The 2025 GAA Championship was always going to be different — but few predicted just how quickly the sport would adapt to the most dramatic rule changes in a generation. At the heart of this evolution? The newly introduced 2-point scoring rule.

In its first full season of implementation, the two-point shot has transformed how teams attack, defend, and structure entire games. Now, thanks to the GAA Games Intelligence Unit’s (GIU) data from Weeks 9–13, we finally see its impact — in cold, hard numbers.

Two-Point Stats: Impact by the Numbers

• Sam Maguire Cup: 11.8 two-point attempts per game
• Tailteann Cup: 12.0 per game, peaking at 12.2 in QFs
• Conversion rate: 43.1% average, 51% in knockout games

That means over 1 in every 5 shots is now aimed for two points — and half of them are going over.

Goalkeepers Go Rogue – And It’s Working

The rule changes also opened the pitch for goalkeepers — and they’ve taken full advantage.

• Keeper involvement: 1.2 possessions per game in Sam Maguire, 2.0 in Tailteann QFs
• 100% of goalkeeper pass receptions in QFs were beyond their 45
• One keeper even took a shot from open play

They’re not just launching — they’re linking. It’s a new playmaking role, and coaches are clearly designing for it.

Kick It Early: Handpasses Collapse, Kick Passes Rise

The handpass-to-kickpass ratio tells the story:

• 2024: 4.4 handpasses per kick pass
• 2025: 3.4 — the steepest decline in GIU records

Teams now average just 5.9 passes per possession in the Sam Maguire. It’s direct, attacking football — designed to exploit space created by 2-point zones and new restart timing rules.

Accuracy Improves — Because It Has To

• Open play shot accuracy: 56.7% in Sam Maguire, up from 52%
• Total scores per game: 30.7 in Sam Maguire, 34.2 in Tailteann
• 2-point shot accuracy: Up to 51% in QFs

It’s not just more shooting — it’s smarter shooting.

Fouls Drop, Flow Increases

• Fouls per game: Down to 23.8 in Sam Maguire, from 29.1 last year
• Ball-in-play time: Up to 62% in Tailteann QFs — highest ever

Fewer stoppages. More play. Better spectacle.

Kick-Out Chaos Reignites the Midfield War

• Kick-outs retained (Sam Maguire R1): Just 61.2%
• Contested kick-outs: 64% — a 10-year high

Forget the short, safe restart — this year brought back clean fetches and broken ball battles as the norm.

Final Whistle: The GAA Got It Right

The GIU stats don’t lie — the rule changes worked:

• Games are faster
• Shooting is sharper
• Play is more open
• And the crowd is loving it

2025 will go down as the year Gaelic football modernised without losing its soul. From the double-score zones to midfield dogfights and keeper counterattacks — the game is alive and kicking again.

The post Two-Point Revolution: 11.8 Attempts Per Game, 51% Success Rate — How GAA 2025 Was Redefined by Rule Changes appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

There’s a feast of action lined up this week across the Clubber TV network, with top-class club fixtures from Roscommon, Laois, Waterford, Wexford, Cork, Offaly, and Kerry all being streamed live. From fierce rivalries to local bragging rights, here’s what’s coming up!

Roscommon

• St. Brigid’s v Roscommon Gaels – Fri, July 11th – 8:00pm
• Athleague v Oran – Sun, July 13th – 1:00pm
• St. Dominic’s v Camross – Sun, July 13th – 2:30pm
• Roscommon Gaels v Pádráig P. – Sun, July 13th – 4:00pm

Laois

• Abbeyleix St. Laz v The Harps – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
• Rosenallis v Rathdowney Errill – Sat, July 12th – 5:30pm
• Ballinakill v Borris Kilcotton – Sat, July 12th – 7:00pm
• Clough Ballacolla v Castletown – Sun, July 13th – 1:00pm
• Portlaois v Camross – Sun, July 13th – 2:30pm

Waterford

• Tramore v Ballysaggart – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
• Shamrocks v Ballygunner – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
• Passage v Mount Sion – Sat, July 12th – 2:30pm
• Dungarvan v Ferrybank – Sat, July 12th – 4:00pm
• Affane/Cap./Tourin v Portlaw – Sat, July 12th – 4:00pm
• Clonea v Brickey Rangers – Sat, July 12th – 6:00pm
• Lismore v Fourmilewater – Sat, July 12th – 7:30pm
• Ballygunner v Abbeyside – Sun, July 13th – 2:00pm
• De La Salle v Roanmore – Sun, July 13th – 3:30pm
• Tallow v Clashmore/Kinsalebeg – Sun, July 13th – 6:00pm

Wexford

• Kilanerin v Shelmaliers – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
• Crossabeg/B. v HWH Bunclody – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
• Castletown v Starlight – Fri, July 11th – 8:00pm
• Glynn Barntown v Sarsfields – Sat, July 12th – 2:00pm
• Naomh Éanna v St. James – Sat, July 12th – 4:00pm
• Gusserane O’R. v St. Mogue’s – Sat, July 12th – 8:00pm

Cork

• Sarsfields v St. Finbarr’s – Sat, July 12th – 3:00pm
• Midleton v Killeagh – Sun, July 13th – 5:00pm

Offaly

• Seir Kieran v Birr – Fri, July 11th – 7:00pm
• Belmont v Kilcormac-Killoughey – Sat, July 12th – 1:30pm
• Ballinamere v Coolderry – Sat, July 12th – 3:30pm
• Shinrone v St. Rynagh’s – Sun, July 13th – 5:00pm

Kerry

• Causeway v Ballyduff – Sat, July 13th – 2:00pm
• St. Brendan’s v Ballyheigue – Sun, July 13th – 4:00pm

Get unlimited access to ALL counties with your Clubber Annual Pass – tune in and support your club this weekend!

The post List of Live GAA Matches on Clubber This Weekend appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Mayo GAA have issued an apology following widespread criticism of their original announcement regarding the dismissal of senior football manager Kevin McStay and his backroom team.

The County Board faced fierce backlash after their June 25 release, which stated that McStay and his management were being “relieved of their duties with immediate effect.” The blunt nature of the statement sparked outrage among supporters, players, and commentators who felt the tone lacked basic respect.

Tone Missed the Mark

Speaking at a County Board meeting on Monday night, vice-chairman Michael Diskin acknowledged the misstep. “The tone and content of that statement did not adequately reflect the deep appreciation and regard we hold for Kevin,” he said.

Diskin confirmed the original communication was compiled by Mayo’s management committee but admitted it fell short of the standards the board strives to uphold. Several club delegates also voiced their unease, agreeing that the delivery did not do justice to McStay’s contribution.

A Managerial Void to Fill

Mayo GAA now begin the search for a new senior football manager, with Diskin indicating an appointment could be made by the second or third week of the club championship, which starts in mid-August.

The county is also on the lookout for new minor and U-20 managers. Peadar Gardiner, David Heaney, and Tom Reilly have all stepped away from their roles for personal reasons after two years of service each. Gardiner managed the U-20s, while Heaney and Reilly were joint bosses of the minor side.

A Sincere Note of Thanks

In the follow-up statement, Mayo GAA paid tribute to McStay’s “exemplary commitment” to football in the county and wished him well in future endeavours. The message was far more measured and warmly received, though the damage from the initial release had already been done.

The post Mayo GAA Row Back on McStay Statement with Public Apology appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

CLICK FOR LIVE GAA SCORES

CLICK FOR List of Live GAA Matches on Clubber This Weekend

The post List of live GAA matches on Sky Sports, TG4, GAA+ & RTE appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

THIS WEEK’S TV SPORT

⸻

RUGBY

Wednesday
• Brumbies v Lions – 11am – Sky Sports
• New Zealand U20s v Ireland U20s – 5pm – RugbyPass

Saturday
• New Zealand v France – 8pm – Sky Sports
• ANZAC XV v Lions – 11am – Sky Sports
• South Africa XV v Italy– 4:10pm – Sky Sports
• Portugal v Ireland – 7pm – Virgin Media One
• Argentina v England – 8:40pm – Sky Sports

⸻

GAA – Football

Saturday
• Limerick v Kildare – 2:30pm – RTÉ2
• Kerry v Tyrone – 5pm – RTÉ2

Sunday
• Meath v Donegal – 4pm – RTÉ2

⸻

FOOTBALL

Wednesday
• Champions League Qualifier – Shelbourne v Linfield – 7:45pm – RTÉ2

⸻

HORSE RACING

Newmarket Festival
• Thursday, Friday, Saturday – Virgin Media One

⸻

OTHER SPORTS

• Wimbledon – All week – BBC One / BBC Two
• Tour de France – All week – TNT Sports & TG4
• Diamond League Athletics – Friday, 7pm – Virgin Media Two

#WeekendSport #Rugby #GAA #Wimbledon #TourDeFrance #LeagueOfIreland #IrishSport

The post List of Live Sport on TV this week – RTE, Virgin, TG4 and BBC appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Tipperary and Kilkenny have announced their starting XVs ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final at Croke Park.

Tipperary boss Liam Cahill has kept faith with the same side that defeated Galway in the quarter-finals, showing no changes as they prepare for a massive clash with the Cats.

Kilkenny, meanwhile, have made two switches from the Leinster final win over Galway. Eoin Cody returns from injury to take his place in the forward line, while Shane Murphy also comes in. Tommy Walsh and Stephen Donnelly make way.

Throw-in is set for 4pm at Croke Park on Sunday, 7th July.

Tipperary Team v Kilkenny (SHC Semi-Final)

1. Rhys Shelly
2. Ronan Doyle
3. Eoghan Connolly
4. Michael Breen
5. Craig Morgan
6. Ronan Maher (Captain)
7. Bryan O’Mara
8. Willie Connors
9. Paudie McGarry
10. Jake Morris
11. Alan Ormond
12. Sean O’Farrell
13. Diarmuid McCarthy
14. Jason McGrath
15. Jack Forde

The post Tipperary Name Unchanged Team for SHC Semi-Final as Kilkenny Bring Back Eoin Cody appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Just days after Armagh’s exit from the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, 2024 Sam Maguire winner Stefan Campbell has wasted no time making a switch back to soccer — rejoining his hometown club Lurgan Celtic for the 2025/26 season.

The Clan na Gael forward, known affectionately as “Soupy”, missed Armagh’s quarter-final loss to Kerry due to a hand injury, but now turns his attention to the Mid-Ulster Football League where he’ll don the famous green and white once more.

Back Where It All Began

Campbell has a long-standing connection with Lurgan Celtic, having come through their youth system and featured in three previous spells with the senior side. His return is being hailed as a massive coup by the club.

“We are absolutely delighted to announce the return of none other than Stefan ‘Soupy’ Campbell to Lurgan Celtic!” the club posted on social media.

“A household name in GAA circles and a proven attacking force on the soccer pitch, Soupy returns to the Hoops for the 2025/26 season — having last pulled on the green and white in 2018.”

They added: “His return is nothing short of monumental.”

Manager’s Praise

First-team boss Niall Lavery, a former teammate of Campbell’s, didn’t hold back in his praise:

“What a player. I played alongside ‘Soup’ for long enough to see what he can do. A leader in any changing room. He’ll add pace, power, goals and all-round quality to the team.

It’s a brilliant addition that drives the professionalism up considerably. Can’t wait to see Stefan back and scoring goals.”

Soupy Still Committed to GAA

Despite his return to soccer, Campbell will continue to line out for his GAA club, Clan na Gael, over the coming months. He remains a key dual-sport figure in the Armagh sporting community.

His switch follows a similar move from another 2024 All-Ireland winner, Cathal McShane of Tyrone, who recently signed for Strabane Athletic in the NIFL Premier Intermediate League.

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One step from Croke Park glory — but history, momentum and injury lists all weigh into a fascinating All-Ireland semi-final as Munster champions Cork face off with a resurgent Dublin side this Saturday.

Cork are bidding to reach the All-Ireland final for a second year in a row, as they continue their hunt for a first Liam MacCarthy triumph since 2005. Dublin, on the other hand, are seeking their first final appearance since 1961 — and their first All-Ireland title in 87 years.

Cork Team News – Three Changes for the Rebels

Pat Ryan’s Cork side shows three changes from the team that edged past Limerick in a dramatic Munster Final penalty shootout.

• IN: Niall O’Leary, Rob Downey (capt), Declan Dalton
• OUT: Damien Cahalane (bench), Cormac O’Brien (injured), Séamus Harnedy (injured)

Ger Millerick also returns to the match-day panel following injury.

Cork Starting XV

CORK (v Dublin):
1. Patrick Collins
2. Niall O’Leary
3. Eoin Downey
4. Seán O’Donoghue
5. Ciarán Joyce
6. Rob Downey (Captain)
7. Mark Coleman
8. Tommy O’Mahony
9. Darragh Fitzgibbon
10. Daire Healy
11. Shane Barrett
12. Declan Dalton
13. Patrick Horgan
14. Alan Connolly
15. Brian Hayes

Subs: B Saunderson, D Cahalane, G Millerick, T O’Connell, E Twomey, L Meade, B Roche, J O’Connor, S Kingston, R O’Flynn, C Lehane

Dublin’s Road to the Semis

Dublin have put together an impressive championship run under manager Micheál Donoghue. After finishing third in Leinster, the Dubs hammered Kildare in the All-Ireland Preliminary Quarter-Final and stunned reigning champions Limerick in the Quarter-Final, scoring a massive 2-24 to 0-28 victory.

Sean Currie has led the scoring charge, while Cian O’Sullivan and Ronan Hayes have provided crucial attacking support.

Championship Form Guide

CORK – P5 W3 D1 L1 (Munster Champions)

• Clare 3-21 Cork 2-24
• Cork 4-27 Tipperary 0-24
• Limerick 3-26 Cork 1-16
• Cork 2-25 Waterford 1-22
• Cork 1-30 Limerick 2-27 AET (Won 3-2 on penalties – Munster Final)

DUBLIN – P7 W5 L2

• Dublin 1-25 Offaly 2-19
• Dublin 3-26 Wexford 4-19
• Dublin 3-25 Antrim 0-19
• Kilkenny 5-19 Dublin 3-21
• Galway 0-29 Dublin 3-15
• Dublin 3-25 Kildare 0-13
• Dublin 2-24 Limerick 0-28

Top Scorers

Cork

• Patrick Horgan – 3-42 (1-32 frees, 0-1 ‘65’)
• Brian Hayes – 3-7
• Séamus Harnedy – 0-13
• Shane Barrett – 1-9
• Darragh Fitzgibbon – 0-11 (0-2 frees, 0-1 ‘65’)

Dublin

• Sean Currie – 5-61 (0-39 frees, 2-0 pens, 0-4 ‘65s’)
• Cian O’Sullivan – 3-17
• Ronan Hayes – 3-6
• John Hetherton – 3-5
• Conor Donohue – 0-9

Head-to-Head History

This will be the 20th championship meeting between Cork and Dublin. The Rebels dominate the record with 16 wins to Dublin’s 2, and 1 draw.

• Most recent: 2024 – Cork 0-26 Dublin 0-21 (All-Ireland QF)
• Other recent wins: 2021, 2020, 2016, 2013, 2008, 2007
• Last Dublin win: 1927 All-Ireland Final (Dublin 4-8 Cork 1-3)

Semi-Final Pedigree – Last Five Appearances

Cork

• 2024: Cork 1-28 Limerick 0-29
• 2021: Cork 1-37 Kilkenny 1-32 AET
• 2018: Limerick 3-32 Cork 2-31 AET
• 2017: Waterford 4-19 Cork 0-20
• 2014: Tipperary 2-18 Cork 1-11

Dublin

• 2013: Cork 1-24 Dublin 1-19
• 2011: Tipperary 1-19 Dublin 0-18
• 1948: Dublin 8-13 Antrim 2-6
• 1944: Dublin 6-12 Antrim 3-1
• 1941: Dublin 2-4 Galway 2-2

Verdict

Cork come in as favourites, battle-hardened from a brutal Munster campaign and boasting big-game experience. Dublin have the firepower and belief to cause problems, especially after their upset of Limerick — but history and depth favour the Rebels.

Prediction: Cork by 4-6 points in a fast-paced contest.

The post All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final Preview: Cork v Dublin appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Liam MacCarthy favourites Cork have made three changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final clash with Dublin.

Returning to the starting team are Niall O’Leary at corner-back, Rob Downey at centre-back, and Declan Dalton at wing-forward. Dropping out of the side are Damien Cahalane, Cormac O’Brien, and Séamus Harnedy.

Injury Shuffle Continues

The changes come as little surprise given the ongoing injury management challenges faced by Pat Ryan’s squad. Both O’Leary and team captain Rob Downey had only recently returned from injury when introduced during the thrilling Munster final victory over Limerick — a classic encounter ultimately decided by penalties.

Dalton, who was absent from the match-day squad for that final, is now fully fit and ready to start.

Harnedy & O’Brien Miss Out

During the week, Ryan confirmed that Séamus Harnedy would be ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Cormac O’Brien remained doubtful due to a quad issue. Neither makes the match-day 26, but Damien Cahalane is named among the substitutes.

Bench Boost – Millerick Returns

In better news for Cork fans, Ger Millerick returns to the panel after recovering from a broken finger and is named on the bench.

CORK Team to Face Dublin (SHC Semi-Final)

Cork Starting XV:
P Collins; N O’Leary, E Downey, S O’Donoghue; C Joyce, R Downey, M Coleman; T O’Mahony, D Fitzgibbon; D Healy, S Barrett, D Dalton; P Horgan, A Connolly, B Hayes.

Subs:
B Saunderson, D Cahalane, G Millerick, T O’Connell, E Twomey, L Meade, B Roche, J O’Connor, S Kingston, R O’Flynn, C Lehane.

The post Three Changes for Cork Ahead of Hurling Semi-Final appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Veteran RTÉ broadcaster Des Cahill has launched a scathing attack on Mayo GAA following the announcement that Kevin McStay and his management team have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect.

In a post shared on social media, Cahill accused Mayo GAA of showing “absolutely no class” and being “totally insensitive” to McStay, who has been involved with Mayo football since his teenage years.

“I wonder if Mayo sponsors stand over the tone and language used in dumping a genuine management group, who admittedly failed to win an All-Ireland – like every predecessor since 1951!!” Cahill wrote.

His remarks came shortly after Mayo GAA issued a statement confirming that McStay had been removed from his position as manager of the senior football team, effective immediately. The statement followed a Coiste Bainistíochta meeting held at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park on Wednesday, 25 June.

The Mayo GAA statement read:

“A decision was made to relieve Kevin McStay and his management team from their roles with the Mayo Senior Football Team with immediate effect.

We would like to sincerely thank Kevin and his management team for their time, effort, and commitment… Their dedication to the players and the jersey has been greatly appreciated by all involved with Mayo GAA.”

Despite the statement including well-wishes and gratitude for McStay’s service, Cahill took issue with what he felt was a cold and dismissive tone. The former “The Sunday Game” presenter suggested that the way the decision was handled lacked basic decency and failed to acknowledge McStay’s long-standing service.

McStay, a former Roscommon manager and respected pundit, took charge of Mayo ahead of the 2023 season. While he failed to deliver the elusive All-Ireland title, many supporters praised his style of play and the development of younger talent.

Cahill’s public criticism is likely to spark further debate over how county boards handle managerial transitions and the human side of decision-making in elite GAA structures.

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