Cork are Minor Football Champions 2026
All-Ireland Champions! Cork Complete Incredible Comeback to Lift Tom Markham Cup
Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Championship Final
Cork 2-16 Tyrone 1-16
Cork are Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Champions after producing one of the great comebacks to defeat defending champions Tyrone by 2-16 to 1-16 in a thrilling final at Cedral St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge.
Trailing by nine points early in the second half, Keith Ricken’s side showed remarkable resilience, courage and belief to turn the contest on its head, outscoring Tyrone by 2-9 to 0-3 over the closing stages to bring the Tom Markham Cup back to Leeside for the first time since 2019.
A huge travelling Cork support created a sea of red in Newbridge and were rewarded with a performance that perfectly summed up this outstanding group of players—never giving in, playing with courage and finishing stronger than ever when it mattered most.
The Rebels settled quickest, with Conrad Murphy opening the scoring after excellent work from Eoghan Aherne before captain Joe Miskella thrilled the Cork supporters with a superb two-point score to give Cork an early advantage.
Tyrone responded impressively, however, putting together a sustained spell of dominance. The reigning champions reeled off a succession of scores and added a major boost in the 26th minute when Aodhán Corry converted a penalty to open a commanding lead.
Despite facing a seven-point deficit at the interval, Cork finished the half positively with frees from Aherne and Ben Hegarty to keep themselves within touching distance.
When Tyrone stretched their advantage to nine points shortly after the restart, the task facing Cork looked enormous.
What followed was simply extraordinary.
Miskella ignited the comeback with another magnificent two-pointer before adding a point from play, while Jacob Barry also found the target as Cork began to gather momentum.
The turning point arrived in the 42nd minute. Hegarty’s delivery caused problems inside the Tyrone defence and substitute Alex O’Herlihy reacted quickest to fire home, reducing the deficit to just two points and breathing fresh belief into the Cork challenge.
Aherne continued to keep the scoreboard ticking with crucial frees, while O’Herlihy, Tom Whooley and Barry all made significant contributions as Cork piled on the pressure.
With the sides locked in a tense finish, Tyrone edged back in front entering injury time.
Then came the defining moment.
Collecting possession deep in attack, Eoghan Aherne surged through the Tyrone defence before finishing emphatically to the net, sparking unforgettable scenes of celebration among the travelling Cork supporters.
Whooley quickly added another point to extend the advantage before Cork defended resolutely through the closing moments to secure a famous All-Ireland victory.
At the final whistle, players, management and supporters celebrated together as the Rebels completed one of the finest comebacks ever witnessed in an All-Ireland Minor Football Final.
Captain Joe Miskella led by example throughout with five points, including two inspirational two-pointers during the comeback.
Match-winner Eoghan Aherne finished with 1-5, while Alex O’Herlihy’s impact from the bench proved crucial with 1-1.
Aaron O’Sullivan and Éanna Lynch were outstanding in defence, Kieran O’Shea drove Cork forward from midfield, Rory Twohig made several vital saves at key stages, and Tom Whooley, Jacob Barry and Ben Hegarty all made significant contributions in a memorable team performance.
For manager Keith Ricken, it marks another landmark achievement, adding an All-Ireland Minor title to the Under-20 All-Ireland he guided Cork to in 2019.
Having already captured the Munster title earlier this year, this exceptional group have now written their names into Cork GAA history.
Congratulations to Keith Ricken, his management team and every member of this outstanding Cork Minor Football panel on becoming 2026 Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Champions.
Scorers for Cork: E Ahern 1-5 (0-4 f), J Miskella 0-5 (2 2pt), A O’Herlihy 1-1, T Whooley 0-2, B Hegarty (0-1 f), J Barry, C Murphy 0-1 each.
Tyrone: V Gormley 0-6 (1 2pt), MF Daly, B Óg McGuckin (0-1 f), C Canavan (1 2pt f, 0-1 f) 0-3 each, A Corry 1-0 pen, T Gallen 0-1.
CORK: R Twohig (Kilmeen); R McCormack (Midleton), A O’Sullivan (Glanmire), C Garvey (St Finbarr’s); D O’Sullivan (Erin’s Own), C Downing (Adrigole), E Lynch (Ballincollig); K O’Shea (Urhan), C Murphy (Barryroe); E Ahern (Carrigaline), B Hegarty (Ballinora), J Miskella (Ballincollig, c); T Whooley (Clonakilty), J Barry (Aghinagh), D Herlihy (Shamrocks).
Subs: G Oronsaye (Licarroll/Churchtown Gaels) for C Garvey (22), A O’Herlihy (St Finbarr’s) for D Herlihy (h-t), P Kelly (Naomh Abán) for D O’Sullivan (36), K O’Donovan (O’Donovan Rossa) for J Barry (48), D O’Mahony (Newcestown) for C Murphy (64).
TYRONE: Ronan O’Neill; T McCarron, J Maguire, A Farley; MJ Daly, A Corry, C Fyffe; T Gallen, C Meenan (c); L O’Connor, B Óg McGuckin, Ruairi O’Neill; C Canavan, MF Daly, V Gormley.
Subs: C Shevlin for C Fyffe (28), C McKeown for C Canavan (54), F Quinn for R O’Neill (56), C McKee for L O’Connor (58).
Referee: Séamus Mulhare (Laois).
Defeat at Croke Park for our seniors
Cork 1-18
Galway 2-26
Defeat at Croke Park for our seniorsAfter an early Galway burst, including Darragh Neary’s sixth-minute goal, Cork settled well and built into the game through Brian Hayes, Shane Barrett and Alan Connolly. Alan Walsh’s first-half goal helped swing momentum Cork’s way, and they went in at the break leading 1-13 to 1-12.
However, the second half proved decisive. Galway dominated the restart, winning primary possession and scoring freely, while Cork added a point during this period.
Cork responded through Hayes and William Buckley to keep themselves in touch, but Galway maintained control across the key areas.
Galway used possession well to stretch clear and close out the win. For Cork, there were strong passages of attacking play and sustained spells of pressure, but Galway’s second-half surge proved decisive on the day.
Scorers for Galway: Conor Cooney 1-1, Tom Monaghan 0-4, Darragh Neary 1-0, Conor Whelan, Jason Rabbitte, Ronan Glennon, Cathal Mannion (2fs), and Aaron Niland (3fs) 0-3 each, Gavin Lee 0-2, Tiernan Killeen, John Fleming, Padraic Mannion, and Darren Morrissey 0-1 each.
Scorers for Cork: Brian Hayes 0-7, Alan Connolly 0-4 (3fs), Alan Walsh 1-0, Shane Barrett 0-3 (1f), Darragh Fitzgibbon 0-2, William Buckley and Barry Walsh (f) 0-1 each.
Galway: Darach Fahy; Joshua Ryan, Daithí Burke, Cillian Trayers; Padraic Mannion, Darren Morrissey, Ronan Glennon; Tiernan Killeen, Gavin Lee; Tom Monaghan, Cathal Mannion, Darragh Neary; Conor Whelan, Jason Rabbitte, Aaron Niland.
Subs: Cian Daniels for P Mannion (15-16), Conor Cooney for Niland (47), Cian Daniels for Ryan (56), John Fleming for Killeen (62), Brian Concannon for Lee (66), Seán Linnane for Neary (70+1).
Cork: Patrick Collins; Niall O’Leary, Damien Cahalane, Seán O’Donoghue; Eoin Downey, Rob Downey, Mark Coleman; Tim O’Mahony, Tommy O’Connell; Darragh Fitzgibbon, Shane Barrett, Diarmuid Healy; Alan Walsh, Alan Connolly, Brian Hayes.
Subs: Cormac O’Brien for Cahalane (HT), Robbie O’Flynn for O’Connell (48), William Buckley for Connolly (51), Barry Walsh for Walsh (52), Ger Millerick for E Downey (61).
Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick).
Matchday Guide: Cork v Galway – All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final
🏟️ Matchday Guide: Cork v Galway – All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final
Cork GAA supporters are set for another huge occasion as the Rebels take on Galway in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final at Croke Park on Saturday, 4 July.
With a capacity crowd expected at GAA headquarters, supporters are encouraged to plan their journey, arrive early and familiarise themselves with the key matchday information below to ensure a safe and enjoyable day.
Match Details
Fixture: Cork v Galway
Competition: All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final
Venue: Croke Park, Dublin
Date: Saturday, 4 July
Throw-in: 3:30pm
Referee: James Murphy (Limerick)
Following their impressive All-Ireland Quarter-Final victory over Offaly, Cork return to Croke Park aiming to secure a place in a third consecutive All-Ireland Final. Galway arrive as Leinster champions after an outstanding victory over Dublin, setting the stage for another memorable championship encounter.
📺 TV Coverage
The match will be broadcast live on:
- RTÉ One
- RTÉ Player
- BBC Two Northern Ireland
- BBC iPlayer
RTÉ’s live GAA coverage begins at 12:45pm, with the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Quarter-Final between Waterford and Kilkenny preceding the hurling semi-final.
📻 Radio Coverage
Supporters unable to attend can follow the action with:
- C103 – Live match commentary
- RTE Radio 1 Live match commentary
- Cork’s RedFM – Match updates throughout the afternoon
- Cork’s 96FM – Live updates and reaction
📱 Follow Cork GAA
Keep up to date throughout the day by following @OfficialCorkGAA across X, Facebook and Instagram for:
- Team announcements
- Live match updates
- Half-time and full-time scores
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Post-match reaction
🎟️ Tickets – Important Information
All supporters, including children, must have a valid match ticket to enter Croke Park.
There will be no ticket sales at the stadium on matchday. Tickets must be purchased in advance through official GAA sales channels.
Please have your ticket ready before arriving at the turnstiles.
📱 Digital Tickets
To ensure quick and efficient entry, supporters are encouraged to prepare their tickets before travelling.
Accepted formats include:
- Apple Wallet
- Google Wallet
- Printed PDF ticket
Tickets stored in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet can be scanned directly at the turnstiles.
If using a printed ticket, ensure the QR code is clear and undamaged.
⚠️ Screenshots Will Not Work
For security reasons, screenshots or photographs of tickets will not be accepted.
Please ensure:
- Your phone is fully charged.
- Screen brightness is turned up.
- Your ticket is downloaded before arriving, as mobile reception may be limited around the stadium.
🚶 Arriving at Croke Park
Supporters are advised to arrive at least one hour before throw-in to allow sufficient time for entry.
Your designated entrance is printed on your ticket.
Please expect:
- Ticket scanning
- Security screening
- Bag searches
- Larger queues closer to throw-in
Stewards and An Garda Síochána will be on hand to assist throughout the day.
🎒 Bag Policy
To help speed up entry:
- Only bags A4 size or smaller are permitted.
- Large bags and backpacks are prohibited.
- All bags are subject to search.
- There are no bag storage facilities available.
Supporters are encouraged to travel light.
🚗 Travel Information
Croke Park is best accessed by public transport, walking or cycling.
If travelling by car:
- Allow extra time for your journey.
- Expect heavy traffic approaching Dublin.
- Please avoid parking in residential areas.
- Official parking is extremely limited.
⚠️ N20 Roadworks – Important Travel Notice
Supporters travelling from Cork should be aware of major roadworks on the N20 at Ballyfookoon, approximately 5km north of Croom.
A STOP/GO traffic management system will be in operation from 8:00pm on Friday, 3 July, until Monday, 6 July, to facilitate essential bridge replacement works.
Significant delays are expected throughout the weekend.
Supporters are strongly encouraged to:
- Allow additional travel time.
- Plan their journey in advance.
- Consider alternative routes where possible.
🍔 Food & Drink
A range of food and beverage outlets will be available throughout Croke Park.
Supporters should note:
- Sealed soft drinks (500ml or smaller) are permitted.
- Empty reusable water bottles may also be brought into the stadium.
- Alcohol cannot be brought into the stadium.
- Alcohol is available to purchase inside for patrons aged 18 and over (ID may be required).
♿ Accessibility
Croke Park offers a wide range of accessibility services, including:
- Accessible seating
- Sensory room facilities
- Audio descriptive commentary
- Dedicated steward assistance
Supporters requiring assistance should speak to a steward upon arrival.
🌤️ Weather
Current forecasts suggest dry conditions with temperatures between 18°C and 21°C, providing excellent conditions for hurling.
As always, supporters should check the latest forecast before travelling and dress appropriately.
Please note that umbrellas are not permitted within the stadium bowl.
🔁 Stadium Reminders
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:
- No re-entry is permitted once you leave the stadium.
- Follow all steward instructions.
- Prohibited items, including flares and smoke devices, are strictly forbidden.
- Please respect fellow supporters and stadium staff throughout the day.
🚩 Cork Flags
Our supporters are reminded that while we welcome displays of colour in support of our team, the Confederate flag should not be used in this way. The Confederate flag is a symbol of division and of support for racist views, and has been historically invoked to express support for beliefs that Cork GAA firmly opposes. The flag is banned from our own grounds and our supporters are urged not to use this flag as it does not represent the values of the Cork GAA community. Your support in keeping this flag away from Cork matches is requested.
❤️ Enjoy the Day
Croke Park provides the perfect stage for another memorable championship occasion.
Whether you’re travelling from Cork, elsewhere in Ireland or overseas, thank you for getting behind the Rebels.
Travel safely, arrive early, enjoy the atmosphere and roar on Cork as they bid for another place in the All-Ireland Final.
Corcaigh Abú! ❤️🤍
Cork Minor Football team to play Tyrone in All-Ireland Football Final
Cork Minor Football Manager Keith Ricken has named his side for Sunday’s Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Championship Final against Tyrone.
The Rebels travel to Newbridge, Co. Kildare, where the final throws in at 2pm.
The team to take the field is as follows:
Match Details
Competition: Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Championship Final
Fixture: Cork v Tyrone
Date: Sunday, July 5th
Venue: Cedral St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge
Throw-In: 2:00pm
Ticket Information
