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08 Jan 2026
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08 Jan 2026
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Photo by Warren Matthews Photography
Senior Football Championship Teams
St. Patricks
Manager: Peter McKenna, Captain: Kate Flood, Key player: Aine Breen, One to watch: Niamh Holland
St. Patrick’s are looking strong as they aim for a three-in-a-row championship title. They won the SFC in 2023 and 2024, a remarkable achievement considering they hadn’t won it in their 30 year existence prior to 2023.
Waterford man Peter McKenna has replaced Donal Kane, the former Kilcoo star who guided the Lordship side to their only two triumphs.
The Castleknock clubman has utilised the league to give the entire panel playing time and with five county players ready to return for the championship, they will start the competition as firm favourites.
It will be intriguing to see how they perform under their new management team. Their previous wins showcased their passion, skill and composure under pressure.
Key players such as Kate Flood, Aine Breen, Grace Traynor and netminder Rebecca Lambe Fegan have all made significant contributions to their success and look the team to beat.
Newtown Blues
Manager: Breen Philips, Captain: Emma Thompson, Key Player: Laura Collins, One to watch: Lauren Hawthorn
A couple of narrow defeats has proved costly for the Drogheda side resulting in their relegation from Division 1 last month. Blues did make the semi final of last year’s championship going down to Kevin’s by three points.
The 2014 SFC winners will be hoping that their star forward Laura Collins will have shaken off the leg injury which forced her to miss so much of the season.
Roche Emmets
Manager: Anthony Keenan, Captain: Aoife Halligan, Key Player: Aoife Halligan, One to watch: Erin Gorham
Roche have shown impressive consistency despite having a small panel and losing players to Louth commitments. Finishing just short of the semis in the league is a testament to their strength.
With Abi Keenan returning from travelling plus Aoife, Seóna and Katie Halligan and Louise Byrne rejoining the panel from county duty, Roche’s line up is looking stronger than ever. They will be eager to capitalise on this momentum and make a decent championship run.
Naomh Fionnbarra
Manager: Conor Haughey, Captain: Amy Grant, Key Player: Roisin Osborne, One to watch: Clodagh Carragher
Finbarr’s have had an extremely difficult year, losing a number of players to emigration and injuries and then facing the devastating loss of their inspirational defender Marie Claire Rogers.
The team’s resilience and community spirit in the face of grief are truly admirable. Despite being drawn in a tough group with holder’s Pat’s and Cooley the Togher side won’t be intimidated.
They’ve got up and coming stars like Clodagh Carragher and Saoirse Murray, an exceptional ‘keeper in
Becky Woods and top players in Heather Rogers, Amy Grant, Roisin Osborne and ex Galway and Louth star Marie O’Connell. They’ll be keen to make a strong strong showing to honour Marie Claire’s memory.
St. Kevins
Manager: Adam Winters, Captain: Aoife Gregory, Key Player: Eimear Murray
The Philipstown side had a superb 2024 championship culminating in their first SFC final appearance since 1998 and they have brought that form into this season.
They’ve had a fine league and have received a major boost with the return of county star Mia Duffy following a serious knee injury, and with players like Grainne and Eimear Murray, Aisling and Lucy Sheridan and Aimee Murray in good form they’ve got a solid foundation to build on.
With a bit of luck and some strong performances last beaten finalists could reach the latter stages again.
Kilkerley Emmets
Manager: Martin Rice, Captain: Leah Hoey, Key Player: Claire Lennon, One to watch: Meadhb Thornton
Kilkerley will feel they’ve got a chance of securing one of the top two spots in the group and making it to the last 8. Their match up against neighbours St. Brides is going to be a real cracker.
They have a panel packed with potential and talent including Mia Clarke, Ciara Lennon, Brigh McEnteggart and experienced players in Claire Lennon, and Annemarie Kane they’ve got a solid base of youth and know-how.
With dual star Siun Kirby on their team, who is one of the top prospects in the county Kilkerley can be a contender.
O'Raghallaighs/Oliver Plunketts
Manager: Adam Brodigan and Robert Smith, Captain: Nora Conaghy, Key player: Seoda Matthews, One to watch: Billie Mynes
The Drogheda combination have had two fine season’s winning the ’23 Intermediate championship and gaining promotion to Div 2 last year.
However this season has been a bit challenging due to a host of injuries and losing important players Seoda Matthews and Caitlin O’Reilly to county duty.
The draw has been favourable and with the injury list dwindling, they’ll be hopeful of building on last year’s quarter final appearance.
St. Brides
Manager: John Temple, Captain: Kodi McEneaney, Key player: Caoimhe Hoey, One to watch: Lilly Fagan#
Last week Intermediate champions Brides look favourites to top their group and with Dublin native John Temple in charge, they will be confident in their abilities.
Bronagh and Emma McArdle will be a threat to any defence and with Lily Fegan and Ruth Hanna adding to the firepower, they are a team to watch out for.
Cooley Kickhams
Manager: Stephen Mooney, Captain: Niamh Rice, Key player: Lucy White, One to watch: Ciara Quinn
Cooley have a rich history in this competition having won it a record thirteen times in its 32 year existence. Their entering this season’s championship as repeat finalists having lost to fierce rivals and neighbours St. Patrick’s in the 2024 and ‘23 finals.
Their recent win in the Division 1 league final is a timely boost and indicates they’re in fine fettle. Niamh Rice is rightfully regarded as one of the best forwards in the county and alongside Lucy White and Ciara Boyle they’ll pose significant threats to opposing defences.
They have a youthful panel with emerging players like Shannon and Sharon Walker, Katie McDonnell and Niamh Arnold.
Stephen Mooney in his first year as manager will look to capitalise on their strength and youthfulness to make a deep run in this championship. Given their history and recent performances and a talented squad Cooley will certainly be a team to watch in the championship.
Geraldines
Manager: Tom Rogers, Captain: Fionnula Cafferty, Key player: Rebecca Carr
Geraldine’s have consistently performed well in this championship in recent season’s, and this year looks set to be another good one for the Haggardstown outfit.
They had an excellent league campaign reaching the final losing to Cooley in a closely contested match, which was ideal preparation for the championship. As semi finalists last year, the Gers are capable of going one step further this time.
Clan Na Gael
Manager: Gerry Smith, Captain: Sinead McGill, Key player: Shannon McLaughlin, One to watch: Kate English
It was a tough 2024 for Clan’s missing out on the group stage’s and getting relegated to Div 2. However they have performed much better this year and are confident of producing much better performances this time.
With proven performer’s like Alannah McLaughlin, Therese Curran, Grace Smith, Dearbhla Tinnely and county stars Ciara Woods and Shannen McLaughlin they could be the surprise package.
St. Fechins
Manager: David Kirwan, Captain: Orla McEvoy, Key player: Céire Nolan, One to watch: Moya Corrigan
Reached quarter finals last time losing out to eventual winners Pat’s. This year’s league saw them survive in Div 1 after an eventful campaign.
Star forward Ava Briscoe missed most of the league but is expected to be back for the commencement of the championship. Céire Nolan, Moya Corrigan and Rachel Beirth also missed the league due to county commitments although all three will be available for the club championship.
Midfield duo Roisin Kavanagh and Sarah Moore are abroad while Orla Brennan and Sarah Briscoe are back in the squad.
Intermediate Football Championship Teams
Mattock Rangers
Manager: Shane Stack, Captain: Maria Reid, Key player: Caoimhe Callaghan, One to watch: Rebecca Smith
Mattock with Kerry native Shane Stack in charge finally got promotion after 5 years in Div 3 and they’ll be looking to build on that success in the championship.
With the experience and considerable scoring ability of Lucy Watters, Niamh Dooley, Maria Reid and the Callan sisters Niamh and Caoimhe they’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Their Shield win last year and decent championship run show’s they’ve got the potential to go all the way.
Stabannon Parnells
Manager: Ronan Shevlin, Captain: Erin Titley, Key player: Ashling Gormley, One to watch: Amy Malone
Stabannon have a rich championship history having won this championship in 2008 before becoming the dominant force in Louth winning seven SFC titles between 2010 and ‘17.
However they’ve since been relegated to the Intermediate grade and are now looking to start their journey back up by winning this championship over the next few months.
They have experienced leaders in Grace Lynch and Danielle Sharkey guiding a young and promising squad including Zara Sweeney who has been prominent in Louth’s All Ireland success recently.
Glyde/Westerns
Manager: Gerry Curran, Captain: Hannah Kearney, Key player: Alanah Conlon, One to watch: Lucy Lenaghan
The mid-Louth combination is looking to build on their Junior Championship success last year as they step up to the Intermediate grade. With the experienced Gerry Curran in charge they’ll be looking to make an impact.
The emerging promise shown by Laura Byrne, Katelyn Drumgoole and Mia McMahon will make them exciting to watch.
Ardee St. Marys
Manager: Niall Carroll, Captain: Amy Hanratty, Key Player: Emer Callaghan, One to watch: Kelsey Martin Clarke
The league may not have been easy but the experience of playing in Div 1 will undoubtedly be beneficial for Ardee’s young team in the Intermediate Championship.
That level of competition can only help them grow and prepare for the challenge’s ahead. With that experience under their belt, they’ll be well equipped to make a good showing in the championship.
St. Mochtas
Manager: Sean Hand, Captain: Niamh Kirk, Key player: Aoife Byrne, One to watch: Kayleigh Hoey
Mochta’s have already achieved one of their major targets for the year by claiming the Div 2 league title and with it promotion back to the top tier having been relegated 12 months ago.
Their consistent performances in winning the league is testament to the team’s abilities. Now they’ll be looking to build on that momentum and make a strong showing in the championship.
Naomh Mairtin
Manager: Stewart McDonnell, Captain: Katie Whelan, Key player: Katie Murphy, One to watch: Beth Kearns
First ever winner’s of this championship in 2000, Martin’s find themselves in a very tough group with St. Mochta’s, Glen Emmets and St. Mary’s.
Winning the Div 3 league last month and finally gaining promotion after three years of trying will have given them a huge boost.
They have outstanding players such as Katie Murphy, Marcella Molloy and Beth Kearns ensuring they’ll be well equipped to hold their own in this ultra competitive group.
Hunterstown Rovers
Manager: Ivor Martin, Captain: Abbie Sheridan, Key player: Mischa Rooney, One to watch: Caoimhe Carolan
Hunterstown have suffered heart break in losing the last two finals and they’ll be eager to finally bring home the intermediate title this year.
However they will need to step up on recent showings including losing to Dreadnots in the recent shield final. They are unlikely to have key attacker Sarah Lynch available due to injury but can call on Mischa Rooney who hit 0:10 in last year’s narrow loss to St. Brides in the final.
Glen Emmets
Manager: Dermot Smyth, Captain: Rebecca Carolan, Key player: Aoife Russell, One to watch: Grace Stafford
The Tullyallen side had a solid league season finishing fourth and they’ve also shown their championship credentials by reaching the last four last year, where they narrowly lost to Hunterstown. That experience will serve them well as they look to go a step further and make the final this time.
Junior Football Championship Teams
Wolfe Tones
Manager: Rory McCann, Captain: Shauna Byrne and Claire Lowry, Key player: Sophie Everitt, One to watch: Leah Paterson
The Drogheda outfit are coming into this championship after a difficult league. It appears as they may have a full strength panel and they’ll be keen to to make a strong impression. Being in a very competitive group with Dreadnots and Dundalk Gaels they’ll need to bring their A game to secure one of the top spots.
St. Josephs
Manager: Larry Mulligan, Captain: Sharon Callan, Key Player: Eimear Costello, One to Watch: Naomi Dowd
St. Joseph’s despite being Louth’s youngest club, will be confident about making the semi’s, especially with the likes of Sharon Callan, Laura Kieran and Annemarie Breen bringing know-how to the team, and with young talents like Kelsey Crowley and Katie Mulligan, they’ve got a great mix of experience and potential.
Paired with Cuchulainn Gaels and Young Ireland’s who both had difficult league campaign’s, the Dromiskin side might just have the edge to make an extended run.
Young Irelands
Manager: Chris Doyle, Captain: Holly O’Donohue, Key Player: Vicky Pendergast, One to Watch: Megan Duffy
The Dundalk side will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing league season and they’ll be confident about navigating their group, particularly given their good results in recent year’s against both Cuchulainn Gaels and St. Joseph’s.
In Vicky Pendergast, they possess one the top forwards in this grade, and in other skilled players like Emily Molloy, Aiveen Morrow and Ciara Murphy they’ve got the ability to go far in this wide open championship.
Dreadnots
Manager: Keith Harding, Captain: Saorlaith Dawe and Kayleigh Reilly, Key Player: Maura Sullivan, One to Watch: Stephanie Cunningham
Dreadnots recent form has been most impressive with 5 straight league wins, including the Shield final victory over a strongly fancied Hunterstown. Despite being relegated from the Intermediate grade, they’re looking strong and confident coming into the championship. Their momentum could make the Clogherhead XV a real contender.
Dundalk Gaels
Manager: Ciaran Culligan, Captain: Kathryn O’Hara, Key Player: Sarah McDonnell, One to Watch: Jane Martin
Last year’s runner up, Gaels will be looking to build on last year’s momentum and with Ciaran Culligan at the helm they might just achieve their goal. Having a young, talented group of players is a great asset, and with some experience and guidance, they could go all the way.
Cuchulainn Gaels
Manager: Gerard Morgan, Captain: Michelle O’Haganl, Key Player: Nicola Downey, One to Watch: Aisling Connolly
After a poor league campaign manager Gerard Morgan will be eager to see a significant turnaround in the championship. The good attendance at recent training session’s suggests the Omeath’s side’s enthusiasm and commitment are high which could be a key factor in them having a decent championship run.
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