The Ulster Poc Fada 2026 took place on Tuesday 16th June at Gowkstown Hill, Glenarm, with Shane O’Neill’s GAC once again providing an excellent venue and organisation for the annual event.
Competitors faced a demanding mountain course, testing both striking ability and endurance
Ulster Camogie chairperson Karen McCormick presents the Under 16 Girls trophy to Gráinne McAleenan of Liatroim Fontenoys, DownUlster GAA vice-chairman Declan Woods presents the Under 16 Trophy to Damian Lavery of Loughgiel Shamrocks and AntrimLadies Senior winner Eimear Colton (Naomh Treasa, Tyrone) receives her award from Ulster Camogie chairperson Karen McCormickSenior runner-up Connor Delaney of Coothill Celtic and Cavan, who also goes through to the All Ireland final on August, receives his award from Ulster GAA vice-chairman Declan WoodsSean Og McLaren of Naomh Pól, and Antrim retained his Ulster title and set a new course record with a winning score of 23 pocs and 191yds. Sean Og is seen here receiving his awards from Ulster GAA vice-chairman Declan WoodsThe two Ulster champions Damian Laverty and Sean Og McLarenThe four Ulster title winners and Senior runner up who go through to represent the province in the All Ireland final on August Bank Holiday Monday on the Cooley Mountains in Louth.The four Ulster title winners and Senior runner up who go through to represent the province in the All Ireland final on August Bank Holiday Monday on the Cooley Mountains in Louth. Included are Ulster GAA vice chairman Declan Woods and Ulster Camogie chairperson Karen McCormick. L-R, Senior Ladies: Eimear Colton (Naomh Treasa, Tyrone), Damian Laverty, Loughgiel and Antrim, Sean Og McLaren, St Paul’s and Antrim, Connor Delaney of Cavan and Gráinne McAleenan of Liatroim Fontenoys and Down. Pic by John McIlwaine
Senior Men: Sean Og McLaren (Naomh Pól, Antrim) claimed the title and set a new course record with a winning score of 23 pocs and 191yds, holding off strong challenges from Connor Delaney (Cavan) and Finbarr Kelly (Down), both on 24.
Senior Ladies: Eimear Colton (Naomh Treasa, Tyrone) delivered an impressive performance to take the honours on 31 pocs, ahead of Ciarraí Devlin (Armagh) and Charlie Kelly (Down).
U16 Boys: Damian Laverty (Loughgiel Shamrocks, Antrim) secured victory on 26 pocs and 119yds, just edging Fiachna McAleenan (Down)
U16 Girls: Gráinne McAleenan (Liatroim Fontenoys, Down) topped the standings with 35 pocs, finishing ahead of Annie Fox-McGlone (Tyrone) and Cara Rose Griffin (Derry) both on 36
The four winners, along with Senior Men’s runner-up Connor Delaney, now progress to the All-Ireland Poc Fada Finals, which take place on Monday 3rd August 2026 on Annaverna Mountain, Co. Louth.
Ulster GAA and Ulster Camogie extend sincere thanks to Shane O’Neill’s GAC, St John Ambulance, all officials, volunteers, competitors and their spotters for ensuring another successful staging of this unique and historic event and wish our Ulster Representatives the best of luck in the All-Ireland Final.
Kevin Kelly of Ulster GAA points out the path ahead
Kevin Kelly of Ulster GAA points out the path ahead
TO SEE MORE OF DYLAN’S PICS FROM THIS GREAT EVENT CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
The McCaughan Cup final at the Brustin Braes, Larne, saw Cloughmills 2nds secure a hard fought1-21 to 1-16 victory over Loughgiel 3rds in a thoroughly entertaining game. Cloughmills got away to a blistering start, setting the tone just 14 seconds in with a point from Liam Kearns. Eoin Dobbin doubled their advantage on three minutes before Cahir McGrath opened Loughgiel’s account from a free. Cloughmills then surged ahead when Kearns beautifully caught a high ball, swiveled, and planted it in the bottom corner of the net at the seven-minute mark. Thirty seconds later, Michael Reid fired over a point to put his side in a commanding position, followed quickly by another from Kearns and an excellent distance strike from Dobbin.
Despite Cloughmills creating plenty of chances, they began to shoot a lot of wides, allowing Loughgiel to come back into the game and close the gap. Niall ‘Cowboy’ McFadden sparked the revival on 12 minutes with a fine score, before immediately winning the subsequent puck-out and sending it back over the bar. Aodhan McFadden and Cahir McGrath added good points from the wing to narrow the deficit. Although Eoin Dobbin landed a fantastic long-range point from inside his own half for Cloughmills, Loughgiel struck a major blow on 20 minutes when full-back Conor Dallas impressively soloed up the field to join the forwards and fired to the net, bringing his team right back into contention. The sides traded scores approaching the break, with Shemus Duffin, Ruairi Laverty, and Kearns pointing for Cloughmills, while Odhran McMullan accurately converted a distance free for Loughgiel, leaving the halftime score delicately poised at 1-09 to 1-07.
At the start of the second half, Cloughmills were once again first out of the traps. They hit three unanswered points through Stephen Smyth, Liam Kearns, and Conor Mc Kendry to stretch their gap to five. Loughgiel responded well through a Cahir McGrath free, but Cloughmills maintained their momentum when Stephen Smyth ran through from midfield to strike a fine point off his left side. Loughgiel continued to press, with Niall McFadden and McGrath adding to their tally, and Odhran McMullan brilliantly striking another long-range free straight over the bar. Michael McGarry then narrowed the gap further with a great point from midfield on 16 minutes.
Loughgiel kept chipping away at the lead, but Cloughmills weathered the storm superbly in the final quarter. Stephen Smyth immediately replied to McGarry’s effort with an equally good strike from midfield for Cloughmills. Eoin Dobbin then added two excellent points from distance, while Smyth raised another white flag to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Liam Kearns effectively sealed the victory on 28 minutes, stretching the Cloughmills advantage to eight points. Loughgiel fought to the bitter end, registering impressive late points from Conor Dallas on the right wing, a monstrous strike from Odhran McMullan that was the longest point of the night, and additional scores from Michael McGarry and . However, a late point from Conor Mc Kendry and the resilient Cloughmills attack ensured they went on to win convincingly in the end.
Naomh Bríd (Cloughmills): 1 Cathaoir McFerran, 2 Jack McDowall, 3 Corey Blair, 4 Sean McKendry, 5 Reece Watt, 6 Ruairi Laverty, 7 Dara Watterson, 8 Stephen Smyth, 9 Aaron McGuckian, 10 Michael Reid, 11 Eoin Dobbin, 12 Shemus Duffin, 13 Ryan Watson, 14 Liam Kearns, 15 Conor Mc Kendry,
Subs – 17 Johnny Duffin, 18 Geoffrey Og Laverty, 19 Timothy McNeill, 20 James O’Boyle.
Na Seamróga (Loughgiel): 1 D Ó Mullan, 2 T McNulty, 3 Conor Dallas, 4 Ger McFadden, 5 Dara McGivern, 6 Odhran McMullan, 7 Charley O’Hagan, 8 Aodhan McFadden, 9 Michael McGarry, 10 Patrick Bradley, 11 Niall McFadden, 12 Dylan Devlin, 13 Tomás McIntyre, 14 Cahir McGrath, 15 Odhran McGrath,
Subs – 16 Danny McAuley, 17 Ronan Casey, 18 Tiernan McFadden, 19 Anthony McCloskey, 20 C McMahon.
Referee – Deaglan Carey – Con Magees
TO SEE MORO PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
Jayo reports from St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena
Cross & Passion College Ballycastle successfully retained the annual Shane Mulholland Memorial Cup after a pulsating final victory over St Patrick’s College, Maghera.
The two sides had already met earlier in the day during the group stages, with the Derry outfit edging that encounter by two points, 2-2 to 1-3. Danny Boyle and Donal Ruddy struck the goals for Maghera, while Alfie Woodhouse found the net for CPC.
In the semi-finals, St Patrick’s College, Maghera booked their place in the decider with a dominant 4-7 to 1-1 victory over St Killian’s College, Garron Tower. Danny Boyle and Paudie Lynch were among the goalscorers as Maghera produced an impressive attacking display. St Killian’s lone goal came through Alexander Steele, while Logan Taggart added their only other score with a point.
Player of the Tournament Conal Devlin with Maria Mulholland and Mr Cassidy of St LouisSean Cassidy of St Louis Grammar School presents the Shane Mulholland Shield to the St Louis captain Conor Delargy Maria Mulholland presents the Shane Mulholland Memorial Cup to CPC captain Brendan Murtagh after their win over St Pat’s Maghera
Despite overcoming St Louis by just three points in their opening group game earlier in the day, Cross & Passion College produced a much more commanding performance in their semi-final. The Ballycastle side had a 3-11 to 0-5 victory, with Player of the tournament Conal Devlin leading the way with an outstanding haul of two goals and 4 points. Michael Johnstone, Shane Magee and Alfie Woodhouse were also among the scorers as CPC secured their place in the final with an emphatic win. Oscar Brdley landed 4 points for St Louis with Aaron Birkett also on target.
In the Cup final, Brendan Murtagh opened the scoring for the Ballycastle side in the third minute, setting the tone for what followed. Woodhouse quickly added a goal before Conal Devlin converted a free in the sixth minute. Maghera registered their first score in the seventh minute after Boyle saw a goal attempt from a free brilliantly saved by Kian O’Mullan. Darragh Duffy reacted quickest to point the rebound and get his side on the scoreboard. At the break, CPC led 1-2 to 0-1 with just ten minutes left to play.
Player of the Shield final Alan Birkett with Mr Cassidy of St LouisCPC goalkeeper Kian O’Mullan celebrates at the final whistle.Sean Cassidy with Player of the Cup final Dan Boyle of St Pat’s Maghera
Devlin extended the Ballycastle advantage to five points with the opening attack of the second half, but the contest burst back into life when Paudie Lynch raced through to score Maghera’s only goal of the game. Player of the Final Danny O’Boyle then landed an excellent free 40 meters out on the wing to cut the deficit to just one point, and momentum appeared to be swinging in Maghera’s favour. However, CPC responded in decisive fashion. Quick thinking from Devlin at a free released Michael Johnstone, who finished to the net and restored his side’s four-point advantage. Maghera refused to go away. Two Boyle frees, either side of an excellent point from play by Lynch, reduced the gap to a single point heading into the final two minutes. CPC then struck a crucial blow. Winning a free 60 meters from goal following the restart, Joe McSparran delivered a long ball that evaded everyone and found its way into the back of the Maghera net. St Pat’s pushed forward once more in search of a late comeback, but with time running out another fine save from O’Mullan ensured CPC retained the Shane Mulholland Memorial Cup after a thrilling contest.
Hosts St Louis claimed the Shield title after edging out St Killian’s in a closely contested final, winning 2-4 to 2-3. St Killian’s held a narrow 2-3 to 2-2 advantage at the interval thanks to goals from Oisin McDonnell and Logan Taggart. St Louis remained firmly in contention, however, with Fionn McGarry and Conleth Magee finding the net at the other end. The hosts produced a superb defensive display in the second half, keeping St Killian’s scoreless after the break. Cahan Morrison and Luca McCollum were particularly influential, with McCollum making a brilliant diving goal-line block to preserve St Louis’ hopes. Oscar Bradley levelled the contest before Player of the Final Aaron Birkett stepped up to fire over the decisive score, securing the Memorial Shield for the hosts after an absorbing encounter.
A special presentation followed the finals, with Shane Mulholland’s mother, Maria, on hand to present both the Shane Mulholland Memorial Cup and the Shield trophies to the respective winning captains. Her presence added a fitting touch to a day that once again celebrated Shane’s memory through a series of competitive and sporting contests
TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
GAA FOR ALL have organised a raffle to raise funds for their work during the forthcoming season, The man behind it all Tony McCollum has penned a few lines for the draw launch
Hello everyone this is Antrim GAA FOR ALL super draw.
As one of the first GAA FOR ALL teams in Antrim, Ulster and Ireland we have been going now since 2012 and we have loved every minute of it. We are the total GAA club with female & male players together playing our games. We welcome all disabilities and all ages and we travel the country to play games and as with your own Club you understand this comes at a price. We have some wonderful sponsors already in place and thanks to Amelia from Forward Focused, Gerard (plasterboard), Oonagh from Kearney’s and Niall & Tony from Antrim business forum for their sponsorship to date.
We are now running this Grand Draw and as with the support you all have given us on social media I’m asking you for your help to make this draw a success. So if you could take 5/10 tickets and sell them for our team we would be forever grateful so please contact myself or any of our fantastic players who play their heart out for Antrim. Below are the great prizes and the people who sorted them for us.
2 vouchers for Forward Focused = Amelia O’Neill
£100 gift voucher for O’Neills = Ann Maguire
Litre of Gin = Siobhon Doyle
GAA shirt of your choice = Charlie Devlin
Marrions Hamper = Marrions Bar & Lounge
Precision gloves signed by Niall Morgan
Hurl signed by Antrim hurlers = Martin Hurls
Hurl signed by Antrim camogs= Eleanor Mallon
Signed Antrim football shirt =Tomas Mc Cann
Signed Antrim LGFA shirt = The Devlin Twins
Signed Down Shirt = Conor Laverty
Signed Armagh Shirt = Aiden Forker (Ulster Champions)
Signed Derry Shirt = Padraig McGrogan
Signed Kerry Shirt = Killian Spillane (All Ireland Champions)
The 2026 Antrim Camogie and LGFA Championships were officially launched in the historic surroundings of Belfast City Hall on Sunday 14th June, marking a significant occasion for ladies’ Gaelic games across the county. Over 90 players representing clubs from across both codes gathered for the event, reflecting the strength, unity and continued growth of the games in Antrim.
The occasion was honoured by the presence of the newly elected Lord Mayor, Róis-Máire Donnelly who attended as special guest.The event was expertly compered by Denise Watson, who guided proceedings and set a warm and welcoming tone throughout.
Antrim LGFA Chairperson Ursula Lynch formally opened the launch, extending a welcome to players, coaches, administrators and volunteers. She paid tribute to the collective effort that underpins the championships and expressed sincere thanks to all sponsors supporting each competition in 2026.
Úna Kelly, Chairperson of Antrim Camogie, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration across ladies’ Gaelic games in the county ‘’Today’s launch is a true reflection of the strength we have when we work together. The integration and cooperation between Camogie and LGFA in Antrim continues to grow, and it is vital as we move forward. Our shared commitment ensures that our players are supported, our competitions are strong, and our games continue to thrive across every club in the county.”A key message from both associations was the importance of ongoing collaboration, particularly around fixtures planning. Working closely together, fixtures committees have ensured that clashes are avoided wherever possible, enabling dual players to fully represent their clubs in both Camogie and Ladies’ Football. This cooperative approach positions both codes to move forward in a place of strength, while supporting player welfare and participation.
Attendees also enjoyed an engaging Q&A session featuring a distinguished panel, including Elaine Dowds (Manager of Antrim Camogie), Gráinne Connolly (former county camog and current club referee), and Antrim LGFA managers Michael Devlin and Chris Scullion. The panel shared insights on preparation, player development, leadership, and the evolving landscape of ladies’ Gaelic games.
With enthusiasm high and preparations well underway, the launch set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and competitive 2026 Championship season across both codes.
As clubs and players now turn their focus to the months ahead, there is a shared optimism and ambition that the foundations being built today will continue to strengthen the games long into the future—looking ahead with confidence to an even bigger and better Championship season this year!.
We expect record crowds at our Camogie and LGFA championship games this year!
Good luck to all teams. Ulster #ChampionshipTime
TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
