Ulster made history this year as their teams and counties dominated men’s Gaelic football, with Armagh taking home the All-Ireland in a closely fought final against Galway. This marked Armagh’s first All-Ireland win since 2002, with Down also winning the GAA’s Tailteann Cup for county teams earlier in the month. Glen from Derry won the Senior Club Football Championship in January and Ulster University secured a victory over University College Dublin in the Sigerson Cup.
Ulster counties also topped Divisions One, Two, and Three in the National League, a feat never before achieved. Brian McAvoy, Ulster GAA CEO, attributed this year’s success to the work of grassroots coaches and volunteers, stating that “these players are well nurtured, and when they make it to senior level, they are ready to go. This was years in the making.” Glen’s senior club All-Ireland winning captain, Connor Carville, credits the work of grassroots volunteers for the dominance, adding that “it shows the passion and attitude of people who give up their time.”
The success of Ulster’s teams and counties has garnered attention from around the country, and Carville observes that “other countries and provinces will be looking at this success and wanting to end it,” but remains focused on the potential for new champions in the upcoming season. Ulster University manager Barry Dillon highlights a correlation between college success and county success, stating that “it’s all connected” and noting that the dominance seen in the early 90s for Ulster was unparalleled until now.
With Armagh’s triumph in the All-Ireland and Ulster’s sweeping domination of the Gaelic football scene this year, it is clear that the dedication of grassroots coaches and volunteers has paid off in spades. The momentum for Ulster remains strong as they head into the new season, with the success of their teams and counties serving as inspiration for others around the country
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