Croke Park beckons as the AIB GAA Hurling and Football All-Ireland Senior Club Finals take centre stage

The build up to the biggest day of the club championships, the AIB GAA All-Ireland Senior Club Championship finals is underway. To mark the occasion AIB is joined by players who will contest this weekend's All-Ireland finals in Croke Park, each powerfully demonstrating the season-long dedication and community pride fostered within their clubs. These finalists include Pauric Mahony of Ballygunner, Shane O’Brien of Loughrea, Michael Geaney of Daingean Uí Chúis and Ruaidhrí Fallon of St Brigid’s.

The AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior club final will throw in at 1:30pm when Ballygunner take on Loughrea. Ballygunner’s dominant display in the second half of their semi-final win over St Martins (Wexford) helped the Munster champions reach their first All-Ireland final in four years. Standout performances from Dessie Hutchinson and Pauric Mahony, both notching seven points each, were crucial in the 0-19 to 0-10 win. Loughrea reached the final in similar fashion to Ballygunner with a decisive second half display helping the Galway club overcome Slaughtneil (Derry) to reach their first All-Ireland final since 2007. Despite only leading by two points at half time Loughrea started the second half strongly with a flurry of points followed by an exceptional goal from Vince Morgan putting them on course for a thirteen-point victory on a scoreline of 2-22 to 0-15.

The AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior club final will throw-in after the hurling at 3:40pm when Daingean Uí Chúis and St Brigid’s go head-to-head. An epic semi-final contest between Daingean Uí Chúis and Ballyboden St Enda’s (Dublin) needed extra time to decide the winner. Daingean Uí Chúis came out on top despite trailing by 10 points early in the second half to reach their first All-Ireland final. The comeback was spearheaded by their captain Paul Geaney who was introduced at half time. He scored eight points in total including two crucial two-pointers which helped Daingean Uí Chúis on their way to a 1-26 to 1-24 victory. St Brigid's booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 1-16 to 1-12 victory over Scotstown (Monaghan). Their win was underpinned by an outstanding defensive performance, which effectively contained Rory Beggan's influential kick outs and saw crucial goal-line blocks from Ruaidhrí Fallon and Seán Trundle. Paul McGrath delivered a tireless and commanding display, guiding his team to another All-Ireland final - their first since 2024.

This season marks AIB's 35th 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, bringing together 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 supporters to engage directly and recognise the outstanding contributions of players throughout the season. Throughout the championships behind every precise pass, tenacious tackle, and sensational score is a team fuelled by the unwavering passion of those who support them.

Speaking at today’s launch, AIB Chief Executive Officer, Colin Hunt said: “As we draw to the close of another AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Championships season, bringing our 35th year as proud sponsors to a memorable end, we have witnessed something special. We've been treated to epic encounters in both hurling and football, filled with breathtaking thrills and unforgettable moments that showcase the very best of Gaelic Games. The journeys of Ballygunner, Loughrea, Daingean Uí Chúis, and St. Brigid's to Croke Park are a powerful reflection of the dedication of their players and staff, and the immense support they receive from their passionate local communities. We extend our very best wishes to all the teams competing in this weekend's finals.”

Speaking at the launch, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns said: “The AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Senior Club Finals represent the pinnacle of our club game, bringing a truly exhilarating close to an extraordinary season. From the first throw-in to these championship deciders, we've witnessed football and hurling at its most enthralling – with incredible displays of skill, heart-stopping contests, and those nail-biting finishes that make our games so special. The journeys made by these incredible clubs to Croke Park perfectly encapsulate the relentless commitment fostered within their squads, fiercely upheld by the deep-rooted pride of their local communities. I would like to wish all the finalists the very best of luck ahead of what promises to be a memorable day.”