2026 FBD Insurance County Hurling Championships
An exciting weekend of hurling awaits as we have various County Hurling Finals to look forward to throughout the county.
Senior Hurling Championship
The FBD Insurance County Senior Hurling Championship Final takes centre stage this Sunday 11th October at 4.00 pm in FBD Semple Stadium with a pairing steeped in local rivalry and tradition as Moycarkey Borris face Thurles Sarsfields. The game will be live on TG4 and Tipp FM.
Thurles Sarsfields sit top of the county roll of honour with 36 titles while Moycarkey Borris are third with 12 county titles to their name. For Moycarkey Borris, it marks the end of a long wait for a County Senior Hurling Final appearance. Their last appearance came in 1984 when they defeated Lorrha Dorrha to claim the title.
Thurles Sarsfields have featured more recently at this stage, reaching the final in 2023 and 2021 but their most recent success came in 2017, when they completed a remarkable four in a row of County titles. This will not be the first time these two clubs have met in a County Senior Hurling Final. They previously faced each other in 1962 when Thurles Sarsfields prevailed by 1-7 to 1-6. With two of Tipperary’s most decorated clubs renewing an old rivalry, Sunday’s final promises to be a special occasion in FBD Semple Stadium.
Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship
The FBD Insurance County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Final takes place this Sunday 11th October at 2.00 pm in FBD Semple Stadium with familiar foes and South rivals St Mary’s and Killenaule facing off for the title. To say these sides know each other well is an understatement as this will be the third meeting between the teams in championship action this year. They first met in July in the South Senior Hurling Championship Semi Final where St Mary’s emerged victorious on a scoreline of 3-17 to 0-19 on their way to securing their second ever South title. Just three weeks later, the sides met again in Round 1 of the County Championship, with Killenaule gaining revenge on that occasion winning 0-19 to 1-13. With very little between the teams across their two meetings this year Sunday’s Final promises to be another closely contested encounter. It will be St Mary’s first appearance in a County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Final while Killenaule have previous experience at this stage, having reached the Final in 2021 where they lost out to Templederry Kenyons. With local rivalry and a County Title at stake – a fascinating Final awaits in FBD Semple Stadium.
Intermediate Hurling Championship
The FBD Insurance County Intermediate Hurling Championship Final will take place this Saturday 10th October at 3.00 pm in Holycross where Ballingarry will face Arravale Rovers. Both sides have impressed throughout the County Championship, topping their respective groups before producing strong performances in the knockout stages to reach the decider.
Both clubs have won the County Intermediate title once previously. Arravale Rovers sole success came in 1997 while they have also finished runners up on three occasions in 1988, 1991 and 2009. Ballingarry’s only title came back in 1979 but this panel will be hoping to go one better than their previous appearance in the Final, when they were narrowly defeated by Moneygall in 2024, losing by a single point.
There is an interesting trend in recent years that Ballingarry will be hoping to continue with a two year gap between losing the County Intermediate Final and subsequently winning the title. Moneygall lost the 2022 final before winning in 2024, while Golden Kilfeacle were runners up in 2023 before claiming the title in 2025. Ballingarry will now be hoping to follow that pattern and turn their 2024 final defeat into County Intermediate success in 2026.
Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship
The FBD Insurance County Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship Final is fixed for Saturday 10th October at 1.00 pm in Boherlahan. West champions Lattin Cullen will be looking to add to their sole County Junior ‘A’ Hurling title which they won in 1992 when they defeated Ballinahinch by a single point in the Final. They will face a Fethard side seeking to claim their first County Junior ‘A’ Hurling title.
Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship
The FBD Insurance County Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship Semi Finals will take place this Saturday 10th October with Newport facing Gortnahoe Glengoole at 2.30 pm in Drombane while the divisional winners in the North Ballina take on Mid champions Killea at 4.00 pm in Dolla.
Junior ‘C’ Hurling Championship
This year will see the first ever official Tipperary County Junior ‘C’ Hurling Championship with both Semi Finals taking place this Sunday 11th October at 12 noon. Ballina face Arravale Rovers in Templederry while Leahy Park Cashel hosts the clash of Loughmore Castleiney and Ballingarry.
Weekend Information for Supporters
For this weekend’s games, supporters are reminded to check the Tipperary GAA website, app and social media channels for full fixture details and any updates. Supporters are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance through the Tipperary GAA website. Entry to all venues is by Tap & Go, but purchasing tickets beforehand will help avoid delays at the gate. Please allow extra time for parking and arrive early to ensure you are in place before throw in. A number of games will also be streamed live on Clubber for those unable to attend. Check Clubber for the full list of live fixtures and streaming details.
County Hurling Final Referees
The four County Hurling Finals will see referees from across the county take charge with Ciarán O’Donovan of Burgess appointed for the FBD Insurance County Senior Hurling Final between Thurles Sarsfields and Moycarkey Borris. It will be Ciarán’s first Senior Final having previously officiated the 2023 Intermediate Final between Boherlahan Dualla and Golden Kilfeacle. Sean Lonergan of Moyle Rovers will referee the Premier Intermediate Final between Killenaule and St. Mary’s while Kevin Jordan of Thurles Gaels takes charge of the Intermediate Final between Arravale Rovers and Ballingarry. The Junior A Final between Lattin Cullen and Fethard will be refereed by Joe Leahy of Moyne Templetuohy. Tipperary GAA wishes Ciarán, Sean, Kevin and Joe the very best of luck for the respective finals.
2026 FBD Insurance County Football Championships
Senior Football Championship
In the Senior Semi Finals, Clonmel Commercials booked their place in the Final with a 0-14 to 0-8 victory over Moyle Rovers in Kilsheelan last Saturday. It was a game where the football never really got going. Moyle Rovers led 0-6 to 0-5 at half time. Commercials took control after the break outscoring their opponents to secure their place in a record eighth consecutive County Final.
The second Semi Final was a thrilling encounter as Loughmore Castleiney came from seven points down to defeat Kilsheelan Kilcash 2-16 to 1-18. Kilsheelan made an excellent start, with an early goal from Paul Maher helping them to a 1-13 to 0-9 half time lead. They still held a seven point advantage midway through the second half but Loughmore-Castleiney began to turn the screw in the final quarter. With eight minutes remaining, the deficit had been reduced to just three points before Loughmore drew level with five minutes left on the clock. Kilsheelan regained a two point lead with a long range two pointer but in a dramatic finish, a scramble in the Kilsheelan goalmouth saw the ball eventually find its way into the net to give Loughmore Castleiney a remarkable victory. The Final is fixed for FBD Semple Stadium on Sunday 18th October at 4.00 pm in FBD Semple Stadium.
In the Senior Relegation Final, Aherlow secured their Senior status for 2027 with a narrow 0-15 to 0-14 victory over Grangemockler Ballyneale. There was little between the sides throughout, but two-pointers from Liam Carew and Mark Russell in quick succession midway through the second half proved crucial. Those scores helped Aherlow stretch their advantage to four points and despite a late push from Grangemockler Ballyneale, they held on for a precious one point victory. Grangemockler-Ballyneale were last at intermediate grade in 2023 when they went on to win the County Intermediate Football Championship.
Intermediate Football Championship
The Intermediate Semi Finals both took place last Sunday with Golden Kilfeacle and Killenaule progressing to the Final. Golden Kilfeacle were victorious in Dundrum defeating Rockwell Rovers 2-16 to 3-10 in an entertaining encounter. The sides were level at half time, 0-10 to 2-4, with Rockwell’s two first half goals keeping them in touch. A Jack Leamy goal in the 40th minute gave Golden Kilfeacle the lead and it was a lead they would not relinquish. Golden added a second goal five minutes later to stretch their advantage before Rockwell responded with a goal of their own in the 50th minute. Golden Kilfeacle held out in an entertaining game of football to book their place in the Final.
They will face Killenaule who recorded a 2-18 to 0-14 victory over Fethard. It was very much a game of two halves on the scoreboard. Fethard produced an excellent first half display to lead 0-10 to 0-4 at the break. Killenaule came out strongly after the interval and had drawn level at 0-11 apiece by the 42nd minute. Killenaule took the lead for the first time in the 50th minute when they found the net before adding a second goal just two minutes later to take control and secure their place in the Final. The Final is fixed for FBD Semple Stadium on Sunday 18th October at 1.30 pm in FBD Semple Stadium.
Premier Junior Football Championship
The Premier Junior Semi Finals took place last weekend with Carrick Swan and CJ Kickhams Mullinahone securing victories to book their places in the Final. Carrick Swan recorded a 3-13 to 1-14 victory over Fr Sheehy’s in Kilsheelan. The sides were level at half time 2-4 to 1-7. Carrick Swan finished strongly outscoring Fr Sheehy’s by 1-6 to 0-2 in the final quarter to secure their place in the Final. The second Semi Final was a tense affair with CJ Kickhams Mullinahone edging out Moyle Rovers on a 0-13 to 1-9 scoreline. Moyle Rovers led 1-5 to 0-7 at half time with little between the sides throughout a tit for tat second half as both teams traded scores. A late two pointer from Mullinahone proved to be the winning score as they secured their place in the Final.
The Premier Junior Relegation Round 2 game took place last Saturday, with JK Brackens recording a comfortable 5-13 to 0-10 victory over Clonoulty Rossmore. The result consigns Clonoulty Rossmore to Junior Football for 2027 having finished bottom of the group following two defeats from two games. The bottom two teams in the Relegation Play Off will play Junior Football in 2027. Round 3 will see JK Brackens face Sean Treacy’s with the winner preserving their Premier Junior status for 2027 and the loser being relegated. This game takes place this coming Saturday at 2.30 pm in Clonoulty.
Junior ‘A’ Football Championship
The Junior ‘A’ County Final will see Boherlahan Dualla face Ballylooby Castlegrace following impressive Semi Final victories for both sides last Sunday.
Boherlahan Dualla defeated Shannon Rovers by 2-8 to 0-9. Boherlahan led 0-7 to 0-3 at half-time before stretching their advantage with two goals in the opening 10 minutes of the second half to move nine points clear. Shannon Rovers battled hard to get back into the contest and reduced the deficit but Boherlahan Dualla held firm to secure their place in the County Final.
Ballylooby Castlegrace recorded a 2-14 to 2-8 victory over Cappawhite in the other Semi Final. Cappawhite made a bright start, opening the scoring with a penalty in the early stages, but Ballylooby responded strongly and led 0-7 to 1-0 midway through the first half. The South side continued to build their advantage adding a goal midway through the half to move seven points clear before another goal 20 minutes in. Ballylooby Castlegrace led 2-9 to 1-3 at half time and remained in control throughout the second half. Cappawhite added a second penalty goal in injury time but Ballylooby had already done enough to secure a comfortable victory.
The Final will take place on Saturday 17th October at 3.00 pm in Bansha.
Junior ‘B’ Football Championship
The Quarter Final stages of the County Junior ‘B’ Football Championship took place last weekend with some exciting and closely contested games. Thurles Gaels recorded an impressive 1-15 to 3-8 victory over Killenaule. Thurles Gaels made a strong start and led 1-5 to 0-1 at half time before an exciting second half saw both sides battle hard for the result. Upperchurch Drombane earned a hard fought 0-11 to 0-9 victory over Carrick Davins. There was little to separate the sides throughout with Upperchurch Drombane holding a narrow 0-4 to 0-3 lead at half time. In the final Quarter Final, Solohead recorded an impressive 2-16 to 1-14 victory over Portroe. Portroe made the better start and led 0-7 to 1-3 after the opening quarter but a second Solohead goal helped turn the game in their favour as they led 2-6 to 0-10 at half time. With 45 minutes played, just two points separated the sides, but Solohead finished strongly in the final quarter to secure their place in the Semi Finals.
The Semi Finals will both take place on Saturday 17th October at 1.00 pm – Annacarty will host the clash of Upperchurch Drombane v Solohead while Thurles Gaels face Rosegreen in Boherlahan.
Minor Championships
The Minor Football Championship Semi Finals took place last Thursday 1st October with Moyle Rovers and Aherlow both securing impressive victories to set up an ‘A’ Final meeting. Moyle Rovers overcame JK Brackens on a 3-7 to 0-9 scoreline. Rovers made an excellent start – scoring two goals in the opening quarter to establish a 2-4 to 0-4 half time lead. They added a third goal midway through the second half to put the result beyond doubt and secure victory.Aherlow also recorded a convincing victory in the second Semi Final defeating Newport by 4-12 to 2-6. Aherlow dominated from the outset racing into a 1-5 to 0-0 lead inside the opening eight minutes. They continued to control proceedings and led 2-8 to 1-2 at half time before going on to complete a deserved victory. The ‘A’ Final will take place on Saturday 17th October at 3.00 pm in Golden.
There were victories for Rockwell Rovers and Knockmealdown Gaels in the ‘B’ Semi Finals. Knockmealdown Gaels had a comfortable 4-15 to 1-5 victory over Moycarkey Borris. The Gaels led from the start, helped by an early goal, and continued to dominate as they went into half time leading 3-5 to 1-3. They pushed on further in the second half to secure a comprehensive victory. Rockwell Rovers recorded a 0-12 to 1-6 victory over Naomh Eoin in the second ‘B’ Semi Final. Rockwell led from the outset and held an 0-8 to 1-1 advantage at half time. Naomh Eoin continued to battle and had Rockwell’s advantage down to just two points with seven minutes remaining but they could not find the score needed to take the lead as Rockwell held out to secure their place in the ‘B’ Final. The ‘B’ Final will take place this coming Saturday 10th October at 3.00 pm in Cahir.
The FBD Insurance County Minor ‘A’ Hurling Final between Newport and St Mary’s will take place on Tuesday 13th October at 7.45 pm in FBD Semple Stadium. Both clubs have been doing excellent work at underage level in their respective clubs and will be looking to cap their campaigns with county success. St Mary’s will be aiming to win their third County Minor ‘A’ Hurling title, having claimed back to back titles in 2016 and 2017. Newport, meanwhile, are seeking their first ever title at this grade. Having lost last year’s Final, they will be hoping to make amends this time around.
Newport also reached the final in 2014 under the Newport Gaels banner, when they were amalgamated with Ballinahinch, but lost out to St Mary’s neighbours Moyle Rovers on that occasion. The Minor ‘B’ Hurling Final between Moyne Templetuohy/Loughmore Castleiney and Naomh Eoin will take place this Saturday 10th October at 2.00 pm in Templederry. Both sides have impressed throughout this year’s campaign so a close and competitive game is expected. This is the first year of the Naomh Eoin amalgamation between Shannon Rovers and Borrisokane and they have made a strong start, with the county final providing an opportunity to cap their first season together with a county title. In terms of previous County Minor ‘B’ Hurling titles, Moyne Templetuohy have won in 1987 and 2009 (as Moyne Templetuohy Óg in 09), while Loughmore Castleiney have one title – won in 1993. Shannon Rovers previously won the title in 2008 as Shannon Rovers Gaels.
Bord na nÓg
Congratulations to Loughmore Castleiney, who claimed the County Under 12 Division 2 Football title following a pulsating replay against Éire Óg Annacarty Donohill last Saturday. Congratulations also to Golden Kilfeacle who were crowned County Under 16 C1 Hurling Champions following a thrilling encounter with Fr Sheehy’s in Duneske, Cahir. Golden Kilfeacle came out on top on a scoreline of 4-13 to 2-18.
Tipperary GAA Management Teams
Tipperary GAA would like to congratulate Mark Breen on his appointment as the new Tipperary Minor Football Manager. Mark, a native of Portlaoise who now resides in the Loughmore Castleiney parish, brings extensive experience in underage football development in Tipperary. He managed the Tipperary U16 Football Academy in 2026 and the Tipperary U15 Football Academy in 2025, having previously worked with the Mid/North U14 Football Academy and with Mid Tipperary at U13 and U14 level.
Mark’s backroom team is:
Manager: Mark Breen
Head Coach / Selector: Shane Russell (Aherlow)
Coaches / Selectors: Dan O’Donovan (Nenagh Éire Óg), Cormac Maher (Arravale Rovers), Podge Langton (Roscrea), Peter Creedon (Thurles Sarsfields)
James Woodlock has also named his backroom team for the Tipperary Under 20 Hurlers.
Manager: James Woodlock (Drom & Inch)
Selectors: Ray Doyle (JK Brackens), Dinny Ferncombe (Holycross Ballycahill), Brendan Ferris (Marlfield), Conor O’Brien (Éire Óg Annacarty Donohill)
Coach / Selector: Cormac McGrath (Ballinahinch)
Eoin Kelly has also confirmed his management team for the Tipperary Minor Hurlers.
Manager: Eoin Kelly (CJ Kickhams Mullinahone)
Coaches / Selectors: Darragh Egan (Kiladangan), Trevor Fletcher (Roscrea), Paudie Bourke (JK Brackens)
Coaching Support: David Collins (Drom & Inch)
Tipperary GAA wishes Mark, James, Eoin and their respective management teams every success in their roles.
Calling all One Club model clubs!
As part of our Premier Plan 2026-2030 we are asking;
– Are you part of a Tipperary GAA club that promotes a One Club Model?
– Is integration working today in your GAA club?
– Are you interested in exploring further opportunities to strengthen inclusion and integration in your Club?
– Are you interested in making your Club stronger together?
If so email demographics.tipperary@gaa.ie or call 087 2317363 by Friday 9th October to learn more.
tipphurling.com
Tipperary GAA would like to acknowledge and thank Nenagh’s Brian McDonnell for the tremendous work he has undertaken in compiling the Tipperary Hurling – Championship Records database. The project is the result of several years of painstaking research and work by Brian and has developed into an invaluable resource for anyone with an interest in the history of Tipperary hurling. The database records every team and player to line out for Tipperary in championship hurling, across all grades, from 1887 to 2026. Visitors can explore the records by year, player, game or club, providing a fascinating insight into the history and development of Tipperary hurling across almost 140 years. The scale of the work is hugely impressive with the database currently featuring 2,700 players, 1,164 games and 68 clubs. It also provides detailed information on Tipperary’s Roll of Honour, player appearances, championship finals, club representation and much more. For Tipperary GAA, resources such as this are extremely valuable in preserving and celebrating the county’s rich hurling history. It allows supporters, clubs, players, historians and future generations to explore the contribution made by so many players and clubs to the Tipperary story. Brian is continuing to develop and maintain the database and would encourage anyone who notices an error or omission involving a player, club or game to get in touch with him. With a project of this scale, accuracy is an ongoing process and any information that can help improve the records is greatly appreciated. Tipperary GAA County Board would like to sincerely thank Brian for the enormous amount of time, research and effort he has put into this excellent resource. It is a wonderful record of Tipperary’s hurling history and an invaluable resource for the county. Explore the Tipperary Hurling Championship Records at tipphurling.com
County Scór Na nÓg Final
The Tipperary County Scór Na nÓg Final will take place on Friday November 6th with venue and time to be confirmed. Scór is a wonderful opportunity to represent your club on the stage promoting our wonderful culture. Any queries or entries can be emailed to secretary.scor.tipperary@gaa.ie.
Tipperary GAA 50/50 Draw
The next Tipperary GAA 50/50 Draw will be held this coming weekend. Supporters can purchase tickets via the Tipperary GAA App or through the following link: member.clubspot.app/club/tipperary-gaa/fundraisers Well done to last week’s winner Noeleen Conway in Galway who won the €1,700 Jackpot.
Tipperary GAA Halloween Home Entertainment Giveaway
Tipperary GAA is running a Halloween Home Entertainment Giveaway with one lucky winner set to take home a fantastic entertainment package worth €500. The prize includes a 55″ LG UHD Television, ULTIMEA 5.1 Soundbar, Govee TV Backlight, Echo Show 5, Amazon Fire TV Stick, €50 Netflix Gift Card and a €50 Sweet Treats Voucher. The package has everything needed to transform the living room and enjoy the darker autumn and winter evenings. Entries can be made through the Tipperary GAA fundraising page at member.clubspot.app/club/tipperary-gaa/fundraisers with one winner taking home the complete package.
Concussion Education Course
The GAA, LGFA and Camogie Associations are making a free Concussion Education Course available to club members across the country, with one course taking place in each province during October and November. The interactive courses are aimed at non-medically-trained volunteers and will help participants recognise the main signs and symptoms of concussion while providing an understanding of the principles of concussion management, treatment and rehabilitation. The Munster course will take place at Munster GAA HQ, Limerick, on Tuesday 3rd November at 7.30 pm. The course is open to all club members, with those interested encouraged to register in advance. Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/GRBeavVYbw Further GAA concussion-related resources are available at https://learning.gaa.ie/concussion
Tipperary GAA Scene
To include any item of interest in the Tipperary GAA Scene, please email the Tipperary GAA Communications Officer at communications.tipperary@gaa.ie
