Twenty senior county finals are scheduled across Ireland on Sunday, 18 October, according to RTÉ.ie, which describes the programme as an unusually busy penultimate Sunday in October for the club game. Inter-county players and club-only performers alike will be chasing silverware, with the first match throwing in at 2pm.
RTÉ.ie reports that its live blog will open on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app before the action starts, carrying score updates and contributions from RTÉ Radio commentators stationed at ten of the games. Match reports and post-match reaction from players and managers will follow on a dedicated page.
Why it matters
County finals decide who represents each county in the provincial club championships, and for clubs long without a title the day carries particular weight. RTÉ.ie notes that the line-up mixes clubs accustomed to success with others hoping to make their mark again, and that several inter-county stars will be involved.
Where to follow the action
Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ Listen begins at 2pm, with live commentary, regular score updates and reaction from the grounds, according to RTÉ.ie.
TG4's coverage starts at 1.45pm and will be live at two finals: Ballinamere against Kilcormac-Killoughey in the Offaly hurling decider, and Castleknock against Cuala in the Dublin football final.
The weather should help. RTÉ.ie quotes Met Éireann forecasting that mist and fog will clear through the morning, leaving a dry day with plenty of sunshine, temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees and light variable breezes.
Meath, Roscommon and Antrim
Páirc Tailneann remains under redevelopment, so the Meath board has taken the county final to Ashbourne, giving Donaghmore/Ashbourne home advantage. RTÉ.ie reports the club, known by its current name since 1996, is chasing a first county title in 74 years, having last reached the final in 2016 and lost to Simonstown Gaels. Bryan Menton is described as central to their hopes after wins over Dunshaughlin, Simonstown and Ratoath.
Wolfe Tones, unbeaten so far, are seeking a first title since 2021 and will draw on Adam O'Neil in midfield, with RTÉ.ie noting that local opinion favours them to take a third title. Their narrow 2024 final defeat to Dunshaughlin is still recent.
In Roscommon, Pádraig Pearses meet St Brigid's at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park at 2pm in another South Roscommon derby. St Brigid's are chasing a 20th crown, a year after beating their neighbours following a replay, while Pearses are after a fourth title. Damian Mulligan, who has club experience in Mayo and was part of the Roscommon setup under Kevin McStay, has taken over from Anthony Cunningham at St Brigid's, who beat Strokestown well in the semi-final with Conor Hand prominent. Pearses' semi-final was far tighter — a 5-22 to 2-27 win over Boyle after extra-time.
The Antrim final is an all-Belfast affair. St Brigid's, formed in 1998, are chasing a first title, while O'Donovan O'Rossa seek a 17th but a first since 1991. Midfielder Jack Dowling told the Irish News, as cited by RTÉ.ie, that the club had struggled for years, been promoted and relegated, and was now "knocking on the door" of a first senior championship. Joe Brolly and former Antrim and Cork player James Loughrey have lined out for St Brigid's in the past.
Armagh, Clare and Donegal
Killeavy reach a first Armagh final since 1988 and are looking to end a 78-year wait, with their three titles coming in 1914, 1915 and one since. Crossmaglen, managed by former Louth player Shane Lennon, have won the Gerry Fagan Cup 47 times and the All-Ireland six times. After early defeats to Dromintee and reigning champions Madden, they have recovered, with Oisín and Aaron O'Neill impressing. Rian O'Neill, sent off in the semi-final win over Clann Eireann, has had his suspension overturned. Killeavy are unbeaten, with Ciaron O'Hanlon and Fergal Boylan to the fore.
In Clare, defending champions Éire Óg Ennis, on 22 titles, face Kilmurry Ibrickane, winners of 16, at Zimmer Biomet Cusack Park at 3.30pm. Kilmurry Ibrickane are trying to avoid a third straight final defeat to their rivals and have been boosted by Keelan Sexton's return from Na Fianna in Dublin. Éire Óg will again look to Mark McInerney, Aaron Fitzgerald and David Reidy.
Donegal's final is Glenties against Letterkenny — the 2025 winners against the 2024 winners. RTÉ.ie reports that Naomh Conaill's Finbarr Roarty will join Collingwood in the AFL after signing a two-year rookie contract, while Ethan O'Donnell, who has lived in Perth for several years, is back home and may feature in Ballybofey. Naomh Conaill trailed Glenswilly by five points late in their semi-final before forcing extra-time and winning 0-22 to 0-19. St Eunan's, 1-09 to 0-00 up after 15 minutes, held off a late Gaoth Dobhair comeback to win 2-18 to 1-19.
In Louth, Newtown Blues — the county's most successful club — meet St Mochtas at the Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda at 3.30pm.
Coverage begins with TG4 at 1.45pm and the RTÉ live blog before the 2pm throw-ins, with the day's remaining finals decided through the afternoon.
