St John’s Claims Antrim Title; Cork Finals Deliver Thrilling Action

UPDATE: In a thrilling weekend of hurling and football, multiple county finals unfolded across Ireland, with dramatic outcomes that will reverberate for weeks to come.

On Sunday, August 27, 2023, St John’s ended a 50-year drought, claiming the Antrim Senior Hurling Championship title by defeating Loughgiel Shamrocks 2-16 to 1-18. The victory marks a historic moment for St John’s, who have solidified their status at the top of Antrim hurling.

In Cork, Sarsfields delivered a powerful performance, winning their second Cork Premier SHC title in three years against Midleton with a score of 2-18 to 1-14. This victory adds to their impressive tally, marking their eighth title overall.

Meanwhile, in the Cork Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship, Ballinhassig triumphed over Ballincollig with a commanding score of 2-22 to 1-19, signaling their return to senior hurling with a six-point victory at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

In Limerick, Murroe Boher celebrated their second-ever Intermediate Hurling title, defeating Bruree 2-22 to 1-13 at Fedamore. The excitement continued as Garryspillane and Effin battled in the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship, with Garryspillane eventually emerging victorious through penalties after a dramatic draw, returning to senior status in Limerick.

In the Limerick Senior Hurling Championship, Na Piarsaigh secured their ninth title in just 14 years, edging out Doon 2-25 to 2-18 after extra time. Doon, the defending champions, faced a tough match, with an unfortunate count of 19 wides during normal time at TUS Gaelic Grounds.

Football also brought high drama, with Newbridge retaining their Derry title, defeating Magherafelt 1-17 to 1-15 in wet conditions at Celtic Park. Eamon Young’s late insurance point sealed the victory.

Kilcoo made history by winning their seventh consecutive Down SFC title, overcoming Carryduff 1-17 to 1-11. In a gripping Fermanagh SFC final, Erne Gaels and Derrygonnelly Harps ended in a draw, forcing a rematch after Erne Gaels snatched a tie at the last moment.

Athy upset Naas in the Kildare SFC final, winning 1-17 to 0-18 and denying Naas a fifth consecutive title. In Mayo, Ballina Stephenites managed to draw with Westport 1-15 to 0-18, thanks to a last-minute free from Frank Irwin at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.

Fans across the country are buzzing over these results, with many sharing their reactions on social media. The emotional stakes were high, as clubs celebrated long-awaited victories while others faced the heartbreak of near misses.

As the dust settles on an exhilarating weekend of county finals, attention now turns to the upcoming matches and potential rematches that could reshape the landscape of hurling and football in Ireland. Stay tuned for more updates as these stories develop.