Match Day Information: Galway v Meath

The Gardai and Croke Park Stadium Operations have asked us to send you the below information to make your supporters aware of  in advance of the Croke Park matches today
  • Come early and enjoy the atmosphere, stiles open 90 minutes prior to the first game.
  • Plan your journey in advance and leave plenty of time to arrive in the stadium. There are a number of other city events taking place including Pride, Longitude and concerts in Malahide Castle. Where possible use public transport.
  • Have your ticket downloaded in advance.
  • Follow the instructions of Stewards and An Garda Siochana at all times
  • Supporters are reminded that flares and smoke cannisters are dangerous and illegal and are strictly prohibited. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
  • Remember Croke Park is in a residential area. Please Respect our neighbours.

Team News: Galway Senior Football team v Meath

The Galway Senior Football team to face Meath in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final is announced:

GALWAY V MEATH
📍Páirc an Chrócaigh
🗓️Sunday 29th June 2025
🕓1.45PM
📺Watch Live on RTE TV
📲Live Score updates on our X feed
📻Radio Commentary on Galway Bay FM, RnaG Spórt

Match Tickets on Sale online and in Centra and SuperValu Stores

Purchase tickets online here
https://www.ticketmaster.ie/event/180062D491C028B0

Best of Luck to Padraic Joyce, Team Management and our Senior Footballers!

#riseofthetribes
#gaillimhabú

2025 All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Final Fixtures confirmed

The GAA can confirm the fixture arrangements for next weekend’s All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Finals.

All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Finals

Saturday June 28

Monaghan v Donegal, Croke Park, 4pm, GAA+

Dublin v Tyrone, Croke Park, 6.15pm, GAA+

Sunday June 29

Meath v Galway, Croke Park, 1.45pm, RTE

Armagh v Kerry, Croke Park, 4pm, RTE

 

All-Ireland SFC: Galway win thriller

All-Ireland SFC Preliminary Quarter-Final

Galway 2-26 (2-5-16) Down 3-21 (3-4-13)

By Billy Coss at Páirc Esler

They dodged elimination on more than occasion during the ‘Group of Death’, but Galway’s All-Ireland Senior Football Championship challenge remains on track after surviving a stirring second half fightback from Down in the Marshes.

The Tribesmen’s in-form inside duo of Shane Walsh and Rob Finnerty contributed 1-13 between them, but it was Matthew Thompson, in his rookie season, who was their orchestrator-in-chief and contributed five points into the bargain.

A devastating eight-minute spell at the end of the first half pushed a 1-7 to 1-6 Galway lead out to a significant 1-16 to 1-6 advantage by the hooter.

Prior to that, Down traded blow for blow with Odhran Murdock and Danny Magill both picking off two points apiece. Murdock also latched on to a booming Ronan Burns kickout to play in John McGeough for their opening goal on 14 minutes.

Burns had earlier saved one-on-ones from Rob Finnerty and Cian Hernon, but stood no chance when Shane Walsh took a Thompson pass and buried past the Down ‘keeper on 22 minutes. Thompson, Finnerty and Walsh (two, one free) were all on target from outside the 40-metre arc, while Cillian McDaid scored a brace as the visitors constructed a 10-point interval advantage.

Down’s comeback ignited immediately after the throw-in with Daniel Guinness and Miceal Rooney two-pointers inside 90 seconds delighting the home support in the attendance of more than 14,000. And when Pat Havern converted the first of his two frees, the difference was back to just 1-16 to 1-11. It might have been even better for Down, but for a fine Conor Flaherty save from Adam Crimmins.

Back came Galway as a magnificent second half unfolded. Thompson, Finnerty and Matthew Tierney steadied the ship before Flaherty was called upon once more to save from James Guinness. 1-20 to 1-13 was how it stood on 49 minutes and with Galway’s kickout under major pressure, another Down surge materialised.

A Daniel Guinness two-pointer plus ones from Adam Crimmins, Ceilum Doherty and sub Caolan Mooney (two) brought it back to two before Galway’s substitutes made an impact. Peter Cooke and Daniel O’Flaherty were on target while Shane Walsh converted a crucial two-point free just before his injury-enforced withdrawal.

1-24 to 1-19 up, Galway would have been out of reach had Burns not denied Cooke with his third point-blank save of the day. That was the tigger for a frantic endgame as Odhran Murdock, crowning a brilliant performance, netted Down’s second goal to cut the deficit to two on 65 minutes.

Galway sub Tomo Culhane killed the comeback when rifling past Burns two minutes later and though Ryan Magill netted the game’s fifth goal at the other end, a relieving Céin D’Arcy point confirmed Galway’s victory. Ryan McEvoy floated over the game’s ninth two-pointer after the hooter sounded as Galway survived a thrilling finale to yet another memorable match. They move on to face Meath, Monaghan or Tyrone in the last eight.

Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 1-7 (1tp, 2tpf), Rob Finnerty 0-6 (1tp, 1f), Matthew Thompson 0-5 (1tp), Tomo Culhane 1-0, Cillian McDaid, Matthew Tierney and Daniel O’Flaherty 0-2 each; Céin D’Arcy and Peter Cooke 0-1 each.

Scorers for Down: Odhran Murdock 1-2, John McGeough 1-1, Daniel Guinness 0-4 (2tp); Ryan Magill 1-0; Danny Magill Miceal Rooney (tp), Ryan McEvoy (tp), Caolan Mooney and Pat Havern (2f) 0-2 each; Adam Crimmins (f), Ceilum Doherty, Eugene Brannigan and James Guinness 0-1 each.

Galway: Conor Flaherty; Johnny McGrath, Seán Fitzgerald, Liam Silke; Dylan McHugh, Seán Kelly (captain), Cian Hernon; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Céin D’Arcy, Matthew Thompson, Cillian McDaid; Rob Finnerty, Shane Walsh, Matthew Tierney.

Subs: Peter Cooke for Conroy (47), Daniel O’Flaherty for Hernon (56), Johnny Heaney for McDaid temporary (61-69), Tomo Culhane for Walsh (62), John Daly for Maher (67).

Down: Ronan Burns; Patrick McCarthy, Peter Fegen, Ceilum Doherty; Ryan Magill, Pierce Laverty (captain), Miceal Rooney; Daniel Guinness, Ryan McEvoy; Danny Magill, Odhran Murdock, Adam Crimmins; James Guiness, Pat Havern, John McGeough.

Subs: Eugene Brannigan for McCarthy (21-26 temporary & HT), Caolan Mooney for McGeough (53), Oisín Savage for Doherty (58), Conor McCrickard for Crimmins (62), Finn Murdock for Rooney (66).

Referee: Derek O’Mahoney (Tipperary).

Match Day Information: Galway v Down

We welcome the teams and supporters of Down and Galway to Pairc Esler for the Round 4 of the All Ireland Football Qualifiers with a Throw In time of 1:45pm on Sunday 22nd June.
We are encouraging patrons to come to Newry early for the game and avail of the facilities in The Buttercrane Shopping Centre & The Quays Shopping Centre.
Both Shopping Centres also offer Pre Match eating facilities and are only a 10 Minute Walk to the Ground.
The Buttercrane Shopping Centre will open from 11:00am to accommodate match day supporters with a particular welcome to those travelling from Galway.  There will be free car parking available upon production of a matchday programme, match ticket or those wearing team colours. To avail of this parking, you will need to go to the car park office to receive your free car parking ticket. Buttercrane will have several stores open from 1100 am, in particular food and beverage outlets. The likes of Subway, Costa Coffee, T2, Lidl,  Vivo  and Muffin Break will be open both before and after the match for refreshments.

The Quays Shopping Centre has eating places such as Subway, Ground Espresso Bar, Bravo & Eddie Rockets. Here is also free car parking available in the Staff Car Park, entrance via the Albert Basin Road. Car Parking is Free on production of your Match Ticket or Match Programme.
The Canal Court Hotel will also offer an all day food menu pre and post match with a menu available from 11am.
Murphy’s Centra close to the ground will also have hot food available on the day.
The Parking Arrangements in Newry are as follows for Sunday:
Car Parking 
The Following Car Parks in Newry are available for Patrons:
  • Gateway Car Park, Kilmorey Street
  • John Mitchel Place & Hill Street (On Street Parking)
  • River Street Car Park
  • Greenbank Industrial Estate – Closest to Pairc Esler but expect delays on Exit
  • Buttercrane Shopping Centre
 
Parking Restrictions 
The following Parking Restrictions are in place: 
  • No Parking on the Hard Shoulder of the Dual Carriageway
  • No Parking on Kilmorey Street/Old Warrenpoint Road
  • No Parking on Chapel Hill
  • No Parking on Chapel Street
 
We ask that you please respect local Residents and their property.
 
At Pairc Esler
  • Tea/Coffee and Shops will be available inside the Ground
  • Newry Shamrocks Social Club will be open – There will be no entry to the Social Club from Inside the Ground, Entrance is by way of the Front of the Ground Only
  • There are Baby Changing Facilities available inside the Ground
     

Team News: Galway Senior Football team v Down

The Galway Senior Football team to face Down in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship preliminary quarter-final is announced:

GALWAY V DOWN
📍Páirc Esler, Newry
🗓️Sunday 22nd June 2025
🕓1.45PM
📺Watch Live on GAA+
📲Live Score updates via WhatstheScór App on our X feed
📻Radio Commentary on Galway Bay FM, RnaG Spórt

Match Tickets on Sale online and in Centra and SuperValu Stores

Purchase tickets online here
https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/sammaguire2025games

Best of Luck to Padraic Joyce, Team Management and our Senior Footballers!

#riseofthetribes
#gaillimhabú

Shane Walsh still going strong for Galway

Our Senior Footballer, Shane Walsh discusses the dramatic win over Armagh, enjoying the game, the emergence of Matthew Thompson, and Sunday’s clash against Down.

Click here to listen to the interview.

Senior, Intermediate and Primary Junior Club Football Championship Draws

The draws for the 2025 Bon Secours Hospital sponsored Senior,  Peter Curran Electrical sponsored Intermediate and OCC Construction sponsored Primary Junior Football Championship Draws are as follows:

Master Fixture Plan 

Bon Secours Hospital Sponsored Senior Football Championship Draw

Group A Group B
Salthill-Knocknacarra Maigh Cuilinn
Mountbellew-Moylough CP Bhearna na Forbacha
St Michaels St James
Oughterard Killannin
Group C Group D
Tuam Stars Corofin
Claregalway Monivea-Abbey
Dunmore MacHales Naomh Anna Leitir Móir
Annaghdown Milltown

Peter Curran Electrical Sponsored Intermediate Football Championship Draw

Group A Group B
Oranmore-Maree Caherlistrane
Cortoon Shamrocks St. Gabriels’
Mícheál Breathnach Oileáin Árann
St. Brendans Corofin
Group C Group D
Caltra Glenamaddy
Kilkerrin-Clonberne An Cheathrú Rua
Menlough Kilconly
Clifden An Spideál

OCC Construction sponsored Primary Junior North Board Championship Draw

Group A Group B
Headford Annaghdown
Athenry Mountbellew/Moylough
Williamstown Claregalway
Ballinasloe Corofin
Killererin Tuam Stars

OCC Construction sponsored Primary Junior West Board Championship Draw

Group A Group B
Carna-Cashel St Michaels
Renvyle St James’
An Fhairche Salthill/Knocknacarra
Fr Griffins/Eire Og Maigh Cuilinn

 

All-Ireland SFC: Galway stage dramatic comeback mission

All-Ireland SFC Group Four

Galway 2-22 (2-2-18) Armagh 0-27 (0-4-19)

By Cian O’Connell at Kingspan Breffni

The drama. It just seems to be guaranteed when Galway and Armagh meet. This was the latest addition to the story as Galway staged a remarkable comeback mission in Cavan.

Shane Walsh’s free at the end of an absorbing capped a terrific Galwegian revival. As the white flag was being raised, Padraic Joyce shook hands with his pal, Kieran McGeeney. Undoubtedly, Galway’s need was greater, but Armagh played their part in another thriller involving the counties.

Trailing by nine points at one stage in the opening period, Galway were in deep distress. It was a half in which Galway registered 0-1 from two penalty attempts.

Armagh had commenced the match with admirable determination and dynamism. The running power in Kieran McGeeney’s panel was causing Galway significant problems.

That Armagh had a string of footballers capable of drilling scores from deep was another key factor. Two pointers were slotted impressively. At that stage, Galway were simply hanging on in there.

Seán Fitzgerald was doughty at full-back when Galway were ailing. Armagh were demonstrating their considerable class.

Goalkeeper Ethan Rafferty rifled over a gorgeous two pointer. Rian O’Neill and Peter McGrane added further scores to guide Armagh four clear.

Then, Rafferty saved a ninth minute penalty from Matthew Tierney. Walsh replied with a couple of nice scores from play for Galway, but Armagh were relishing the exchanges.

A burst from the All-Ireland champions, featuring a sweet two pointer from Niall Grimley edged them 0-9 to 0-2 ahead.

Peter Cooke responded for Galway with a similarly impressive effort from range, but Armagh were dictating the agenda.

Armagh’s cushion was 0-12 to 0-4 when a second Galway penalty culminated with Finnerty rifling the ball over the bar.

Cian McConville, Armagh, and Jack Glynn, Galway, in All-Ireland SFC action. Photo by: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Cian McConville, Armagh, and Jack Glynn, Galway, in All-Ireland SFC action. Photo by: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

McGeeney’s charges continued to probe and when Rafferty nailed a two pointer free they were nine to the good. When the hooter sounded, Galway crafted one more chance for Walsh, who converted. So, it was 0-15 to 0-7 in favour of Armagh at the turnaround.

The Galway riposte was passionate and purposeful. Aware that their Championship was on the line, Galway thundered back into the reckoning.

Cooke and the splendid Cillian McDaid narrowed the deficit before John Maher palmed a tonic 39th minute goal. Finnerty, assuming responsibility, and Dylan McHugh were heavily involved in the build-up.

Suddenly, Galway acquired belief. When Walsh clipped over a point the gap was down to two. Game on.

There was a real tempo to the match now. Armagh led 0-17 to 1-12 following a point from Ross McQuillan, who was prominent throughout.

Walsh levelled from a two point free. Finnerty and McDaid quickly added points for Galway, but then Armagh enjoyed a brilliant flurry.

Five points on the spin from McQuillan, Cian McConville, Rafferty, Tieran Kelly, and Jarly Óg Burns altered the complexion once more.

Galway stayed cool. Substitute Cathal Sweeney curled over a point prior to supplying the pass for his Salthill-Knocknacarra colleague Rob Finnerty, who netted a 57th minute goal.

Joyce’s battling outfit were ahead by the slimmest of margins, 2-17 to 0-22. From then until the finish it remained intense.

Galway were 2-20 to 0-24 in the ascendancy when Rafferty landed a 66th minute free. Parity restored. Again.

Walsh manufactured sufficient space to squeeze Galway in front. Armagh substitute Shane McPartlan levelled.

The hooter sounded and following a foul on Galway’s instrumental substitute, Paul Conroy, Walsh struck over the free. Galway’s name will be in the bowl on Monday morning. It was all that counted.

Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 0-9 (1 2ptf, 1f), Rob Finnerty 1-4 (0-1 pen), John Maher 1-0, Peter Cooke 0-3 (1 2pt), Cillian McDaid 0-2, Céin D’Arcy, Matthew Tierney, Paul Conroy, Cathal Sweeney 0-1 each.

Scorers for Armagh: Ethan Rafferty 0-7 (2 2ptfs), Niall Grimley (1 2pt), Cian McConville, and Ross McQuillan 0-3 each, Darragh McMullan 0-2 (2pt), Peter McGrane, Tiernan Kelly, Jarly Óg Burns, Rian O’Neill, Andrew Murnin, Jason Duffy, Stefan Campbell, Shane McPartlan, and Conor Turbitt 0-1 each.

Galway: Conor Flaherty; Cillian McDaid, Seán Fitzgerald, Johnny McGrath; Jack Glynn, Seán Kelly, Dylan McHugh; John Maher, Peter Cooke; Liam Silke, Matthew Thompson, Céin D’Arcy; Rob Finnerty, Shane Walsh, Matthew Tierney.

Subs: Paul Conroy for Tierney (34), Daniel O’Flaherty for Silke (HT), Cian Hernon for Fitzgerald (47), Cathal Sweeney for McHugh (54), Matthew Tierney for Cooke (59), Johnny Heaney for McDaid (68).

Armagh: Ethan Rafferty; Peter McGrane, Barry McCambridge, Paddy Burns; Ross McQuillan, Tiernan Kelly, Jarly Óg Burns; Niall Grimley, Joe McElroy; Cian McConville, Jason Duffy, Darragh McMullan; Conor Turbitt, Andrew Murnin, Rian O’Neill.

Subs: Tomas McCormack for McCambridge (20), Greg McCabe for P Burns (HT), Stefan Campbell for Duffy (54), Connaire Mackin for Grimley (59), Oisín Conaty for McMullan (63), Shane McPartlan for McConville (65).

Referee: Noel Mooney (Cavan).

Team News: Galway v Armagh, All-Ireland SFC Group 4 Round 3

The Galway Senior Football team to face Armagh in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Group 4 Round 3 fixture is announced:

GALWAY V ARMAGH
📍Kingspan Breffni, Cavan
🗓️Saturday 14th June 2025
🕓6.30PM
📺Watch Live on GAA+
📲Live Score updates via WhatstheScór App on our X feed
📻Radio Commentary on Galway Bay FM, RnaG Spórt

Match Tickets on Sale online and in Centra and SuperValu Stores

Purchase tickets online here
https://www.ticketmaster.ie/event/180062C4948722B5

Best of Luck to Padraic Joyce, Team Management and our Senior Footballers!

#riseofthetribes
#gaillimhabú