Gaelic Games

Image source, Derry GAA

Derry GAA legend Colm Mulholland, a member of the county side that reached the All-Ireland final in 1958, has died at the age of 96.

Mulholland won an Ulster title with the Oak Leafers in the same year.

He represented Derry at senior level for 13 years, taking in the 1950s and early 1960s.

A statement released by Derry GAA described him as "a Rolls-Royce centre-half-back and a proud Lavey man".

"Colm was recognised throughout Ireland as one of the leading footballers of his generation," the statement said.

"His passing is a reminder of the great legacy that has been passed on to our current players - one we are deeply proud of.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Colm's family circle and the Gaels of Erin's Own, Lavey, where he served as honorary club president."

David Mohan
BBC Sport NI Journalist

Image source, Getty

Donegal captain Patrick McBrearty said it would be a "dream" to lift Sam Maguire, but insists he is not looking past the challenge of Kerry in Sunday's final.

The Kilcar man was an integral part of Donegal's 2012 triumph and was also involved when they fell short in the 2014 final against Kerry.

Donegal have failed to get back to the big day since, but the return of Jim McGuinness for his second stint as manager has injected new life into the county.

During McGuinness' first tenure, Donegal reached an All-Ireland semi-final in his first year and went all the way in his second. While all in Donegal are hoping lightning is about to strike twice following last year's semi-final loss, McBrearty is ignoring the outside noise and focussing only on the 70 minutes ahead.

"It's every young lad's dream but there's a game to be won yet," the 31-year-old said about the prospect of climbing the steps of the Hogan Stand.

"It's a game of football at the end of the day. There's a big circus around the whole thing but we just put our heads down and get ready to go.

"There was a barren period there. We got Jim back there and last year, we lost in the second last hurdle and then last Sunday, we got over that hurdle and are in the big one now."

Image source, Inpho

One of the young guns in 2012 and '14, McBrearty is now one of the experienced figures in the Donegal dressing room alongside Michael Murphy who was captain when they lifted Sam in the first of those finals.

"I'm very lucky with the time I came into the panel with the management involved and some of the team-mates I got to play with," said the current captain.

"You're only as good as the lads around you, so I'm very fortunate to be the young lad coming in and at 31, still at it."

As the years pass, so too does the window for success and while the 2014 loss to Kerry still stings in Tir Chonaill, this weekend they have the opportunity to make up for it.

However, toppling the Kingdom is no easy task and with a star-studded cast in the Cliffords - David and Paudie - and Sean O'Shea to name a few.

McBrearty knows it will take Donegal's best performance of the season to secure a third title in their history.

"These boys have contested lots of finals and they will have a hunger.

"They have a couple of exceptional players in their ranks there. They got a bit of criticism down in their own county, but they are there on merit and a top team, so we're going to have our work cut out."

Watch the All-Ireland final on BBC Two NI, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website from 15:00 BST on Sunday

Image source, Getty Images & Inpho

Donegal boss Jim McGuinness has named an unchanged team for Sunday's All-Ireland Football final against Kerry (15:30 BST).

The Ulster champions are chasing their third Sam Maguire Cup, 13 years after last winning Gaelic football's most coveted prize.

The decider against Kerry, which is a repeat of the 2014 final won by the Kingdom, is live on BBC Two NI, the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website from 15:00 BST.

Unsurprisingly, McGuinness has stuck with the same line-up which started the emphatic semi-final win over Meath a fortnight ago.

Ryan McHugh and Michael Murphy, who both started the 2014 final, are named at right wing-back and full-forward respectively.

Team captain Patrick McBrearty, who came off the bench in the 2014 final, is expected to start the game among the substitutes again, having been used a second-half impact player in each of Donegal's past four games.

On Thursday, Kerry are also named an unchanged team from their semi-final win over Tyrone.

Neither team have listed their substitutes. Kerry's 28-man squad will be trimmed to 26 in time for the game, while McGuinness will cut nine players from his 35-man panel.

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

Extended panel: Caolan Ward, Jamie Brennan, Eoin McHugh, Jason McGee, Patrick McBrearty (capt), Aaron Doherty, Niall O'Donnell, Odhran Doherty, Stephen McMenamin, Daire O Baoill, Charles McGuinness, Jeaic Mac Ceallabhui, Jonny Carlin, Gavin Mulreany, Kevin McGettigan, Caolan McGonagle, Mark Curran, Eoghan McGettigan, Domhnall Mac Giolla Bhride, Odhran McFadden Ferry.

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

Extended panel: Shane Murphy, Killian Spillane, Evan Looney, Tom Leo O'Sullivan, Tadhg Morley, Paul Geaney, Micheal Burns, Tony Brosnan, Armin Heinrich, Tomas Kennedy, Diarmuid O'Connor, Conor Geaney, Dara Moynihan.

David Mohan
BBC Sport NI Journalist

Image source, Inpho

Ryan McHugh says emulating his successful family members is not a primary motivation for this weekend's All-Ireland football final against Kerry.

McHugh's dad, Martin, and uncle, James, were key figures in Donegal's maiden All-Ireland win in 1992, while older brother Mark played when Sam Maguire returned to the hills in 2012.

Ryan joined Mark on the team that reached the 2014 final against Kerry but fell short and, although his older brother has progressed on to coaching, the younger of the Kilcar brothers is still a mainstay in the green and gold.

Although he would dearly love to get his own Celtic Cross this weekend, his desire to succeed is fuelled by a motivation to reach the top and banish the memories of the disappointing days since.

"I haven't got one yet, but it's nothing I think of," the 31-year-old told BBC Sport NI.

"Mark and dad had phenomenal careers for Donegal. Would I love an All-Ireland medal? Of course I would. It's over to me now to do that, but it's not something I think of that I have to get one because they did.

"I'm blessed to have been born at a time where Donegal have been in All-Ireland finals. As a supporter in 2012 and with Mark playing, it was unbelievable for the family.

"Then in '14 with myself involved, it was massive for the family and for Donegal. It was disappointing in '14, but hopefully we can put that right this time."

Image source, Getty Images

McHugh was just 20 when he lined out against The Kingdom in that 2014 defeat and with it being Donegal's second final in three years, he could have been forgiven they would be there or thereabouts in the years to come.

Sport doesn't work out that way and although there were Ulster title wins in 2018 and 2019, they just couldn't make the big breakthrough.

The return of Jim McGuinness as manager last year and Michael Murphy's decision to reverse his retirement have injected fresh impetus in Donegal football and with the county riding high again, McHugh is hopeful they can take the final step on Sunday.

"As a kid, you think you're going to maybe not make a final, but semi-finals and quarter-finals every couple of years," he said.

"It didn't work out that way for different reasons, but since Jim's back involved, we've been competing again, got to a semi-final last year and thankfully gone one better this year. It will mean nothing if we don't get over the line.

"There's no guarantee in life you're going to win anything, but when Jim's involved, there's a good chance you're going to compete for the top prizes."

Image source, Inpho

Kerry have named an unchanged starting team for Sunday's All-Ireland Football final against Donegal at Croke Park (15:30 BST).

A 28-player panel named by the Kingdom on Thursday evening will be cut to 26 for matchday.

Diarmuid O'Connor has been deemed fit enough to be included in the extended squad, having not featured since the quarter-final stage of the competition.

Tom O'Sullivan is absent because of injury.

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

Additional players: Shane Murphy, Killian Spillane, Evan Looney, Tom Leo O'Sullivan, Tadhg Morley, Paul Geaney, Micheál Burns, Tony Brosnan, Armin Heinrich, Tomás Kennedy, Diarmuid O'Connor, Conor Geaney, Dara Moynihan.

Image source, Inpho

Ciaran Meenagh has been named the new Derry senior football manager.

The former Oak Leaf interim boss was confirmed on Thursday after his appointment was rubberstamped by clubs within the county.

His backroom team will contain former Derry defender Chrissy McKaigue as coach, while it is expected All-Ireland minor-winning manager Marty Boyle will form a significant part of the set-up, as will Martin McConnell on logistics.

Meenagh has vast knowledge of the scene in Derry, having served as coach under Damian McErlain in 2019 and then under Rory Gallagher from 2020 until 2023.

The Loughmacrory native took over as interim manager in 2023 when Gallagher stood back. Derry won the Ulster title under Meenagh with a penalty shootout victory over Armagh in the final, before losing to Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Following that defeat, Meenagh opted to move on despite having a strong case to be appointed on a full-time basis.

Instead, he took up a coaching role with Down and has played a big part in their recent resurgence, but his parting of ways with the Mournemen paved the way for his Derry return.

Meenagh is the third successive manager from Tyrone appointed as Derry boss, following one-year spells from Mickey Harte and Paddy Tally.

David Mohan
BBC Sport NI Journalist

Image source, Inpho

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness said the ghosts of 2014 haunted him for a long time but are now at the back of his mind as his team prepare to face Kerry in Sunday's All-Ireland football final.

The Kingdom won by three points in the 2014 decider, which proved to be the Glenties man's last game in charge, but 10 years later he returned to the Donegal sideline after moving into soccer with Celtic before spells in China and the United States.

However, home is where the heart is and the opportunity to manage Donegal for a second time proved too good to turn down.

Making up for that 2014 loss may have been part of the motivation, but now back in the job, it's all about what's ahead, rather than what has been and gone.

"Your heart is always in your county so when the opportunity came and the conversations came up about coming back, they take legs in your mind," he told BBC Sport NI.

"I'm delighted we had those conversations and got back on the horse, so hopefully we can give it our best shot.

"The 2014 final was stuck in my head a long time, probably up until the point I came back in. You're always thinking about that, but as a manager, a coach or a player, the two weeks' [build-up to the final] is not a time for reflection. The time for reflection is when the final whistle goes."

Image source, Inpho

McGuinness is not the only recent returnee - as his captain from the 2012 All-Ireland success, Michael Murphy, came out of retirement to bolster the squad this year, having initially stepped away in 2022.

"It's brilliant to have him," said the Donegal boss.

"He's been immense and any of the younger lads, he's been brilliant with them. It's fantastic to have the footballer, but also the leader. Hopefully there's another big day in Michael."

It will require a big performance from Murphy and the rest of his team-mates if they are to finish the job on Sunday as they come up against a Kerry side laden with talent.

There is plenty to ponder for the Donegal boss, not least what to do with David Clifford, but it is a challenge he says they all must embrace.

"The challenge is fairly immense," he acknowledges.

"When you get the pen and paper out to think about David Clifford, it can be a blank page for a long time. He is an elite player and one of the best we've ever seen, if not the best. His brother [Paudie] and Sean O'Shea are all elite players who, on any given day, can beat you, but David is a bit special. The challenge he and those other lads will be huge, but that's where we want to be.

"The boys have done really well to create this opportunity and we are just hoping they can show their best colours and make it count."

Image source, Getty Images

Gavin Devlin has been appointed Louth senior football manager on a three-year term.

The Tyrone native takes over from Ger Brennan who guided the Wee County to this year's Leinster title.

Devlin previously served as Mickey Harte's assistant in Louth from 2021 until 2023, having assisted his former manager in Tyrone after winning two All-Irelands with the Red Hands as a player in 2003 and 2005.

Following a difficult 2024 season for the pair in Derry, the Ardboe man took up the role as Louth's Underage Director of Football and served as coach for the county's minor team, which also won Leinster honours this year.

Devlin will be assisted by Peter Dooley, who was a coach in Brennan's backroom team over the past three years.

"We are delighted to welcome Gavin and Peter into their new leadership roles with the Louth senior footballers," said Louth chair Sean McClean.

"Both men have a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for Louth football. Gavin and Peter's deep understanding of our player pathway and talent in the county gives us a great combination for the future.

"This appointment represents a continued commitment to building on our recent progress and driving Louth forward at all levels."

Image source, Inpho

Antrim are seeking new camogie management as it was confirmed on Monday that joint-bosses Carl McCormick and Martin Coulter have stepped down after two years in charge.

McCormick stepped into the role during a turbulent 2024, as Brian Kearney and Mark McFadden resigned prior to the start of the league. Last year, Antrim lost their All-Ireland senior status but did retain their place in Division 1B of the league.

McCormick and Coulter were then ratified for 2025, and the Saffrons enjoyed an upturn in fortunes, winning Division 1B and retaining their Ulster crown, but would come up one point short in last weekend's All-Ireland intermediate semi-final against Offaly.

"After our Senior management's decision to step down at the end of a two-year run, Antrim Camogie would like to thank Carl and Martin and their backroom team of Joey, Cormac, Eleanor and Eimear for their tremendous commitment and hard work over the past two seasons," read a statement from Antrim Camogie.

"We thank them for leaving the Saffron jersey in a marvellous place, having won back-to-back Ulster senior titles and winning Division 1B earlier this season, securing our place in the top flight leagues next year."

Antrim enjoyed a flying start to the year, winning all of their group games in 1B before a 3-10 to 1-11 victory over Clare in the final to seal promotion into the top flight.

That was followed by a 2-17 to 1-11 provincial final win over Derry and in the Intermediate championship group phase, they scored victories over Meath and Westmeath before edging out Offaly by two points to top Group 1 and maintain their 100% record for the year.

However, the Faithful would turn the tables in Newbridge on 12 July with a 1-16 to 2-12 win, which would see them into the final and end Antrim's season with McCormick and Coulter subsequently informing the county board on Sunday of their decision to stand down.

Image source, Inpho

Meath knocked out holders Kerry to book their place in the Ladies All-Ireland SFC final against Dublin, who required extra time to see off Galway in their semi-final.

Goals in either half from Kerrie Cole and Sarah Wall helped the Royals to a 2-12 to 1-9 victory against the reigning champions as they reached the final for the first time in three years.

A late flurry of goals and points in the second half of extra time helped the Dubs to claim a 3-14 to 2-14 win which sets up an all-Leinster decider.

The two sides will now face off in a repeat of the 2021 final on Sunday, 3 August at Croke Park.

Meath led 1-5 to 0-6 in Tullamore at half-time with Cole's smashed effort putting them in the ascendancy.

Kerry fought back to level early in the second half with a goal from Danielle O'Leary, but Meath wrestled back control and a second goal, this time from defender Wall proved crucial as they saw out the win.

Dublin and Galway were level at 1-6 to 0-9 half-time with Hannah Tyrell scoring a penalty for the Dubs.

It was nip-and-tuck in the second half right up until the closing stages, with Tyrell scoring a late free to force extra time.

The game sprang into life in the second half of extra time, as Carla Rowe and Kate Sullivan added further goals for the Dubs.

Andrea Trill and Olivia Divilly replied with goals for Galway, but it was not enough as Dublin tagged on a few more late points to progress.