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Southern Regional College’s Higher Education GAA team are celebrating after a landmark achievement, winning the HE All Ireland GAA Final title, their first since 2019 with a composed victory over Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Connemara at Abbotstown. The team train in Newry with many of the players playing for local GAA teams.
After a tentative start from SRC, it was ATU Connemara who struck first in the Corn Comhairle Ardoideachais final, registering 1-1 in the opening exchanges. SRC soon settled into the contest, with Conor Ward leading the charge scoring 1-1 to bring the game level.
Building on that momentum, SRC piled on the pressure. Martin McKinley split the posts for a superb two-pointer, before a penalty won by Conor Ward led to a crucial goal. Although Darragh McNulty’s initial strike rattled the crossbar, he reacted quickest to finish to the net. Further points from Odhran Hynes and captain Conor Cunningham stretched SRC’s advantage to six approaching half-time.
ATU Connemara responded strongly before the break, converting a penalty and adding a two-pointer of their own to narrow the gap. At half-time, SRC led by the slimmest of margins, 2-5 to 2-4.
SRC emerged for the second half with renewed intensity. Early scores from Danny McLogan and Odhran Hynes helped steady the side, while dominance around the middle third proved pivotal. Donal Coffey, Kyle Clerkin, Dara Óg McCoy and Martin McKinley took control in midfield, consistently winning primary possession and driving SRC forward.
The decisive moment arrived when substitute Oran Wilson made an instant impact, coming off the bench to fire home a vital goal and give SRC valuable breathing space. From there, SRC finished strongly, adding further points to their tally, while a disciplined defensive performance restricted ATU Connemara to just three points in the second half.
Final score: SRC 3-12 ATU Connemara 2-7
Conor Ward was awarded Man of the Match.
Co-Team Manager and SRC staff member Rory McGreevy praised the team’s performance, saying: “This group showed outstanding character all season, but especially in the final. After going behind early, they trusted the work they’ve put in and delivered when it mattered most. To bring the title back for the first time since 2019 is a huge achievement for the players and for the College and we couldn’t be prouder of them and this result.”
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College added: “This achievement reflects not only sporting excellence but the strength of teamwork, leadership and ambition across the College community. The future of SRC Gaelic football is bright and this victory sets a new benchmark for future seasons. Congratulations to the SRC Gaelic team and team managers Rory McGreevy and Ronan Haughey for their tireless work throughout the season, guiding the team to this All-Ireland success.”
A SRC spokesperson added "A special word of thanks goes to captain Conor Cunningham and goalscorer Oran Wilson, who both lined out for SRC for the final time. After years of dedication and commitment, it was fitting that they signed off with an All-Ireland medal.
"Finally, sincere thanks to team managers Rory McGreevy and Ronan Haughey for their tremendous hard work and dedication throughout the season, guiding the lads to All-Ireland success"
