Gaelic Games

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Paul Clancy, a two-time All-Ireland winner with Galway, has passed away at the age of 49.

Clancy won the All-Ireland in 1998 and 2001 with Galway, and he also won five Connacht titles with the Tribesmen.

While Galway lost the 2000 All-Ireland to Kerry after a replay, Clancy's no-look pass to set up Declan Meehan is one of the most iconic goals in a final at Croke Park.

He played his club football with Maigh Cuilinn and won the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship in 2008.

After retiring, he became a coach and chairperson of his club as they won the Connacht Senior Football Championship in 2020.

He also was part of Galways management team with Alan Mulhollnad and with Laois under Justin McNulty.

Maigh Cuilinn said Clancy was "our most decorated player" and leaves a "lasting legacy".

"Paul is our most decorated player, an inspiration to a generation, remembered for having a sweet left peg, being teak tough and having an unwavering mindset but beyond the playing pitches he leaves a lasting legacy.

"He was an icon to so many in our community, so well known, so well respected and always had a word for everyone,.

"A straight shooter with the boot and, if needed, with the lip. Calm and assured, reliable and loyal."

John McGovern
BBC Sport NI Contributor at Croke Park

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Dublin manager Ger Brennan praised the character and resilience of his players in their 2-26 to 2-22 extra-time win over Donegal secured a place in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

The Dubs looked set for victory in normal time before Michael Murphy's dramatic two-point free after the hooter forced an additional 20 minutes, but Brennan's side responded superbly to regain control in extra-time.

The Dublin boss felt previous experiences helped his players remain composed when the game threatened to slip away.

"Psychologically, the group managed themselves much better this time around," he said.

"We learned from previous experiences. When things are going against you, sometimes you can retreat and look more tired than you actually are, but the players showed great resilience."

Brennan also reflected on the rebuilding process underway during his first season in charge, highlighting the number of players who have been introduced throughout the campaign.

"Since November, we've looked at 163 players and more than 60 have featured across the O'Byrne Cup, National League and Championship," he outlined.

"This championship, we've given nine players debuts and three more their first starts. It's a difficult balance between established players and younger lads coming through, but it's rewarding when you see them take their opportunity."

Several newer faces featured prominently against Donegal, while substitutes Sean Guiden and Ross McGarry made significant impacts during extra-time.

Brennan also praised the commitment shown by his side in front of the Croke Park crowd.

"We have to give supporters something to believe in. That's hard work, putting bodies on the line and showing real hunger. I thought the players did that today."

The Dublin manager acknowledged the increased demands of the new rules, particularly with quick turnarounds between championship fixtures.

"Physiologically and psychologically, the demands are far greater now," he said.

"The turnarounds are very fast, and there's a massive demand on players and management, but we're delighted to still be involved."

Brennan revealed Dublin had prepared for every eventuality, including extra-time and penalties, which helped maintain calm after Murphy's dramatic late equaliser.

"We knew the game could go to 90 minutes or even penalties, and we were ready for that," he added.

"There's nothing certain in this competition, but we had confidence in our preparation."

Dublin now await their opponents in Monday's quarter-final draw, with Brennan's side set to return to Croke Park next weekend as their All-Ireland challenge continues.

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Armagh will face Kildare in the Ladies' All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals after beating Waterford 2-15 to 1-15 at the Athletic Grounds.

Lara Marsden and Aoife McCoy netted for the Ulster champions as they held off a late fightback from Waterford to reach the last eight.

Armagh led by seven points with nine minutes remaining, but Maeve Daly's goal set up a tense finish.

However, thanks to two points from Caroline O'Hanlon, Armagh had enough to progress to the last eight as the winners from Group One.

However, Tyrone exited the competition after narrowly losing 1-12 to 1-10 to Meath.

Meadhbh Byrne scored 1-2 for Meath at Healy Park as the Red Hands fell short despite Maeve Maxwell's penalty.

Donegal were also on the end of a 1-15 to 2-6 defeat by Mayo and both Ulster counties will drop into the relegation play-offs on 4 July after they finished at the bottom of their groups.

If Armagh can beat Kildare on the weekend of 4-5 July, they will face either Galway or Mayo in the semi-finals.

Holders Dublin will take on Cork and Kerry with face Meath in the other last-eight ties on the other side of the draw.

All-Ireland quarter-finals

Dublin v Cork

Kerry v Meath

Galway v Mayo

Armagh v Kildare

Semi-final draw

Dublin/Cork v Kerry/Meath

Galway/Mayo v Armagh/Kildare

John McGovern
BBC Sport NI Contributor at Kingspan Breffni

Image source, Getty Images

Dermot McCabe admitted Cavan's wastefulness in front of goal proved decisive as their All-Ireland Championship campaign came to an end with defeat by Dublin at Kingspan Breffni.

The Breffni men remained firmly in contention after trailing by just a point at half-time, but Dublin pulled away after the interval to secure an 11-point victory, leaving McCabe to reflect on missed opportunities.

"I would have felt we were very much in the battle for the first 45 minutes or so," said McCabe.

"Unfortunately, we had a few wides in a row and a few drop-shorts that probably sucked a bit of the energy out of us.

"Our efficiency in front of goal was lacking. I felt we probably should have been a few points up at half-time, but we just didn't convert."

Cavan's shooting struggles continued throughout the contest despite efforts to improve their shot selection and scoring opportunities.

"We tried to work on ensuring our shooting positions were better because it's been a bit of a difficulty for us this year," he said.

"Our shooting positions were better, but our shots went askew."

Despite the disappointment of another championship exit, McCabe praised the commitment of his players and the backing they received from the home support.

"We had a massive effort level, and we're extremely grateful for the support that came here today," he said.

"We gave them something to shout about for long periods, but we're disappointed that we didn't give them the final 15 minutes that they deserved."

The Cavan manager also pointed to the impact injuries have had on his squad throughout the campaign.

"We've had two lads hospitalised in the last two weeks, and we've had a long injury list throughout the year," he said.

"It's frustrating for the players because they've put in a huge effort and we just didn't get those final pieces to click."

McCabe paid tribute to injured duo Evan Crowe and Gearóid McKiernan, highlighting their continued commitment to the county despite lengthy setbacks.

"Evan has had major surgery on his skull, and to see him here today still pushing the lads on says everything about him," McCabe said.

"Gearóid is making every effort possible to get back playing. The commitment from those lads and the passion they have for Cavan is huge."

Younger players stepped up

The campaign also saw several younger players given opportunities due to injuries and squad rotation, with McCabe believing those experiences will benefit the county in the future.

"We're probably up around eight or nine debutants over the course of the championship," he said.

"Lads like Jensen Tynan and Conor Casey have come in and acquitted themselves very well. There's a pathway there, and that's important."

Attention now turns to preparations for 2027, with McCabe confident there is still considerable potential within the squad.

"I'd be proud of Cavan," he said.

"I think the ceiling within this group is quite high and we're still a long way from reaching it.

"We aim to be a very competitive team and I still believe there's a lot more to come from this group."

Odhran Crumley
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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A chance encounter with former Ireland rugby star Johnny Sexton helped Niall Morgan hold his nerve and convert a late two-point free as Tyrone beat Mayo 0-22 to 1-18 to secure a place in the last eight of the All-Ireland SFC.

The Edendork man had earlier converted a pressure 45' to level the sides, before coming forward to kick the winner from two-point range with 90 seconds remaining.

"We met Johnny Sexton in the campus at Easter time, whenever we were over, just by chance. A few of us got to chat to him and he just said about the importance of going through your routine and taking your time," Morgan told BBC Sport NI.

"At the end of the day, you're there to do a job and sometimes it's not the nicest or the easiest of jobs.

"Some days you're well ahead and you're going to hit the free kick. To be going up to hit one that ended up winning the game is a wee bit special.

"Just trying to relax and get your breathing down and just thinking about what you're going to do."

As Morgan was coming forward to take the kick he said the thoughts of his last-gasp miss in their Ulster SFC preliminary round loss by Armagh were racing through his head.

But, words from club-mate Darren McCurry, who kicked six points after coming on as a second-half substitute helped provide clarity.

"Armagh that's what was going through my head. That Ulster game and having the chance to equalise in the last kick, basically. I completely rushed it that day and I was so disappointed after the game that I'd done that.

"Darren McCurry just said to me, just relax, as I was going past. If he's happy to let me hit it, it just gives you the confidence. Because going forward, the form that he was in and he was giving me the go-ahead, that just thankfully went over.

"It's just a typical Tyrone and Mayo game, chaotic from start to finish. We're just delighted to get over the line, thankfully."

The Red Hands join Galway, Louth and Cork in the All-Ireland quarter-finals in two weeks' time.

"Having the week off is massive. Especially if you look at the teams that are now in that draw, it's going to be dog-eat-dog next weekend.

"We're going to get a chance to go a wee bit later, probably Tuesday night, and then build again for the weekend after," Morgan added.

"Ultimately, your aim is at the start of the year is to get to Croke Park and thankfully we're going to be there."