Louth Gaelic football teams honoured at civic reception

Photo Caption: The 2025 Leinster GAA Senior Football Championship winning Louth team pictured with: Sean McClean, Louth GAA Chairperson; Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council; Jarlath Burns, GAA President, the elected members of Louth County Council and local Oireachtas members at a Civic Reception honouring their sporting achievements during the 2025 Gaelic football season.

Louth Senior Men’s GAA Team, the Louth Under-20s GAA Team, and the Louth LGFA Team were formally honoured by Louth County Council at a Civic Reception held on Tuesday night at An Táin Theatre, Dundalk. The event, attended by over 250 invited guests, celebrated the outstanding sporting achievements of the three county teams during the 2025 Gaelic football season.

A Civic Honour is the highest accolade bestowed by Louth County Council. It is awarded to individuals, groups, or organisations who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and made significant contributions to society—locally, nationally, or internationally.

The Louth Senior Men’s GAA Team was honoured for their historic triumph in the 2025 Leinster Senior Football Championship—securing the county’s first provincial title since 1957. Led by Captain, Sam Mulroy, and Manager, Ger Brennan, the team delivered a season of unforgettable performances, marked by determination, tactical excellence, and a deep sense of unity which earned admiration across the Gaelic football community.

The Louth Under‑20s GAA Team was celebrated for winning the Leinster Championship and reaching the 2025 All‑Ireland Under‑20 Football Championship final—the first time in county history that a Louth team has contested this final. Under the leadership of Captain Sean Callaghan and Manager Fergal Reel, the team’s historic journey to the All‑Ireland decider placed a spotlight on the county’s emerging talent and signalled a promising future for Louth football.

The Louth Ladies LGFA Team was honoured for winning the 2025 All-Ireland LGFA Junior Championship, a milestone that marks a return to national glory for the county. Under the leadership of Captain Áine Breen and Manager Kevin Larkin, the team delivered a season of determination, teamwork, and skill, culminating in a hard-fought victory in the final at Croke Park. Their success has elevated the profile of ladies football in Louth and inspired a new generation of female athletes across the county.

Formalities began with an introduction from Louth County Council Director of Services, Joanna Kelly, who invited firefighters Uli Keller, Stephen Grey and Dita Durse of Louth County Council Fire and Rescue Service to parade the National Flag alongside the flag of County Louth. They were accompanied by fireman Niall Clarke on the bagpipes.

The 2025 Leinster GAA Under-20 Football Championship winning Louth team pictured with: Sean McClean, Louth GAA Chairperson; Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council; Jarlath Burns, GAA President, the elected members of Louth County Council and local Oireachtas members at a Civic Reception honouring their sporting achievements during the 2025 Gaelic football season.

This was followed by a welcome address by Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council. Speaking at the event, the Cathaoirleach said:

“Tonight, we formally honour the remarkable achievements of our county teams. This is more than a celebration of sporting success—it is a recognition of the profound impact these teams have had on the people of County Louth.

"The Louth Senior Men’s, Under-20s Men’s, and LGFA teams have united communities, lifted spirits, and inspired pride across the county. Their dedication, resilience, and passion have left a lasting impact, and their accomplishments have become a source of joy and motivation for all who call this county home. On behalf of Louth County Council, I extend our deepest gratitude and congratulations to every player, manager, coach, and supporter for representing Louth with such distinction and heart.”

GAA President Jarlath Burns delivered an address to the honourees, dignitaries, and invited guests, celebrating Louth’s achievements and commitment to the sport. His words were followed by contributions from Louth GAA Chairperson Sean McClean and Louth LGFA Chairperson Amanda Lane, who both paid tribute to the honourees and highlighted the hard work, dedication, and collaboration that have propelled Louth Gaelic football to its current success.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr Seán Kelly, then presented Civic Honour Scrolls to each team. The honours were accepted by captains Tommy Durnin, Sean Callaghan, and Áine Breen on behalf of their teams.

The 2025 All-Ireland LGFA Junior Championship winning Louth LGFA team pictured with: Amanda Lane, Louth LGFA Chairperson; Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council; Jarlath Burns, GAA President, the elected members of Louth County Council and local Oireachtas members at a Civic Reception honouring their sporting achievements during the 2025 Gaelic football season.

Following the presentation of honours, renowned sports commentator and television presenter Marty Morrissey hosted two engaging panel discussions. The first featured the team captains, who shared personal reflections on their journeys and proudest moments. The second brought together managers Ger Brennan and Fergal Reel, along with coach Jack McNamee, offering insights into the strategies, teamwork, and vision driving the future of Gaelic football in Louth.

Following the event, David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, commented:

“These teams have not only achieved remarkable success on the pitch, but they have also brought communities together and lifted the spirit of the county. Their commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship reflect the very best of Louth and they act as great role models to our communities.

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"Civic honours represent the highest accolade that Louth County Council can bestow as set out in statute, reserved for those whose contributions have made an enduring and positive impact on our county. We are proud to celebrate these teams and the inspiration they continue to provide to people across Louth. Looking ahead, Louth County Council will continue to collaborate closely with Louth GAA and LGFA, providing support and resources where we can to ensure the continued progress and success of Gaelic games in our county.”

In receiving Civic Honours the three county teams join an esteemed group of past recipients, including Eve McCrystal, Kate O’Connor, and Amy Broadhurst.