A special weekend of AIB Club Championship action awaits

AIB, proud sponsors of the AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Championships, marks the culmination of another thrilling season of Intermediate and Junior club action. Joining AIB are the players who will contest this weekend's All-Ireland finals in Croke Park, each a testament to the dedication and community pride instilled within their clubs throughout the season. These finalists include Finnian Cawley (Easkey, Sligo), Philip Wall (Kilbrittain, Cork), Fergal Boland (Tooreen, Mayo), Keith Ryan (Upperchurch-Drombane, Tipperary), Eoin Bradley (Glenullin, Derry), Roscommon), Aidan Walsh (An Ghaeltacht, Kerry), Ciaran Bogue (Clogher Eire Óg, Tyrone), Daire Keane (Ballymacelligott, Kerry).

The AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Junior club final takes place on Saturday at 3:15pm with Easkey versus Kilbrittain. Easkey needed extra time to overcome Burt (Donegal) in their semi-final with the match finishing on a scoreline of 4-23 to 1-22. Easkey’s Andrew Kilcullen contributed an impressive four goals and ten points to his team’s victory. Kilbrittain edged out Davidstown-Courtnacuddy (Wexford) in their semi-final with a final scoreline of 2-15 to 1-16. Vital goals from Conor Horgan and Luke Griffin proved to be decisive.

The AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Intermediate club final follows the Junior final on Saturday with throw-in scheduled for 5:15pm when Tooreen and Upperchurch-Drombane go head-to-head. Despite trailing by two points at half-time in their semi-final against Éire Óg Carrickmore (Tyrone) Tooreen managed to pull things back eventually winning by 11 points to reach their second All-Ireland final in three years. Upperchurch-Drombane had to battle hard in their semi-final victory over Danesfort (Kilkenny). A two-point win secured their place in the final with a decisive penalty save from goalkeeper Ciaran Shortt helping them get over the line.

The AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Junior club final takes place on Sunday at 1:30pm when Clogher Éire Óg take on Ballymacelligott. Clogher Éire Óg booked their place in the decider with a comfortable win over Kiltimagh (Mayo) on a scoreline of 2-13 to 0-09. Ciaran Bogue’s two goals proved decisive for the Tyrone club. Goals were equally important in the other semi-final when Ballymacelligott beat Grangelovin (Kildare). Two goals inside the opening five minutes from Niall Collins and Adam Sheehy helped the Kerry club on their way to a 2-13 – 0-16 win.

The AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Intermediate club final will finish off the weekend’s club action on Sunday with throw-in at 3:30pm for the match between Glenullin and An Ghaeltacht. Glenullin were able to overcome Strokestown (Roscommon) in their semi-final despite a tit-for-tat first half which saw the sides level at half time. The Derry club were able to pull away from their opponents in the second half to eventually win by a nine-point margin. An Ghaeltacht and Sallins GAA (Kildare) produced a thrilling affair in their semi-final. The game finished level and was decided in extra time with a two-pointer from Éanna Ó Conchúir giving the Kerry club a one-point victory.

This season marks AIB's 35^th year supporting the AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Championships. AIB's pioneering support for Gaelic Games also encompasses its sponsorship of the AIB Camogie Club Championships and the AIB All-Ireland Ladies Club Football Championships. This overarching commitment sees all four codes – Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie, and Ladies Football – united under one sponsorship banner, further amplifying the dedication and skill of these incredible athletes. This marks AIB's 13th year sponsoring the AIB Camogie Club Championships and its second year supporting the AIB All-Ireland Ladies Club Football Championships.

As proud sponsors of the AIB GAA, LGFA, and Camogie All-Ireland Championships, AIB has dedicated this season to showcasing the truly unforgettable 'Moments of the Championship.' Throughout the championships AIB has been celebrating these moments with monthly awards across our social channels, providing a fantastic opportunity for fans to engage directly and recognise the outstanding contributions of players throughout the season. These championships reveal where with every precise pass, tenacious tackle, and sensational score there is a team fuelled by the unwavering passion of those who support them.

Speaking at today’s launch, AIB Chief Customer Officer, Orlaith Ryan said: “AIB is immensely proud to be celebrating its 35th year of supporting the AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Championships, and it's truly special to see another season culminate in what promises to be a fantastic weekend of Intermediate and Junior club finals at Croke Park. We’ve been captivated by the journey so far, witnessing thrilling encounters – from those decided by the narrowest of margins to dominant semi-final performances. Now, each final is perfectly poised to showcase the incredible dedication, skill, and sheer passion that runs through every club and community involved. To witness these athletes, backed by their communities, take to the field is an inspiration to us all. We wish all the finalists the very best of luck this weekend.”

Speaking at the launch, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns said: “The AIB GAA All-Ireland Intermediate and Junior club finals are truly special fixtures in our calendar, bringing together the very best of our club game for what promises to be an exhilarating weekend in Croke Park. It's a testament to the incredible dedication of these players, their coaches, and the vibrant communities they represent, who have poured their hearts into reaching this stage. We are also delighted to acknowledge AIB's remarkable 35-year commitment to the GAA All-Ireland Club Championships, a partnership that continues to be foundational in celebrating the unique spirit and passion of Gaelic Games at a local level. We extend our best wishes to all the teams competing for national honours.”