores to push ahead, they had chances to level it or get ahead. There was some serious defending back there. It was mayhem at the end and it's kind of hard to get your head around at the moment. It's unbelievably satisfying to get through."

On Oisin O'Donoghue's goal after Tipp were reduced to 14 players: "The youth and the bravery of him, he's still under-20 next year again. I don't even remember him hitting the ball, I just saw the net shake. It was a huge score at the time and it gave us that bit of breathing room. He's been doing that all year. You need those moments and those breaks, especially as we were under pressure near the end."

On facing Cork in the final: "The form is with them, I suppose. We've had a couple of tough outings against them already this year, but we've regrouped and found a little more along the way. They are probably a couple more years down the road than us. It took us a little to get into our stride as the season has gone on. There's a huge rivalry there going years back, between the teams and supporters, and a great bit of banter in it as well. It's a quick enough turnaround, so it'll be on you before you know it. It's great to be looking forward to it."

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Tyrone manager Gerard Donnelly says he can't put the Red Hands' All-Ireland Minor Football Championship title into words.

Diarmuid Martin struck the winning point in the last minute on additional time as Tyrone ran out 1-16 to 1-15 winners at Newbridge.

Ben Kelliher's first-half goal had helped Kerry into a four-point lead in the final quarter, but Peter Colton netted a penalty with nine minutes to play to set up a dramatic conclusion.

Donnelly said it was "fine margins" in a match that "went back and forth".

"I can't put it into words, to be honest with you," Donnelly told TG4.

"That Kerry team are unbelievable, what about our boys though?

"Four down with 12 minutes to play in the wind, they never say die."

Donnelly was manager when Tyrone lost the 2021 final to Meath, and he admitted "if it will ever come back again".

"That final whistle going will be a memory I will remember for the rest of my life.

"It hasn't sunk in yet to be honest with you."

The build-up to the final was dominated by the unavailability of Joel Kerr, who had played a key role in Tyrone's progress to the final but had joined Premier League club West Ham on 1 July.

Donnelly said the 16-year-old was "some lad" and Tyrone had "no issues" with West Ham over the decision.

"We knew from the start that it could be problematic and we've no problems with West Ham, they've put investment in the kid.

"It's unbelievable that it was Diarmuid Martin, who came in for him, got the winning point to win Joel his All-Ireland medal."

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Tyrone won the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship for the first time since 2010 with a dramatic 1-16 to 1-15 win over Kerry in Sunday's final.

Ben Kelliher netted the only goal of the first half as Kerry held a 1-8 to 0-7 advantage at the break.

Tyrone, without key forward Joel Kerr after his move to Premier League side West Ham, kept fighting and got a goal through Peter Colton's penalty with nine minutes remaining in Newbridge.

There was nothing to split the sides in injury time, but Diarmuid Martin popped up with the decisive point in the final minute to get Tyrone over the line.

After a tight opening quarter, Tyrone started to stretch their legs as James Mulgrew landed a two-pointer from play and Eoin Long fired over a free.

But after Gearoid White and Danny Murphy chipped into the Red Hands' advantage, Kelliher worked some space in front of goal and fired into the top corner to put Kerry in front at half-time.

Aodhan Quinn brought Tyrone back within one point just seconds after the restart and Long levelled the final with a free.

Tadhg O'Connell and Diarmuid Martin traded scores before White's two-pointer moved Kerry back in front.

Long responded for Tyrone but another two-pointer, this time from Kevin Griffin, restored the Kingdom's three-point buffer.

Kerry could have all but ended the contest after Kelliher was clean through on goal after a poor kick-out from Ronan Donnelly, but the goalkeeper redeemed his error by forcing the forward wide before Padraig Goodman put in a big block.

Griffin then landed a free, but Matthew Daly immediately responded for Tyrone to keep a goal between the sides and Long fired over with the Kerry goal gaping.

There was a further twist with nine minutes to play with Daly was brought down by John Curtin and Tyrone were awarded a penalty, which Colton fired into the top corner to put Gerard Donnelly's side one point ahead.

Murphy's well-taken point levelled the contest with five minutes remaining, and Kelliher landed a point after Donnelly pushed his goal-bound effort over the bar as the clocked ticked into four minutes off additional time.

Colton levelled the game once more through a well-struck free, and another effort bounced off the upright allowed Martin to put the Ulster champions ahead heading into the final minute.

Kerry had one last attack but another decisive intervention from Martin, who came away with the ball after goalmouth scramble, sparked wild celebrations as Tyrone ended their long wait for success at this grade.

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Tyrone coach Ciaran Gourley says it is "unfortunate" that West Ham footballer Joel Kerr was not available to play in Sunday's All-Ireland Minor final against Kerry.

Kerr played a key role in the Red Hands' progression to the final on Sunday, but was not able to feature for Gerard Donnelly's side as his contract with the Premier League side started on 1 July.

The 16-year-old had balanced playing gaelic football for Tyrone and was also an underage player with Irish Premiership side Glentoran.

There were reports in the build-up to the final that Kerr would not be allowed to play after his move to the Premier League side was finalised, but he was surprisingly named in the Red Hands' starting team before throw-in.

However, Gourley confirmed that Kerr was not available to feature and said it was "unfortunate" for the teenager.

"We had hoped during the week there might have been an opportunity for us," Gourley told TG4 before Tyrone's decider.

"Look, he signed with them on 1 July so he's their [West Ham's] player.

"You have to respect that it's a big opportunity over there and you can't maybe jeopardise that for this one game.

"The players have still prepared as best they can and I know he'll be watching and cheering us on, but unfortunately for us he's not here."

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The Armagh senior ladies footballers will begin the search for new management after it was confirmed Darnell Parkinson and Joe Feeney have stepped down.

The pair took over from Greg McGonigle at the beginning of the year, having served as members of the Derry native's backroom team last year when the Orchard women won the Division One and Ulster titles and reached the last four of the All-Ireland Senior Championship.

Armagh retained their provincial crown with victory over Donegal in May's final at Clones, bust lost the Division One final against Kerry.

In the All-Ireland Championship, a shock defeat by Kildare meant they failed to progress from the group stage.

On Saturday, retained their senior status thanks to a 0-15 to 0-5 victory over Donegal in a relegation semi-final.

"On behalf of Armagh, we extend our sincere thanks to Darnell, Joe and the backroom team for their contribution to our senior team for the 2025 season," said Armagh chairperson Sinead Reel in a statement.

"We thank all those involved on the management team, their partners and families for their time and commitment to the Armagh cause.

"We wish the entire management and backroom team all the best in their future endeavours.

"Back-to-back Ulster titles and senior retention leaves a strong foundation for the future of Armagh football."

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Cork manager Pat Ryan insists his side must improve if they are to avenge last year's All-Ireland hurling final heartbreak after thumping Dublin in Saturday's semi-final.

The Munster champions produced a dazzling display to win 7-26 to 2-21, but the Rebels boss felt there are aspects of their game which were not quite up to scratch.

An overall tally of 47 points is hard to find holes in, but Ryan felt his team left a number of chances behind them and insists it's an area they must clean up as they get set for the 20 July final against either Kilkenny or Tipperary.

"We prepared really well for Dublin and gave them the respect they deserved after their fantastic win (against Limerick)," Ryan told BBC Sport NI.

"We knew we were coming up against a great challenge, but prepared really diligently and are delighted with our performance.

"I thought we went to sleep with a couple of our chances and gave them chances for goal, so it's something to work on going forward. Our (shooting) efficiency was down in that first half around 60% and those are things that just won't do in the final.

"We have some very dangerous inside forwards but there were times we didn't work hared enough to retain the ball and our tackling from behind wasn't good enough, but they are things we'll go after over the next two weeks."

Ryan added: "It's all about wining Liam MacCarthy and we're looking forward to it. We came up here for a performance and there were parts of that performance we wouldn't be happy with. We'll go after that because it needs to be perfect to win an All-Ireland and it wasn't perfect last year against Clare."

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Ryan's sentiments were echoed by man-of-the-match Alan Connolly.

The Blackrock man hit a hat-trick of goals and 3-2 overall, while laying on another for Brian Hayes just before the break which was the game-breaker.

"It was a good performance but we know we can do better," said the full-forward.

"We left a lot behind us but I don't want to look at the negatives because there were a lot of positives. Dublin are a great side with great management, so we knew if we made a good start and kept going, nobody could live with us."

Veteran attacker Patrick Horgan finished with eight points and also laid on a goal for Tim O'Mahony just after the break.

Cork's goal-hungry approach highlighted the talent they have in the forwards and also exemplified the balance they have.

"Today we saw that more than ever with seven goals and probably could have got one or two more," said hurling's leading points scorer of all time.

"We'll probably hear more about that during the week but that's what this team can do when we click and we did today."

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Donegal have dropped into the All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football Championship relegation play-off after a 0-15 to 0-5 defeat by Armagh.

In a repeat of the Ulster final, which Armagh won, both sides dropped into the opening relegation play-off round after finishing bottom of their respective groups.

The Orchard County held a 0-11 to 0-1 lead at the break and their dominant first-half performance was enough to retain their top flight status.

Donegal will now face Leitrim in the relegation play-off and the loser will drop into the All-Ireland Intermediate Football Championship for next season.

Niamh Reel, Lauren McConville both hit two points and Caroline O'Hanlon struck her third score just before half-time as Armagh dominated proceedings, while Jodie McFadden recorded Donegal's sole point of the half.

McFadden and Cait Gillespie started chipping into Armagh's lead after the restart, but Catherine Marley, Reel and Katie Dowds helped the Ulster champions keep Donegal at arm's length in the second half.

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Eoin Cody and Shane Murphy have been restored to the Kilkenny line-up to face an unchanged Tipperary in Sunday's All-Ireland Hurling semi-final at Croke Park.

The match, which will throw in at 16:00 BST, will be shown live on BBC Two NI, the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. There will also be live text updates on the BBC Sport website.

Ballyhale Shamrocks club-man Cody returns to Derek Lyng's full-forward line after missing the Leinster final win over Galway on 8 June with a leg injury.

Tipperary boss Liam Cahill has opted to stick with the same 15 that beat Galway in the quarter-finals for the Munster county's first last-four appearance in six years.

Michael Breen, Ronan Maher, John McGrath and Jason Forde all started Tipp's 2019 All-Ireland final win over Kilkenny.

Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy; Mikey Butler, Huw Lawlor, Shane Murphy; Mikey Carey, Richie Reid, Paddy Deegan; Cian Kenny, Jordan Molloy; Adrian Mullen, John Donnelly, Billy Ryan; Martin Keoghan, TJ Reid, Eoin Cody.

Subs: Aidan Tallis, Tommy Walsh, David Blanchfield, Padraic Moylan, Killian Doyle, Zach Bay Hammond, Fionan Mackessy, Stephen Donnelly, Luke Hogan, Luke Connellan, Billy Drennan.

Tipperary: Rhys Shelly; Robert Doyle, Eoghan Connolly, Michael Breen; Craig Morgan, Ronan Maher, Bryan O'Mara; Willie Connors, Peter McGarry; Jake Morris, Andrew Ormond, Sam O'Farrell; Darragh McCarthy, John McGrath, Jason Forde.

Subs: Barry Hogan, Joe Caesar, Sean Kenneally, Seamus Kennedy, Brian McGrath, Noel McGrath, Oisin O'Donoghue, Johnny Ryan, Conor Stakelum, Darragh Stakelum, Alan Tynan.

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Both Cork and Dublin show changes to their teams for Saturday's All-Ireland hurling semi-final at Croke Park.

The game, with throw-in set for 17:00 BST, will be broadcast live on BBC Two NI, as well as the iPlayer and BBC Sport website.

The Munster champions welcome back team captain Rob Downey who has recovered from a hamstring injury to slot back in at centre-back as Cormac O'Brien drops out due to a quad injury.

In another of the three changes from their penalty shootout win in the provincial decider last month, Niall O'Leary returns at corner-back in place of Damien Cahalane with his groin injury cleared.

In attack, Declan Dalton is another coming back from injury having recovered from the hamstring problem that forced him out of the Limerick game, but a similar issue means Seamus Harnedy is absent for the weekend.

There is a further boost for Pat Ryan's team as Ger Mellerick is fit for a place on the bench, having been absent last month due to a fractured finger.

Dublin manager Niall O Ceallachain has also made changes for Saturday's semi-final as the red card picked up by team captain Chris Crummey in the win against Limerick in the quarter-final means he is suspended this week.

Conor Burke, who scored five points from midfield in the victory against the Treaty, deputises at centre-back, with Conor Donohoe returning from his own suspension to partner Brian Hayes at midfield.

In attack, Darragh Power is preferred to Diarmaid O'Dulaing and will start at wing-forward with Cian O'Sullivan moving into the corner.

John Hetherton - who found the net as a second-half substitute against Limerick - is again held in reserve, while Donal Burke is another named on the bench and will provide a noted attacking option for Dublin if called upon.

Cork: Patrick Collins; Niall O'Leary, Eoin Downey, Sean O'Donoghue; Ciarán Joyce, Rob Downey, Mark Coleman; Tim O'Mahony, Darragh Fitzgibbon; Diarmuid Healy, Shane Barrett, Declan Dalton; Patrick Horgan, Alan Connolly, Brian Hayes.

Subs: Brion Saunderson, Damien Cahalane, Ger Millerick, Tommy O'Connell, Ethan Twomey, Luke Meade, Brian Roche, Jack O'Connor, Shane Kingston, Robbie O'Flynn, Conor Lehane.

Dublin: Sean Brennan; John Bellew, Paddy Smyth, Conor McHugh; Paddy Doyle, Conor Burke, Andrew Dunphy; Conor Donohoe, Brian Hayes; Rian McBride, Fergal Whitely, Darragh Power; Sean Currie, Ronan Hayes, Cian O'Sullivan.

Subs: Eddie Gibbons, Donal Burke, Colin Currie, Paddy Dunleavy, Daire Gray, John Hetherton, AJ Murphy, David Lucey, Paul O'Dea, Diarmaid O Dulaing, Conal O Riain.