St. Paul’s GAC Belfast have announced details of their annual Minor Club Championship tournament and this year’s will have and added incentive for the Shaw’s Road club when they will be represented by their own team who won the Antrim U17 Championship with a victory over Aghagallon in the final at the weekend.
The tournament began way back in 1982 and the Jimmy McConville Cup has been presented since 1983. While unofficial, it is regarded as the Ulster Club Championship for club minor teams.
Last year’s winners were Dungiven of County Derry who defeated Four Masters of Donegal by 2–07 to 1–08 in the final on 1 January 2023.
A number of clubs have won multiple titles (roll of honor below) however the most famous in recent times was an unprecedented four in a row for Watty Grahams Glen (2011-2014). A number of high-profile stars have had an impact on the fonaCAB Ulster Minor Football Tournament including Conor Glass, Rian O’Neill, Oisin O’Neill, Emmett Bradley, Ciaran McFaul, Paul Cassidy in recent years.
Derry clubs have been very successful in the tournament over its 41 year history with Ballinderry joining Watty Graham’s in winning it four times with their successes coming in 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2008, while Bellaghy were successful in 1991, 1994 and 2018.
Derry club Loup join Fermanagh’s Enniskillen Gaels, Donegal’s Killybegs and Antrim’s host club St. Pauls on 2 successes and it is St. Paul’s who will again represent the county in this year’s tournament.
This will be the 40th year of the competition and the tournament has attracted massive crowds throughout the years and this year’s competition promises to be bigger and better than ever.
The 2023 tournament will be played from the 9th December 2023 with the traditional final date of 1st January 2024.
Current Position
This year’s tournament will run at the current minor age grade of U17 for the second time.
Our thanks to our colleagues in Ulster Colleges and Ulster GAA for the continued support in facilitating this year’s tournament which is still in hybrid form with some counties playing at either u17 or u18. Seven of the Ulster counties made a decision to stay at u17 for their minor competition in 2023 hence why the tournament is being played at U17.
For the other two counties, their minor champions will be invited to participate in 2023, however only eligible U17 players may take part.
It was wonderful to see the return of the Ulster Minor Football Tournament in 2022 following the pandemic – it breathed new life into the Christmas and new year period again with the huge crowds and enthusiasm throughout.
Following unprecedented demand, the organising committee decided to stream last years Final live on Facebook – a first for the tournament and with an audience of more than 22k it was a roaring success allowing us to reach a global audience. We had viewers from the United States, Australia, India, Malaysia, the UK and Ireland viewing the Four Masters v Dungiven final.
The absence of the tournament due to the pandemic has highlighted how important this is for the young people, clubs and communities around the province particularly at a traditionally quiet time of the year for GAA.
The hard work and determination of club members to deliver this tournament and to build such a renowned legacy over 40 years has driven the current committee to ensure the tournament was reinstated at the earliest possible opportunity.
2023 participants
| Antrim | St Paul’s GAC |
| Armagh | Clan na Gael |
| Cavan | Winners of Cavan Gaels / Mullahoran on 22nd October 2023 |
| Derry | Final Scheduled for 22nd October 2023 |
| Donegal | Winner of Four Masters / Buncrana this Saturday (7/10/2023) |
| Down | Mayobridge |
| Fermanagh | Final Scheduled for 22nd October 2023 |
| Monaghan | Final Scheduled for 22nd October 2023 |
| Tyrone | Final Scheduled for 22nd October 2023 |
Caroline McLaughlin, CLG Naomh Pól Chairperson said “CLG Naomh Pól is delighted to welcome back the fonaCAB Ulster Minor Football 2023. This tournament is held in the highest regard by Gaels across Ulster and Ireland and it is great to see the buzz about CLG Naomh Pól, participating clubs and communities across the province since we have be given the approval. Thanks to all Ulster Colleges and Ulster Council GAA for the continued support in facilitating this year’s tournament at U17.”
William McCausland, CEO of fona/CAB stated “fona/CAB is delighted to be involved with the fantastic Ulster Minor Football Tournament and wish CLG Naomh Pól and all participating clubs the best of luck throughout the Christmas and New Year period.”
Brief History
| Club | County | Ulster Titles | Last Ulster Minor Winners |
| Glen | Derry | 4 | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 |
| Ballinderry | Derry | 4 | 1996, 1997, 2001, 2008 |
| Bellaghy | Derry | 3 | 1991, 1994, 2018 |
| Enniskillen Gaels | Fermanagh | 2 | 1988, 2017 |
| An Lúb | Derry | 2 | 1993, 1995 |
| St Paul’s | Antrim | 2 | 1982, 1986 |
| Killybegs | Donegal | 2 | 1984, 1985 |
| Lavey | Derry | 1 | 2019 |
| Burren | Down | 1 | 2016 |
| Crossmaglen Rangers | Armagh | 1 | 2015 |
| Lámh Dhearg | Antrim | 1 | 2010 |
| Omagh | Tyrone | 1 | 2009 |
| Kilrea | Derry | 1 | 2007 |
| Coalisland | Tyrone | 1 | 2006 |
| Errigal Ciarán | Tyrone | 1 | 2005 |
| Rostrevor | Down | 1 | 2004 |
| Armagh Harps | Armagh | 1 | 2003 |
| Clontibret O’Neills | Monaghan | 1 | 2002 |
| Pearse Óg | Armagh | 1 | 2000 |
| Cavan Gaels | Cavan | 1 | 1999 |
| Slaughtneil | Derry | 1 | 1998 |
| Aodh Ruadh | Donegal | 1 | 1992 |
| Dungiven | Derry | 2 | 1990, 2022 |
| Dungannon | Tyrone | 1 | 1989 |
| Killeavy | Armagh | 1 | 1987 |
| Saul | Down | 1 | 1983 |
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