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

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Saturday, 15 June – All-Ireland SFC Round 3

Group 2: Kerry v Meath

Venue: Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore
Throw-in: 4.15pm
TV: Live on GAA+

The last time these sides met in the Championship, Meath held Kerry for over 50 minutes before David Clifford ignited and led Kerry to a 15-point win. This year, Meath have improved with results against Dublin, Cork, and Roscommon. However, Mathew Costello’s absence weakens their attack. Clifford’s 1-8 haul last time out underlines his threat, and Kerry have made five changes including a debut for Mark O’Shea at midfield. Meath’s midfield and defensive resilience will be tested to the limit.

KERRY: Shane Ryan; Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, Tom O’Sullivan; Tadhg Morley, Mike Breen, Gavin White; Joe O’Connor, Mark O’Shea; Graham O’Sullivan, Sean O’Shea, Micheal Burns; David Clifford, Killian Spillane, Dylan Geaney.

Subs: Shane Murphy, Dylan Casey, Tony Brosnan, Armin Heinrich, Conor Geaney, Evan Looney, Sean O’Brien, Tom Leo O’Sullivan, Darragh Lyne, Cillian Trant, Ruairi Murphy, Damien Bourke, Dara Moynihan.

Meath: Billy Hogan; Seamus Lavin, Sean Rafferty, Brian O’Halloran; Donal Keogan, Sean Coffey, Ciaran Caulfield; Bryan Menton, Adam O’Neill; Conor Duke, Ruairi Kinsella, Cathal Hickey; Jordan Morris, James Conlon, Eoghan Frayne.

Subs: Sean Brennan, Ronan Ryan, Eoin Harkin, James McEntee, Cian McBride, Conor Gray, Shane Walsh, Aaron Lynch, Daithi McGowan, Keith Curtis, Diarmuid Moriarty.

Group 2: Roscommon v Cork

Venue: Laois Hire O’Moore Park, Portlaoise
Throw-in: 4.15pm
TV: Live on GAA+

A repeat of last year’s bottom-two clash, Roscommon are in pole position to reach the last 12 with another win over Cork. Their March meeting ended in a 14-point Roscommon win. Cork have since lost to Meath and Kerry, while Roscommon earned a draw against Meath. Cork are unchanged, but Roscommon replace the injured Niall Higgins with Pearse Frost. This could go down to the wire, but Roscommon will back their recent form.

Group 4: Dublin v Derry

Venue: Páirc Esler, Newry
Throw-in: 6.30pm
TV: Live on GAA+

Last year’s Division 1 toppers, Derry, are on a drastic slide with just one win in regulation since their win over Dublin. They’ll hope that last week’s draw with Galway signals a turnaround. Dublin, on the other hand, are licking wounds from a frustrating defeat to Armagh. Con O’Callaghan returns to the bench, and John Small comes in for Colm Basquel. Derry will need a huge effort, with Odhran Lynch back in goal and Conor McCluskey available again.

DUBLIN: Stephen Cluxton; Sean MacMahon, Theo Clancy, David Byrne; Brian Howard, John Small, Alex Gavin; Peadar O Cofaigh Byrne, Killian McGinnis; Ciaran Kilkenny, Sean Bugler, Niall Scully; Paddy Small, Lorcan O’Dell, Cormac Costello.

Subs: Evan Comerford, Luke Breathnach, Nathan Doran, Lee Gannon, Tom Lahiff, Greg McEneaney, Ross McGarry, Eoin Murchan, Cian Murphy, Con O’Callaghan, Eoghan O’Donnell.

DERRY: Odhran Lynch; Diarmuid Baker, Eoin McEvoy, Patrick McGurk; Conor Doherty, Brendan Rogers, Padraig McGrogan; Conor Glass, Dan Higgins; Ethan Doherty, Paul Cassidy, Ciaran McFaul; Shane McGuigan, Niall Loughlin, Niall Toner.

Subs: Ben McKinless, Conor McCluskey, Ryan Mulholland, Danny McDermott, Tommy Rogers, Anton Tohill, Ruairi Forbes, Lachlan Murray, Cahir McMonagle, Caolan Devlin, Ben McCarron.

Group 4: Galway v Armagh

Venue: Kingspan Breffni, Cavan
Throw-in: 6.30pm
TV: Live on GAA+

Armagh are already through but promise to go full tilt in this repeat of last year’s All-Ireland quarter-final. Galway, who have drawn with Derry and lost narrowly to Dublin, need a result to secure progression. Rory Grugan is absent for Armagh, with Stefan Campbell starting and Niall Grimley returning at midfield. Galway bring in Sean Fitzgerald and Cein Darcy. Expect a tense, tactical contest between two heavyweights with something to prove.

GALWAY: Connor Gleeson; Johnny McGrath, Sean Fitzgerald, Jack Glynn; Dylan McHugh, Sean Kelly, Liam Silke; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Cillian McDaid, Rob Finnerty, Cein Darcy; Matthew Tierney, Shane Walsh, Matthew Thompson.

Subs: Conor Flaherty, Daniel O’Flaherty, Cathal Sweeney, Kieran Molloy, Sean O Maoilchiarain, Peter Cooke, John Daly, Cian Hernon, Johnny Heaney, Tomo Culhane, Damien Comer.

ARMAGH: Ethan Rafferty; Paddy Burns, Barry McCambridge, Peter McGrane; Ross McQuillan, Tiernan Kelly, Jarlath Og Burns; Jason Duffy, Niall Grimley; Darragh McMullan, Rian O’Neill, Oisin Conaty; Stefan Campbell, Andrew Murnin, Conor Turbitt.

Subs: Blaine Hughes, Tomas McCormack, Greg McCabe, Connaire Mackin, Aaron McKay, Joe McElroy, Cian McConville, Callum O’Neill, Aidan Forker, Shane McPartlan, Jemar Hall.

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The stakes couldn’t be higher this Saturday evening as Clare host Tipperary in Round 3 of the Munster Senior Hurling Championship at Cusack Park, Ennis (6pm, live on GAA+). With both counties sitting on a single point after two rounds, this clash could define their summer.

Clare are favourites at 4/9 to win on home soil, with a -3 handicap set by the bookies. After their spirited second-half comeback against Waterford fell just short, Brian Lohan’s men will be desperate to get their Munster campaign back on track.

Recent Form

• Clare drew with Cork and lost to Waterford.
• Tipperary drew with Limerick and lost to Cork.

Last Five Championship Meetings

• 2024: Clare 1-24 Tipperary 0-24 (Munster Round Robin)
• 2023: Tipperary 5-22 Clare 3-23 (Munster Round Robin)
• 2022: Clare 3-21 Tipperary 2-16 (Munster Round Robin)
• 2021: Tipperary 3-23 Clare 2-22 (Munster Semi-Final)
• 2019: Tipperary 3-21 Clare 0-17 (Munster Round Robin)

Clare have won two of the last three, but Tipperary still lead the all-time championship series 40 wins to Clare’s 16, with four draws from the previous 60.

Championship Trends and Key Stats

• Tipp’s last Munster championship win was against Clare in April 2023. Since then, they’ve drawn three (v Waterford, Limerick, and Clare) and lost six.
• Clare and Waterford are the lowest-scoring teams in this year’s Munster SHC (51 points each).
• Tipperary have the worst defensive record, conceding 68 points so far.

In the 2024 Allianz League, Tipperary beat Clare by 0-22 to 1-18 in Thurles – but that result won’t faze the Banner on home turf.

Munster SHC Table (After 2 Rounds)

1. Cork – 3 pts
2. Limerick – 3 pts
3. Waterford – 2 pts
4. Clare – 1 pt
5. Tipperary – 1 pt

Fixture Details

Munster SHC Round 3

Clare v Tipperary

Cusack Park, Ennis – 6pm

Live on GAA+

Prediction: Clare to Cover -3 Handicap

With home advantage, a tighter defence, and greater urgency, Clare look well placed to cover the -3 handicap at 4/9. Tipperary’s defensive issues and lack of recent championship wins make this a must-win for Brian Lohan’s side—and they should rise to the occasion.

Tip: Clare -3 Handicap

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Ireland’s Biggest Stadiums: A Complete Guide to Our Sporting Cathedrals

From Croke Park to Thomond Park — here’s a full list of Ireland’s largest stadiums and the stories behind them.

By SportsNewsIRELAND.com

Introduction

Ireland’s sporting landscape is built on passion, tradition, and unforgettable days in the stands. Across the country, from Dublin to Kerry, Cork to Belfast, you’ll find some of Europe’s most atmospheric and historic stadiums. Whether it’s the All-Ireland Final in Croke Park, a Munster rugby night in Thomond Park, or League of Ireland action in Tallaght, these venues are the heartbeat of Irish sport.

Here’s a complete guide to Ireland’s biggest stadiums — across GAA, rugby, soccer, and cricket — and what makes them special.

Ireland’s Biggest Stadiums

1. Croke Park, Dublin – 82,300 (GAA)

The largest stadium in Ireland and one of the biggest in Europe. Home to the All-Ireland football and hurling finals, it’s the beating heart of Gaelic Games.

2. Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 51,700 (Soccer & Rugby)

A world-class venue that hosts Ireland’s international soccer and rugby matches.

3. Semple Stadium, Thurles – 45,690 (Hurling)

The spiritual home of hurling in Tipperary and beyond.

4. Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork – 45,000 (GAA)

Recently redeveloped on the banks of the Lee, it’s a key GAA venue in Munster.

5. Gaelic Grounds, Limerick – 44,023 (GAA)

Limerick’s fortress and a hurling stronghold.

Other Major Stadiums Across Ireland

Ireland’s Best Rugby & Soccer Stadiums

• Thomond Park, Limerick – 25,600
• RDS Arena, Dublin – 18,500
• Ravenhill, Belfast – 18,196
• Tallaght Stadium, Dublin – 10,500
• Turner’s Cross, Cork – 7,385
• Dalymount Park, Dublin – 4,500
• Tolka Park, Dublin – 5,400
• Windsor Park, Belfast – 18,614

GAA County Grounds That Matter

• O’Moore Park, Laois – 22,000
• Cusack Park, Ennis – 20,100
• Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon – 18,890
• Markievicz Park, Sligo – 18,558
• Athletic Grounds, Armagh – 18,500
• Brewster Park, Fermanagh – 18,000
• Healy Park, Omagh – 17,636
• MacCumhaill Park, Donegal – 17,500

The Hidden Gems

• Malahide Cricket Club – 11,500
• Stormont, Belfast – 6,000
• Morton Stadium, Santry – 8,800
• The Showgrounds, Sligo – 3,873
• Corrigan Park, Antrim – 3,700

Final Word

Whether it’s a packed Croke Park on All-Ireland Final day, Munster under the lights in Thomond, or the tight terraces of Dalymount Park, Ireland’s stadiums are woven into the fabric of our national identity. These venues are more than just bricks and mortar — they’re the stages where dreams are made, hearts are broken, and legends are born.

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Gaelic Football Rule Changes for 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The Standing Committee on Playing Rules has proposed several rule changes for the 2025 Gaelic football season. These updates, if approved, will impact kick-outs, advanced marks, player positioning, scoring, fouls, and discipline. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and their potential impact on the game.

1. Kick-Out Mark – More Protection for Players

A major change to the kick-out mark rule ensures better protection for players making a clean catch.

• A player who catches a kick-out mark may play on immediately without being challenged within four metres.
• If illegally challenged, the player will be awarded a free kick 50m more advantageous, up to the opponent’s 13m line.
• The free kick may be taken from outside the 40m arc, even if the original foul occurred inside it.

Impact: This rule encourages contested kick-outs while rewarding clean marks with better attacking positions.

2. Advanced Mark – Clearer Advantage Rule

The updated advanced mark rule clarifies when an advantage is applied:

• If a point or goal is scored, the advantage applies.
• If no advantage occurs, the referee will reset play at the mark’s original location.

Impact: Ensures fair application of the rule and reduces unnecessary stoppages.

3. Minimum Players in Each Half – New Tactical Restrictions

A new rule requires teams to maintain balance across the field:

• At least four players (including the goalkeeper) must remain in their own half.
• At least three outfield players must be in the opposition’s half.

Exceptions: If a player unintentionally crosses the halfway line, is within 4m of it, or is not interfering with play, no breach occurs.

Impact: Designed to prevent ultra-defensive tactics and promote a more attacking game.

4. Scoring Changes – Introduction of Two-Point Scores

A significant scoring change introduces two-point scores for long-range kicks.

• A player who kicks a point from outside the 40m arc, with at least one foot on or beyond it, earns two points.
• The ball must not be touched by another player before crossing the bar.
• Exceptions: A point from a 45 will still count as one point.

Impact: Rewards long-range accuracy and adds a new tactical dimension to attacking play.

5. Technical Fouls – Free Kicks for Illegal Positioning

A new rule enforces positional discipline:

• If a player breaches the minimum players in each half rule while receiving or intercepting a ball, the referee will award a free kick from where the player crossed the halfway line.

Impact: Ensures teams comply with the new field positioning rules.

6. Stricter Penalties for Dissent & Abuse of Officials

New penalties target misconduct by team officials, including:

• Verbal abuse of referees, umpires, or sideline officials.
• Physical interference, such as pushing or jostling an official.
• Assault on a match official.

Penalty: A free kick from the offending team’s 20m line, or optionally from the 40m arc, where a successful kick will be worth two points.

Impact: Aimed at protecting officials and reducing abuse during games.

Final Thoughts

These proposed rule changes are set to shape Gaelic football in 2025, bringing more clarity, fairness, and attacking play to the game. If approved, they will influence how teams approach kick-outs, scoring, defensive structures, and discipline.

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Wicklow boss Oisín McConville believes the initial goodwill towards football’s new rules is fading fast, with inconsistencies now coming under the spotlight as the league heats up.

Brought in at the start of the year, the rule changes have been met with mixed reactions from inter-county managers. Football Rules Committee (FRC) chairman Jim Gavin confirmed this morning that further refinements are on the table, with discussions set for the GAA’s Central Council meeting on March 13th.

McConville, speaking on BBC Sport NI’s The GAA Social podcast, highlighted a major disparity in their application across the Allianz League. He pointed out that while some divisions use the hooter to signal full-time, others do not.

“It’s not a level playing field,” the former Armagh star remarked. “If we can’t get it right across four inter-county divisions, what hope do we have of rolling it out properly at grassroots? No chance.”

With every point now crucial in the race for promotion and survival, McConville feels the reality of the new rules is setting in.

“The honeymoon period is over,” he admitted. “We always knew these games would take on greater importance as the season progressed. Now that they do, everything is under the microscope. The smallest decisions can have a massive impact on a team’s entire season.”

As the GAA prepares to assess potential changes, the focus will be on whether they can ensure greater uniformity across all levels of the game.

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The introduction of new rule enhancements in the 2025 Allianz Football League (AFL) has significantly influenced how Gaelic football is played, impacting scoring patterns, discipline, and game flow. Statistical analysis from the first four rounds offers insights into these effects, revealing shifts in key areas such as fouls, kick-out strategies, and overall game tempo.

1. Increased Tactical Adjustments in Kick-Outs

One of the most noticeable effects of the rule changes has been on kick-outs. The trend towards longer kick-outs has continued, with 80% of kick-outs travelling beyond the 45m line, compared to just 59% in 2023. This shift has forced teams to contest possession more aggressively in midfield, with contested kick-outs now at 67%, a significant increase from previous seasons.

While teams have adapted to this change, there has been little impact on primary possession success rates beyond the 45m line, which remain stable at 10-11 per game. However, secondary possessions from break balls have become more important, averaging 18 per game. The emphasis on winning breaking ball highlights the growing need for physical midfielders who can dominate aerial contests.

2. Rule Enforcement Leads to More Fouls and Delays

Referees have been stricter on technical fouls and delay-related infractions, leading to a rise in overall foul counts. The number of technical fouls peaked at 67 in Round 3, well above the 50 recorded in Round 1. Delay fouls, where teams are penalised for slowing the game, have also increased steadily, reaching 33 in Round 4, with 20 of these being moved inside the 40m arc, giving attacking teams more opportunities to score.

Dissent fouls have fluctuated but saw a sharp rise in Round 4, with 8 instances recorded, compared to just 3 in Round 2 and Round 3. This suggests that players are still adapting to the stricter officiating standards, particularly regarding interactions with referees.

3. Mixed Impact on Scoring Trends

One of the major objectives of the new rules was to increase scoring opportunities, particularly through the advanced mark and two-point shots. However, the data suggests that the effectiveness of these changes remains inconsistent.

• Advanced Mark: The number of scores from advanced marks has been low, peaking at 6 in Round 2 but dropping to just 1 in Round 4. This suggests teams may still prefer open-play attacking patterns rather than relying on advanced mark opportunities.

• Two-Point Shots: While two-point shots remain an option, their efficiency varies. The shot-to-score ratio from two-point attempts stood at 38.4% across all divisions, with Division 2 achieving the highest success rate at 57.1%. Division 3, by contrast, struggled, converting only 8.7% of these attempts.

Overall, scoring from open play remains dominant, with 82% of all shots coming from open play in Round 4, slightly up from 78% in the 2024 Championship.

4. Goalkeeper Influence Growing

A key tactical evolution influenced by the new rules is the increasing involvement of goalkeepers in general play. The number of passes to goalkeepers has steadily risen, averaging 23.9 per game in Round 4, compared to 16.6 in Round 1. This reflects a growing trend of keepers acting as additional playmakers, particularly in structured build-up play.

Interestingly, goalkeepers are also becoming more active further up the pitch, with 17% of their passes occurring beyond their own 45m line. While goalkeeper shot attempts remain rare (averaging just 1.1 per game), this tactical shift could see keepers playing an even bigger role in future seasons.

5. Game Flow and Ball-in-Play Time

Despite the increase in fouls and stricter rule enforcement, the overall ball-in-play time has remained relatively stable. The percentage of time the ball was in play averaged 57% in Round 4, similar to last season. However, the overall match duration has slightly decreased to 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 59 seconds, reflecting efforts to reduce time-wasting.

The reduction in short kick-outs has led to more dynamic contests, ensuring that the game remains fluid. However, the rising number of delay fouls suggests some teams may still be attempting to slow down the tempo to control matches.

Shane Walsh, who kicked 0-11 today, on the new rules and the impact it’s having on Gaelic Football

Hearing the defenders perspective from Johnny McGrath + reaction from Padraic Joyce & Jim McGuinness to follow across @offtheball

Galway 0-21 (0-7-7) Donegal 0-14 (0-3-8) #GAA pic.twitter.com/RrMsY6uAzx

— Tommy Rooney (@TomasORuanaidh) February 23, 2025

Conclusion: A Work in Progress

The impact of the new Gaelic football rules in 2025 has been a mix of intended and unintended consequences. While longer kick-outs and stricter refereeing have added new tactical layers to the game, the effectiveness of scoring rule changes remains uncertain. Advanced marks have not had the desired effect, and two-point shots are inconsistent in their impact.

Teams are still adapting to these changes, and the true effects will only become clearer as the season progresses. However, the increased physicality in midfield, greater goalkeeper involvement, and rising foul counts suggest a shift towards a more contested and tactical style of play.

As the championship approaches, teams that best adjust to these rule modifications will likely gain a competitive edge, making 2025 a pivotal season in the evolution of Gaelic football.

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The Football Review Committee (FRC), led by chairman Jim Gavin, has submitted recommendations for adjustments to Gaelic football’s playing rules.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, the former Dublin manager confirmed that the FRC met for the 50th time on Monday night and has put forward proposals that will be reviewed by the GAA’s Central Council this Thursday.

No Specifics Yet on Rule Changes

While Gavin declined to outline the exact details of the recommendations, he explained that the FRC report would first go through the Standing Committee on Playing Rules before any changes are considered by the wider GAA hierarchy.

One key area still under review is the physical demands placed on players by the new rules. However, Gavin revealed that counties have yet to share data on the subject, which has prevented the committee from making a fully informed decision.

“What we have heard is that there are more physical demands on players, but we haven’t seen the data yet. We want teams to share that data with us,” Gavin said.

Call for Extra Substitutes Remains Under Consideration

Several inter-county managers, including Donegal’s Jim McGuinness and Dublin’s Dessie Farrell, have called for an additional substitute to help cope with the increased physical demands. However, Gavin stressed that no decision could be made without concrete data.

“That research is ongoing, and until we get the data – which will be anonymised – we can’t make any assessment of the physical demands.”

The recent rule changes have drawn heavy criticism from certain managers, but Gavin maintained that “in general, people like what they see.”

One of the strongest critiques came from Meath boss Robbie Brennan, who claimed that the current game “is not Gaelic football.” His comments were particularly striking given that Meath have won four games in a row and currently sit joint top of Division Two.

Gavin acknowledged the concerns but pointed out that inter-county managers make up just 2% of the Association, albeit as “very important stakeholders.”

The Central Council’s decision on Thursday will determine whether any of the FRC’s recommendations are implemented ahead of the All-Ireland series.

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Ulster Champions Near Final Berth but Face Tough Decisions

Donegal moved to the brink of a Division 1 Football League final with a 1-22 to 1-19 victory over Derry, making it four wins from five outings. However, manager Jim McGuinness is adamant that his team will prioritise what’s best for them rather than blindly chasing silverware.

“We will not be thinking about the league final, we’ll be thinking about what’s right for us – and if that means going into the league final, that will be a consideration when we make those decisions,” McGuinness stated.

“But it won’t be us going, ‘We want to be there and we need to be there.’”

With the Ulster Championship opener against Derry scheduled just a week after a potential league final, McGuinness believes the tight scheduling is harming the competition.

“Diminishing the Competition”

The Donegal boss argued that while Division 1 teams battle to retain their status, many are not fully invested in reaching the final due to its proximity to the championship.

“No, you shouldn’t [be looking to avoid a final],” he said. “I do feel that everyone in Division 1 wants to be in Division 1 and they’re fighting tooth and nail to stay there.

“But I also do believe that maybe 50% of the cohort don’t really want to be in the league final – and I think that does diminish the competition.”

McGuinness recalled past league finals as major occasions, referencing Donegal’s clash with Dublin in 1993, which drew a capacity 55,000 crowd at Croke Park.

“I remember being part of that, it was a brilliant experience, running out in front of a full house in Croke Park for a league final,” he said. “I think it’s disingenuous in many respects to create a format that doesn’t allow people to go after it properly.”

Managers Forced Into Tough Calls

McGuinness acknowledged that his stance could invite criticism if Donegal opt to manage workloads rather than go full tilt for the league title.

“Depending on the decisions we make, it’ll probably come back to me, and the fact that we’re ‘disrespecting the competition’, that we’re putting things into disrepute. But the reality is that myself and every other manager, you have to do the best for your players.”

Travel and fixture congestion are also factors, with McGuinness highlighting how key players like Michael Murphy need careful workload management.

“Michael played today because he didn’t travel last week, it was a home game for him,” he revealed. “All of these things factor in when you’re going on the bounce, on the bounce, on the bounce.”

WATCH: FULL-TIME HIGHLIGHTS

Donegal come back brilliantly in the second half to take home the victory @officialdonegal 1-22@Doiregaa 1-19#GAANOW #AllianzLeagues pic.twitter.com/idKiU6mXhf

— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 2, 2025

Calls for a More Balanced Calendar

McGuinness believes the GAA needs to find a solution that allows teams to compete fully in both the league and championship without excessive fixture congestion.

“In the new structure, if they do it correctly, there could be two weeks between every game, and hopefully the GAA will be working towards that,” he said.

“Managers shouldn’t be put in a position where they’re playing games – and families going to the games shouldn’t be put in that position as well. This is all a conversation now.

“All I can say is, from our point of view, we will do what’s right for our players.”

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Galway’s position at the top of Division 1 puts them in prime contention for a league final spot, while Tyrone, currently seventh, face a fight to avoid relegation with crucial fixtures against Donegal and Dublin ahead.

Weekend Wrap up
Galway Senior football manager, Pádraic Joyce, spoke to the media and Galway GAA TV after this afternoon’s draw with Tyrone in Round 5 of the Allianz Football League in Tuam Stadium pic.twitter.com/J7ZkdLgHxi

— Galway GAA Official (@Galway_GAA) March 2, 2025

“We know that teams who were top of the league the last two seasons didn’t go so well [in the championship], so we’ll keep an eye on that,” Joyce noted.

“We haven’t won a league in Galway since 1981. My uncle was on the last team that won it, and he keeps telling me about it.

“If we’re there, we’re there. We don’t go out to lose any game, and we’ve two huge games now – in two weeks’ time we’ve Dublin away and then Kerry at home, so they’re going to be great learning curves for us.”

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