Crossmaglen Stumble in Orchard Semi-Final Blowout
Two former All-Ireland champions faced a nervy night at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh as Crossmaglen watched a healthy cushion slip away against neighbours Cullyhanna. The Rangers had dictated much of the pace early, with Oisín O’Neill delivering a blistering start that helped them move clear of Stephen Reel’s side. While Jason Duffy opened the scoring for Cullyhanna, Crossmaglen flexed their authority and led 0-15 to 0-08 at the break, extending the margin to 10 points by the 39th minute thanks to O’Neill’s accuracy.
A Shea Hoey goal offered hope for Cullyhanna, but Cross responded to push their lead back to nine with momentum swinging as the clock wound down. The Leinster-tinged tension built, with Cullyhanna rallying in the latter stages and trimming the gap to a single score in the closing minutes. In the end, the home side could not hold on, and Cullyhanna surged to a 1-21 to 0-23 win, earning a final showdown with Madden in a bid to claim their first Orchard crown.
For Crossmaglen, defeat means the end of a title bid in this season’s Orchard competition, while Cullyhanna advance to what promises to be a tight final under local lights and high expectations. This is a setback for Cross, who will now turn attention to their remaining campaigns, knowing a fierce rivalry with Madden awaits in the final.
Magherafelt Overwhelm Glen to Book Derry Final Spot
Across the border in Derry, Magherafelt asserted their claim with a commanding 4-15 to 1-13 victory over Glen. The early exchanges belonged to the winners as Caolan Higgins fired them into a 1-03 to 0-01 lead, a margin that Magherafelt would not relinquish. Higgins added a second goal before half-time, leaving the scoreboard reading 2-12 to 0-07 at the interval.
Glen did launch a response after the break, but Conor McCluskey’s goal effectively halted their momentum and Zach Gavigan added a fourth, pushing the game firmly in Magherafelt’s direction. Alex Doherty’s late goal was merely a gloss on a match that Magherafelt controlled from start to finish, sealing their place in the Derry decider and continuing their title pursuit with confident momentum.
Longford Slashers Claim Longford SHC Crown
In Longford, the Slashers edged Wolfe Tones in a final replay by 1-16 to 0-15, a result that underscored the closeness of recent championship clashes between the two sides. The Tones had edged last year’s decider, and this rematch followed a similar pattern—tight through much of the opening half, before the Slashers pulled clear thanks to a solid first-half goal from Micheál Mulcahy and a measured display after the break to hold off Wolfe Tones’ late pushes.
Slashers showed composure in attack and a disciplined defensive effort, sealing a well-earned county crown and adding another success to a season that has alternated thrills with hard-nought defensive stands. The final whistle confirmed a championship triumph that will be celebrated by their supporters long after the celebrations had begun.
Tipperary Spotlight: Loughmore-Castleiney on Course to Defend
In Tipperary, Loughmore-Castleiney remain on track to defend their title after a 1-18 to 0-15 victory over Holycross-Ballycahill, with John McGrath contributing nine points and Ciaran McCormack delivering an early fortunate goal. The hold on the title remains intact for the holders, as they balance league duties with championship ambitions amid RTÉ cameras watching on, highlighting the depth and consistency of their squad.
The confluence of results across the day reflects a season of dramatic swings, close finishes and emerging contenders who could shape the rest of the campaign. With Crossmaglen and the Orchard final still to be decided, and Magherafelt, Longford Slashers and Loughmore-Castleiney pressing their claims, supporters are left with a vivid sense that this year’s Gaelic Games programs are delivering both drama and memorable moments.
