All over in the @ConnachtGAA Quarter Finals and the Rossies are through to face Mayo@gaanewyork_ 1-10@RoscommonGAA 5-22
Watch the highlights here #NYvROS pic.twitter.com/eQr2QiZoLP

— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 12, 2026

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“We weren’t great, to be honest I thought it was probably our worst performance of the year,” McGeeney told RTÉ.

"To be treated in that way is very hard to take."

"Needless to say, we won't be back."

Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney wasn't pleased as his side were forced to abandon their training camp plans at Carton House recently due to Manchester United using the same venue. pic.twitter.com/JHepC8xgzA

— Off The Ball (@offtheball) April 12, 2026

“In saying that, it would have been easier to put the heads down. We were down to 14 men for a big part of the game in extra-time. “The most important part is the fellas dug really deep and you have to be proud of them in that regard. They’re not playing well and being able to work out a game, especially against Tyrone. “It wasn’t our best performance, but definitely showed a lot of character.”

“I’ve never played against Tyrone where it hasn’t gone down to the wire. I was telling everybody this week it’ll be down to a one-point game, a two-point game. “I suppose all the experts know better but we’re delighted to come out of it; showed real composure,” he added.

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The 2026 Connacht Senior Football Championship gets under way in Ruislip on Saturday afternoon as London welcome Mayo to McGovern Park, and all the early signs point towards the visitors making a winning start.

Mayo enter the championship in a strong place after finishing third in Division 1 of the Allianz Football League, winning five of their seven games. London, by contrast, finished sixth in Division 4, leaving a huge gulf between the teams heading into this Connacht quarter-final.

That gap is reflected in both the history of this fixture and in the betting market. Mayo have won each of the last five championship meetings between the counties, including the 2013 Connacht final and a 2016 quarter-final clash. London will hope that home surroundings and championship intensity keep them competitive for periods, but this is a very tall order.

London v Mayo recent championship meetings

• 2016: Mayo 2-16 London 0-9
• 2013: Mayo 5-11 London 0-10
• 2011: Mayo 0-19 London 2-10 aet
• 2006: Mayo 1-18 London 0-8
• 1996: Mayo 1-11 London 1-5

Mayo’s athleticism, pace through the middle and proven scoring ability should eventually make the difference. Even if London stay in touch for a while, the most likely outcome is Mayo pulling clear over the final 20 minutes.

Betting odds

• London: 25/1
• Draw: 35/1
• Mayo: 1/100

The outright market offers little value given how short Mayo are. The smarter betting angle is likely to be on the winning margin, with Mayo expected to cover a sizeable handicap.

Prediction

London should battle honestly, but Mayo are operating at a far higher level and anything other than an away win would be a major shock.

Prediction: Mayo to win comfortably

Predicted score: London 0-11 Mayo 1-22

Next up: The winners will play Roscommon or New York in the Connacht semi-final.

Team News

London – TBA

Mayo –

The 2026 Connacht championship throws-in on Saturday as Mayo travel to Ruislip to face London.

It will be Mayo’s first visit to the venue since 2016, when they recorded a 2-16 to 0-09 win over the hosts. Manager Andy Moran has named two championship debutants in Hugh O’Loughlin and Cian McHale. Notably, two members of the current matchday squad – Rob Hennelly and Cillian O’Connor – also made their debuts against London, in 2011. Throw-in at McGovern Park is scheduled for 2.30pm.

1. Rob Hennelly – Raheny
2. Jack Coyne (C) – Ballyhaunis
3. Rory Brickenden – Westport
4. Fenton Kelly – Davitts
5. Sam Callinan – Ballina Stephenites
6. Michael Plunkett – Ballintubber
7. Paddy Durcan – Castlebar Mitchels
8. Bob Tuohy – Castlebar Mitchels
9. David McBrien – Ballaghaderreen
10. Jack Carney – Kilmeena
11. Ryan O’Donoghue – Belmullet
12. Hugh O’Loughlin – Kilmaine
13. Cian McHale – Moy Davitts
14. Aidan O’Shea – Breaffy
15. Paul Towey – Charlestown Sarsfields

16. Jack Livingstone – Breaffy
17. John MacMonagle – Castlebar Mitchels
18. Donnacha McHugh – Castlebar Mitchels
19. Stephen Coen – Hollymount/Carramore
20. Sean Morahan – Castlebar Mitchels
21. Jordan Flynn – Crossmolina Deel Rovers
22. Conal Dawson – Westport
23. Fergal Boland – Aghamore
24. Diarmuid O’Connor – Ballintubber
25. Tommy Conroy – The Neale
26. Cillian O’Connor – Ballintubber

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Sligo v Leitrim Preview, Betting and Prediction – Connacht SFC 2026

There is always a bit more edge when Sligo and Leitrim meet in championship football, and this latest Connacht quarter-final should again bring intensity and local rivalry to Markievicz Park.

Sligo will go in as favourites, having won the last three championship meetings between the counties, including a nine-point success in the Connacht championship in 2024. They also competed in Division 3 this year, while Leitrim were down in Division 4 and struggled for consistency.

Sligo finished fifth in Division 3 with three wins and four defeats, which was hardly spectacular, but it still compares favourably to Leitrim’s league return. Leitrim also won three games, but did so in Division 4 and finished seventh overall.

Derby games can produce surprises, and Leitrim will not lack heart, but Sligo appear to have the stronger platform. They look more likely to control the pace of the game and create enough scores to move on.

Sligo v Leitrim recent championship meetings

• 2024: Sligo 0-15 Leitrim 0-6
• 2022: Sligo 1-19 Leitrim 2-16 aet (Sligo won 4-3 on penalties)
• 2016: Sligo 2-15 Leitrim 1-10
• 2011: Leitrim 1-10 Sligo 0-10
• 2005: Leitrim 1-11 Sligo 0-9

Betting odds

Sligo are start as favourites based on league level, home advantage and recent championship results. The betting is 1/16 or Sligo -8pts

Prediction

Leitrim should make a game of it, but Sligo look the more complete side and should have enough to come through.

Prediction: Sligo to win

Predicted score: Sligo 0-17 Leitrim 0-12

Next up: The winners will play Galway in the Connacht semi-final.

Team News

Sligo – TBC

Leitrim – TBC

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Cork head into the 2026 championship season with real momentum across football, hurling and ladies football. With Munster championships heating up and All-Ireland ambitions in play, the next two months will define their year.

Below is a full breakdown of Cork’s confirmed fixtures from April to June.

April 2026 Fixtures

Saturday 11 April

Ladies NFL Division 1 Final

Cork Ladies Gaelic Football Team vs Galway Ladies Gaelic Football Team

TUS Gaelic Grounds

5:00pm (Live on TG4)

Sunday 12 April

Munster Senior Football Championship – Quarter-Final

Cork Senior Football Team vs Limerick Senior Football Team

Páirc Uí Chaoimh

2:00pm

Wednesday 15 April

Munster U20 Hurling Championship – Round 3

Waterford U20 Hurling Team vs Cork U20 Hurling Team

Fraher Field

7:35pm

Thursday 16 April

Munster U20 Football Championship – Phase 2 Round 2

Cork U20 Gaelic Football Team vs Kerry U20 Gaelic Football Team

Páirc Uí Chaoimh

7:00pm

Friday 17 April

Munster Minor Hurling Championship – Round 3

Tipperary Minor Hurling Team vs Cork Minor Hurling Team

Semple Stadium

7:00pm

May 2026 Fixtures

Sunday 10 May

Munster Senior Football Championship Final (if qualified)

1:45pm (Live on RTÉ)

Saturday 9 May

Munster Senior Hurling Championship – Round 3

Waterford Senior Hurling Team vs Cork Senior Hurling Team

Walsh Park

6:00pm

Sunday 24 May

Munster Senior Hurling Championship – Round 5

Cork Senior Hurling Team vs Clare Senior Hurling Team

Páirc Uí Chaoimh

4:00pm (RTÉ)

June 2026 Fixtures

Sunday 7 June

Munster Senior Hurling Final (if qualified)

2:00pm

Saturday 13 / Sunday 14 June

All-Ireland Senior Football Championship – Round 2

TBC

Saturday 20 / Sunday 21 June

All-Ireland Senior Football Championship – Round 3

TBC

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship – Quarter-Final (if required)

TBC

Saturday 27 / Sunday 28 June

All-Ireland Senior Football Championship – Quarter-Final

TBC

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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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Leinster Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final

Saturday, April 12 | Cedral St. Conleth’s Park | 7:00pm

Teams announced Friday – Live GAA scores on Irishscores.com

Saturday night lights in Newbridge will see Kildare take on Westmeath, with both sides opening their Leinster Championship campaigns. The Lilywhites finished top of Division 3 this spring but fell to Offaly in the final, while Westmeath’s form has plummeted since their Division 3 title last year, leading to relegation from Division 2.

These sides last met in 2022 when Kildare edged a high-scoring semi-final, and recent history is on the home side’s side. Westmeath haven’t beaten Kildare in the championship since 2016, and their seven-game winless streak across league and championship this season doesn’t bode well.

Glenn Ryan will demand a response from his Kildare charges after a stinging league final defeat. Daniel Flynn and Kevin Feely will be central to their hopes. Westmeath, meanwhile, need a spark. John Heslin remains a key figure, and their midfield battle will be crucial to containing Kildare’s runners.

The winners will face either Laois or Louth in the semi-finals.

Team News

Line-ups will be revealed on Friday. Visit Irishscores.com and follow official county social channels for updates.

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Ulster Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final

Sunday, April 13 | Healy Park, Omagh | 4:15pm

Teams announced Friday – Live GAA scores on Irishscores.com

Tyrone and Cavan renew rivalries in another all-Ulster showdown this Sunday, just a year on from their extra-time thriller in Kingspan Breffni. That day, Tyrone edged out Cavan by a single point, 1-23 to 3-16, and the Red Hands will once again be favourites—despite a rocky league campaign that saw them relegated from Division 1.

Cavan, for their part, were a solid mid-table team in Division 2, winning four games and showing resilience throughout. Mickey Graham’s men will take confidence from their attacking style of play and will look to trouble a Tyrone defence that, while statistically the best in Division 1, has at times lacked bite when faced with high-tempo opposition.

Tyrone are still transitioning their squad but remain potent, with Darragh Canavan and Mattie Donnelly leading the line. Conor Meyler and Frank Burns are key men if the hosts are to progress.

Cavan will hope Paddy Lynch and Gearóid McKiernan can reproduce the form that lit up last year’s championship. But they haven’t beaten Tyrone in championship football since 1983—something that underlines the scale of their challenge.

The winners will face either Antrim or Armagh in the semi-final.

Team News

Official starting teams will be announced on Friday. Check Irishscores.com and team social media for confirmed line-ups and in-play updates.

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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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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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