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Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has accused the Executive of a "lack of vision, ambition, and delivery" after 13 years of delay on the reconstruction of Casement Park, following reports claiming the stadium is being scaled back further.
"Despite 13 years of dither and delay waiting for Casement Park's reconstruction, Ulster Gaels are getting the short end of the stick because of Executive failures," McNulty said. "This demonstrates a lack of vision, ambition, and delivery by the First Ministers and the Executive."
McNulty added: “I want to see the GAA continue to grow, and one very clear way to facilitate that is through prioritising the redevelopment of Casement Park. The Executive Parties’ inaction and inertia around Casement is a source of huge frustration, but more pressingly, it is preventing the positive social impact of the GAA from being fully realised in Belfast and in Ulster. We need to see urgent action to progress the redevelopment of Casement Park to unleash a new wave of positivity and possibility for Antrim and Ulster Gaels.”
His comments come as SDLP Opposition Leader Matthew O'Toole MLA called on Executive Ministers to urgently clarify the project's status. The South Belfast MLA said First Minister Michelle O'Neill's pledge that the stadium would be built "on her watch" was starting to look hollow, with GAA fans set to be left asking what over a decade of delay was for.
"The SDLP will continue to strongly support the GAA in getting a stadium delivered, but it appears clear that it will not be the stadium people were promised," O'Toole said.
He added that as fans enjoy the World Cup and look ahead to the European Championships in two years' time, a tournament Belfast could have hosted,
the failure to deliver Casement Park would stand as another example of local politics falling short of tangible progress.
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Camlough Community Association has pledged its full support to the Armagh Ladies Senior Football team ahead of their All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football Championship semi-final against Galway in Longford. The Association has organised a fundraising 7km Orchard Stride this Sunday morning, 12 July, leaving The Lumpers Bar in Ravensdale at 8.30am.
The scenic walk will follow one of the area's most picturesque trails. Participants can make a voluntary donation in support of the Armagh Ladies team during the walk or, after completing the 7km dander, head to the team's official Big Orange Breakfast fundraising event at the Carrickdale Hotel, where they can make their donation instead. The breakfast runs from 9.00am until 12 noon.
Association Chairperson Declan Murphy said the entire community is immensely proud of the team's achievements and paid particular tribute to the local players who continue to inspire the next generation. "Camlough Community Association is incredibly proud of the achievements of the Armagh Ladies team, the current Ulster Champions and their mentors, especially our own local players Blaithín Mackin, Caroline O'Hanlon, Brianna Mathers, Aimee Mackin and Moya Feehan. These outstanding athletes are a credit to the GAA, their clubs, their families, and the wider community. Their commitment, determination and success provide a fantastic example for young people throughout our area."
Murphy extended an open invitation to everyone to take part in Sunday's walk. "We're inviting everyone to come along, stride out with the Orchard County, wear your orange with pride, bring a flag and plenty of banter. It's a great opportunity to show our support while enjoying a fantastic community event."
Camlough Community Association has wished the Armagh Ladies team, management and backroom staff every success ahead of their All-Ireland semi-final against Galway, which takes place at Pearse Park, Longford, at 3.15pm on Saturday 18 July.
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A failed last ditch goal effort by Down saw them lose out to Fermanagh at yesterday's TG4 All-Ireland IFC semi-final in Clones.
The talismanic Eimear Smyth was on song as she helped Fermanagh book their place in the TG All-Ireland Intermediate Championship Final with a narrow win over Ulster rivals Down at St. Tiernach’s Park in Clones.
Smyth scored 1-10, all but three points of it from play, while at the other end the heroics of her team-mate Courteney Breen right at the end helped the Erne County to victory.
Ciara McGarrigale got the opening score of the game inside the first minute. Katie Howlett replied for Down before Fermanagh got a goal in the fifth minute. Niamh McManus with the pass to Smyth, she turned before firing to the net.
Eimear Fitzpatrick kicked over a lovely two point free to put just one between the sides before Smyth kicked over her second point in the 11th minute. After their fine start, that was to be Fermanagh’s last score of the half. They had chances but were guilty of some wayward shooting and kicking poor wides.
Eva Hicks kicked over three points in a row to give Down the lead for the first time in the 26th minute. Two minutes later wing-back Niamh McClory got up to fire over a neat point to put two between the sides.
Down also created some goal chances but were unable to find the back of the net as they went in at the break with a 0-8 to 1-3 lead.
Smyth kicked over the first point of the second half in the 31st minute; Fermanagh’s first score since the 11th minute. She followed up with another point to draw the game in the 33rd minute.
Fitzpatrick and Smyth exchanged points from frees before Laoise Duffy edged Down back in front again in the 36th minute. Fermanagh created scoring opportunities but just like the first half, they squandered them.
The game was level again in the 44th minute when Smyth was on target yet again from a free but down the other end McClory’s ball bounced over the crossbar to give Down the lead.
It wasn’t a classic but it was end to end stuff and with Smyth in excellent form Fermanagh kept coming at Down. The sides were level for a seventh time in the 58th minute. In the 60th minute a free from the boot of Smyth put Fermanagh again, the first time since the 11th minute.
She put two between them in the second minute of stoppage time. Down needed a goal. Substitute Niamh Rice took a shot but Breen stopped the ball on the line to earn a dramatic win for her side.
Final score Fermanagh: 1-11 Down 0-12
Scorers - Fermanagh: E Smyth 1-10 (3fs), C McGarrigle 0-1.
Down: E Fitzpatrick 0-4 (1f, 1tpf), E Hicks 0-3, K Howlett, N McClory 0-2 each, L Duffy 0-1.
FERMANAGH: A Haren; Courteney Breen, A O’Brien, S McQuade (capt.); A Keenan, C Bogue, B Bannon; A McCarney, Caitriona Breen; S Britton, N McManus, C Gallagher; C McGarrigle, E Smyth, J Doonan. Subs: A McCarney for Breen ht, S McCarville for O’Brien 40, C Gallagher for C McGarrigle 45, E Carrigan for B Smyth 55.
DOWN: M Deery; N Loudon, E Sands, A Greene; N Edgar, O Blaney, N McClory; M Doherty, K Howlett; A Laverty, L Duffy, N McGrath; N King, E Fitzpatrick, E Hicks. Subs: R McKenna for Edgar 21, N Rice for McGrath 37, C Brown for Sands 54, C Donnelly for E Fitzpatrick 60.
Referee: Gus Chapman (Sligo).
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Newry City AFC has become the latest grassroots club to benefit from Community Finance Ireland's social finance offering, using the funding to develop a new 4G pitch. The new facility is expected to significantly improve what is on offer for soccer enthusiasts in the Newry City area.
Community Finance Ireland (CFI) is a charity and social enterprise that provides loans exclusively to other third sector organisations, including community groups, charities, sports clubs and social enterprises, on an all-island basis. As a non-profit, it takes a different approach to finance, moving away from profit-driven interest towards a model rooted in community support, where every repayment helps another volunteer-led organisation take its next step in delivering impact for its community.
Pat Craven from Newry City AFC said: "CFI and Peter in particular have been a pleasure to deal with from the very outset. It is clear that they understand the pressures that sports clubs are under and put measures in place to remove the any barriers that might prevent clubs like ours from taking a loan. Peter has a great understanding of what we are trying to develop at the club and his clear and professional advice at every step in the process has been invaluable."
Peter Smyth, Client Relationship Manager with CFI, added: "What Pat and the team at Newry City FC are attempting to implement for their local area is truly commendable. The understanding they have for what it is their community needs, and having the vision and determination to bring this to fruition is an inspiration. I was proud to be able to help facilitate their ambition of installing a new 4G pitch, a facility which will enrich the lives of many future soccer stars in the local area."
With the FIFA World Cup Final approaching this weekend in North America, CFI has highlighted its continued support for grassroots soccer clubs at home, having invested over £7.2 million in more than 50 clubs throughout the island of Ireland. Since its foundation 25 years ago, the organisation has provided over £33.5 million to grassroots sports projects in total.
Clubs with a project in mind but unsure where to start are encouraged to contact CFI to discuss their plans and be put in touch with their local Client Relationship Manager. Telephone: 041 6858637. Email: hello@communityfinanceireland.com
See communityfinanceireland.com for more
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Craigmore Amateur Boxing Club is inviting the public to view its new gym this Sunday between 12:30pm and 2:30pm. The club has recently had to relocate and is encouraging parents, boxers and potential new members to come along and take a look.
The new premises are located at Unit 28F, Ashtree Enterprise Park, Rathfriland Road, Newry.
Boxers are asked to bring their training gear, as there is a possibility that other clubs may attend for some sparring, giving members a chance to move around the new gym floor.
Everyone is welcome to attend and it's the perfect opportunity to see where the future of Craigmore ABC is heading.
Find them at www.google.com/maps
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Galway were too strong for Armagh at the TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, as a superb team performance with ten different scorers powered them to a 13-point win and booked their spot in the TG4 All-Ireland senior final.
The Connacht champions got the first two scores on the board through two Noones, Eva and Hannah, before Aimee Mackin got Armagh up and running from a free.
The Tribeswomen began to take control during the middle phase of the first half, with two points from Leanne Coen and scores from Niamh Divilly and Kate Slevin putting them 0-6 to 0-1 ahead after 15 minutes.
Scores from Kelly Mallon (free) and Aimee Mackin either side of an Olivia Divilly point provided Armagh with some optimism, but Galway closed out the first half in style, with points from Kate Thompson and two from Olivia Divilly seeing them take a commanding seven-point lead into the changing rooms.
Daniel Moynihan's side almost had the perfect start to the second half when Nicola Ward broke three tackles and supplied Slevin to the right of goal, but she was denied superbly by the outstretched leg of Brianna Mathers.
Galway did increase their lead to eight when Coen notched her third point of the game, and although Mallon pointed a free at the other end, the Armagh goalkeeper was called into action once more.
Again Ward caused the Armagh defence problems, this time playing a give-and-go with Thompson, but Mathers again stepped up to the mark, denying the centre half back in a one on one.
Galway didn't go empty handed however, as Roisin Leonard stroked over the score of the game from the resulting '45, raising an orange flag.
Galway pulled 11 points clear coming into the final ten minutes with Niamh Divilly, Shauna Hynes, Ward and Olivia Divilly (free) all pointing, with Armagh's response coming via two Aimee Mackin frees.
Moynihan's side closed out a classy display in style in the closing stages, with two scores from substitute Hynes and one from Eva Noone adding to their tally. Two points from Armagh captain Lauren McConville at the other end were mere consolations, before Hynes closed the scoring with her fourth.
Final score: Galway 0-21 Armagh 0-8
Scorers – Galway: O Divilly (2f), S Hynes 0-4 each, L Coen 0-3, E Noone, N Divilly, R Leonard (1'45) 0-2 each, H Noone, K Slevin, K Thompson, N Ward 0-1 each.
Armagh: A Mackin 0-4 (3f), K Mallon, L McConville 0-2 each.
GALWAY: L O'Halloran; B Quinn, S Ní Loingsigh, K Geraghty (capt.); H Noone, N Ward, E Power; N Divilly, S Divilly; O Divilly, K Slevin, K Thompson; E Noone, L Coen, R Leonard. Subs: L Ward for S Divilly (44), S Hynes for Leonard (45), C Trill for Power (48), R Quinn for Ní Loingsigh (51), S Healy for Quinn (53).
ARMAGH: B Mathers; A Donnelly, C McCambridge, C Towe; E Druse, L McConville (capt.), G Ferguson; B Mackin, C O'Reilly; L Marsden, A McCoy, C Marley; A Mackin, C O'Hanlon, K Mallon. Subs: C Henderson for O'Reilly (19), R Mulligan for Marsden (23), C McNally for Mallon (44), E Melanophy for Marley (48), N Reel for O'Hanlon (51).
Referee: Angela Gallagher (Meath).
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Armagh manager Gregory McGonigle has praised the Galway team that defeated Armagh in the LGFA TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final on Saturday at Pearse Park, Longford. “We were second best all over the pitch. Galway were far superior, cleaner and crisper in everything that they did. We knew that we needed to be at our very best if we were going to beat Galway, and unfortunately, we weren't.
“Galway are a phenomenal side. We were too sloppy in the first half, giving poor ball away and hitting poor shots.
“We tried to regroup at half-time, and see if we could have another go, but every time we coughed the ball up, Galway punished us. They're athletic, and they're also very good footballers. It will take an unbelievable side to beat them in the final,” said McGonigle.
Galway manager Daniel Moynihan said their spread of scorers was a key factor as they saw off the Armagh challenge to book their place in the TG4 All-Ireland final against Kerry on August 2 at Croke Park.
Ten players found the target for Galway at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in Longford to reach their sixth TG4 All-Ireland senior final.
“We had a spread of scorers from the half back line all the way up to the full forward line,” said Moynihan. “I think if a couple of the full back line were able to get forward, they would as well. We also had players coming off the bench, who made a difference too and that's hugely pleasing.
“It was not a polished performance; we left a few scores behind, and I don't think the conversion rate was where it needed to be. So, once we get over this little celebration of reaching the final, it's back to work on Wednesday night. We'll review this game and try to remedy some of the things that didn't go right for us.
“In the final we'll just concentrate on ourselves. We know that if we play our football, we can beat anybody in the country, and that has to be our attitude.”
Galway, bidding to add to their sole All-Ireland title in 2004, produced an exhibition of point scoring to advance to their second final in three years, laying the foundation by producing a strong opening half after which they led by 0-10 to 0-3.
Armagh, hoping to reach the final since their sole appearance since they lost to Cork in 2006, were chasing the game from the opening quarter after Galway started strongly and picked off some excellent points.
Two points from Leanne Coen and one apiece from Niamh Divilly and Kate Slevin put Galway ahead by 0-6 to 0-1 at the end of the opening quarter.
Scores from Kelly Mallon (free) and Aimee Mackin either side of an Olivia Divilly point provided Armagh with some optimism, but Galway closed out the first half in style, with points from Kate Thompson and two from Olivia Divilly seeing them take a commanding seven-point lead into the changing rooms.
They never looked back after that with Shauna Hynes coming off the bench to score four points in the second half.
Scorers – Galway: O Divilly (2f), S Hynes 0-4 each, L Coen 0-3, E Noone, N Divilly, R Leonard (1'45) 0-2 each, H Noone, K Slevin, K Thompson, N Ward 0-1 each.
Armagh: A Mackin 0-4 (3f), K Mallon, L McConville 0-2 each.
GALWAY: L O'Halloran; B Quinn, S Ní Loingsigh, K Geraghty (capt.); H Noone, N Ward, E Power; N Divilly, S Divilly; O Divilly, K Slevin, K Thompson; E Noone, L Coen, R Leonard. Subs: L Ward for S Divilly (44), S Hynes for Leonard (45), C Trill for Power (48), R Quinn for Ní Loingsigh (51), S Healy for Quinn (53).
ARMAGH: B Mathers; A Donnelly, C McCambridge, C Towe; E Druse, L McConville (capt.), G Ferguson; B Mackin, C O'Reilly; L Marsden, A McCoy, C Marley; A Mackin, C O'Hanlon, K Mallon. Subs: C Henderson for O'Reilly (19), R Mulligan for Marsden (23), C McNally for Mallon (44), E Melanophy for Marley (48), N Reel for O'Hanlon (51).
Referee: Angela Gallagher (Meath).
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An excellent team performance powered Armagh to victory over Longford in the ZuCar All-Ireland U-18 C championship final at St Tiernach's Park, Clones.
Armagh started the game brightly, with Lily McBennett splitting the posts from a free. Minutes later, that was followed up by the score of the day when Caoimhe Gollogly pointed a free from what would be two-point territory at senior level, but just a white flag was raised on this occasion.
At the other end, Longford got up and running after a well-worked move was pointed by captain Zara Drake, and although Armagh forwards McBennett and Alanna O'Neill split their side's next four points evenly, Longford remained within touching distance with scores from Mia Kiernan and Shauna Madden.
Indeed, David Tiernan's team had a chance to go level when Kiernan shot for goal, but her effort was blocked by Orchard full back Mia O'Hara. Instead, Armagh pushed six clear with scores from Gollogly, O'Neill and McBennett.
The Leinster girls pulled the gap back to four with Drake and Orla McGann on target, but on the brink of half-time, Armagh landed a crucial score when Nicole O'Reilly superbly finished into the bottom corner of the net, to put her side 1-9 to 0-5 ahead at the break.
Longford's Madden opened the second half's scoring, but a burst of 2-1 for Armagh in a matter of minutes virtually put the game beyond doubt. First, Jessica McCreesh finished into the far corner of the net, then McBennett added another point before Moya McGrane raised her side's third green flag of the day from close range.
McBennett and Drake then traded scores, before Cassie Henderson – who had a hand in so many of the Armagh scores throughout the day – got her just rewards with a point of her own.
The next four points were split evenly with McBennett and Gollogly finding the target for Armagh, whilst Madden and Lauren Maguire doing likewise at the other end.
With time ticking away, McBennett capped a superb display with three further points, whilst Gollogy knocked over another free. Gollogly then put the icing on the cake with the game's final action, firing home Armagh's fourth goal of the day.
Final score: Armagh 4-18 Longford 0-9
Scorers – Armagh: L McBennett 0-10 (4f), C Gollogly 1-4 (3f), A O'Neill 0-3 (1f), N O'Reilly, J McCreesh, M McGrane 1-0 each, C Henderson 0-1.
Longford: Z Drake, S Madden (2f) 0-3 each, M Kiernan, O McGann, L Maguire 0-1 each.
ARMAGH: L O’Neill; E Melanophy, M O’Hara, C Carnegie; A Hagan, M McGrane, A Lavery (capt.); E Hart, C Henderson; J McCreesh, L McBennett, A Brennan; C Gollogly, A O’Neill, N O’Reilly. Subs: B Carragher for Gollogly (34), Gollogly for McGrane (42), O Campbell for O'Neill (46), S McKeever for Carnegie (46), C McGeary for Brennan (55), J Bann for McCreesh (56).
LONGFORD: S McDermott; A Tiernan, B Reilly, L Killian; E Kearney, O McGann, L Maguire; M Kiernan, A O’Brien; E Feeney, S Madden, Z Drake (capt.); E Dowd, M Lynn, A Mulligan. Subs: S Murphy for Dowd (42), M Campbell for Lynn (47), L Kiernan for Mulligan (58), A Lynch for Feeney (60), L Kenny for Tiernan (60+3).
Referee: Kevin Corcoran (Mayo).
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Newry City AFC Special Olympic Club, Ashgrove Rovers Youth GC, Gullion Youth Football Club and Tullyvallen Football Club are among seven Co. Down sports clubs to receive funding through Fibrus' 2026 Play it Forward fund.
The Full Fibre broadband provider has announced 52 recipients of the fund this year, with grassroots clubs across its network in Ireland and Cumbria receiving up to £1,000 each towards equipment, kits, fees or training.
A total of £50,000 has been allocated across Fibrus' network in Ireland and Cumbria this year. Other County Down recipients are Bangor Swifts Juniors 2016 Jets, North Down Tridents Basketball Club and Castlecaulfield Youth FC.
Since launching the Play it Forward Fund in 2023, Fibrus has invested more than £200,000 across Ireland and Cumbria through the scheme.
Among the wider list of recipients is Olderfleet Rowing Club, based on the shores of Larne Lough. Founded by Barbara Johnston in early 2020, the club is now a widely recognised name across the island of Ireland, having hosted the first ever Junior Irish Championships and inaugural Irish Masters Coastal Championships. The club plans to use its £1,000 Play it Forward funding to purchase new oars for racing, to the benefit of 35 junior members.
Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus, said the company was delighted to support another group of clubs through this year's fund. "The quality and diversity of applications from across Co. Down and beyond was outstanding, making the judging process incredibly difficult," she said. "With demand for the fund continuing to grow year after year, the vital role local sports clubs play in their communities has never been clearer. We're proud that the Fibrus Play it Forward Fund can help these organisations continue their important work, creating opportunities and making a positive difference to the lives of young people across the region."
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