Ryan and Lynch Continue Their Dominance as Champions Crowned at the 2026 M. Donnelly All-Ireland Poc Fada Final

The Cooley Mountains once again echoed to the sound of the ash as Annaverna Mountain hosted another unforgettable edition of the 2026 M. Donnelly All-Ireland Poc Fada Finals, with Ireland’s finest hurlers and camogie players gathering to compete in one of the most unique and cherished events on the Gaelic Games calendar.

Inspired by the legendary exploits of Cú Chulainn, the famous mountain course challenged competitors with its demanding terrain, changing conditions and unforgiving landscape. In front of a large attendance, champions were crowned across four competitions as another memorable chapter was added to the rich history of the Poc Fada.

Ryan Retains His Senior Hurling Crown

Limerick’s Colin Ryan once again proved himself the master of the mountain, successfully defending his Senior Hurling title with another outstanding display of power, accuracy and consistency.

Ryan completed the demanding course in 51 pucks, finishing 54 metres beyond the final marker to secure back-to-back All-Ireland titles.

The silver medal went to Bobby Douglas (Mayo), who finished just one puck behind on 52 pucks, ending 50.7 metres beyond the finish, while Eamonn Foudy (Clare) completed the podium after a superb performance of 53 pucks and 52.9 metres.

Fourth place went to Eoin Reilly (Laois), who also required 53 pucks but finished 4.5 metres beyond the line. Sean Óg McLaren (Antrim) placed fifth on 54 pucks, followed by Tadhg Haran (Galway) in sixth with 55 pucks.

Louth’s Darren Geoghegan produced an excellent performance on home soil to finish seventh overall, completing the course in 57 pucks and finishing 30.8 metres beyond the finish. Representing the Wee County in front of a large local support, the Naomh Moninne star more than held his own against Ireland’s leading long-puck specialists.

The remaining places were filled by Jono Treacy (Dublin) in eighth, Diarmuid Quirke (Kerry) in ninth, Pat Burke (Westmeath) in tenth, Mark Sheedy (Clare) in eleventh and Conor Delaney (Cavan) in twelfth.

Lynch Makes It Six in a Row

The Senior Camogie competition belonged once again to the outstanding Mollie Lynch (Cork), who further strengthened her legendary status by capturing an incredible sixth consecutive All-Ireland Poc Fada title.

Lynch completed the mountain course in just 26 pucks, finishing 62.3 metres beyond the final marker in another remarkable display of striking ability.

Chloe Morey (Clare) claimed second place with 29 pucks and 58 metres, while Caoimhe Higgins (Galway) secured the bronze medal after finishing on 30 pucks and 62 metres beyond the finish.

Fourth place went to Laura Shinners (Tipperary) with 31 pucks, followed by Orla Duggan (Kilkenny), who completed the course in 32 pucks and finished 66.2 metres beyond the line.

Representing the host county, Maedbh Thornton (Louth) completed the course in 39 pucks to finish seventh overall. Competing in front of family, friends and local supporters, Thornton proudly represented Louth on one of the biggest stages in the long-puck calendar.

Young Champions Shine

The future of hurling was on full display as Conor Raleigh (Westmeath) successfully defended his Under-16 Hurling title.

Raleigh completed the course in an outstanding 22 pucks, retaining the championship he won twelve months ago and confirming his position as one of the country’s brightest young long-puck talents.

Damien Laverty (Antrim) finished second with 25 pucks and 34 metres, while Nathan Fawle (Galway) edged into third on 26 pucks and 65.6 metres, narrowly ahead of Ben Rooney (Waterford), who also completed the course in 26 pucks but finished 41 metres beyond the finish.

McCann Claims Under-16 Camogie Crown

The Under-16 Camogie title went to Eloise McCann, who produced a composed and skilful performance to become All-Ireland champion.

McCann completed the course in 32 pucks, finishing 59.3 metres beyond the finish.

Sadhbh Whelan (Clare) claimed second place with 33 pucks, while Gráinne McAleenan (Down) finished third after completing the course in 34 pucks and 54.9 metres. Isibeal Stanford (Galway) placed fourth on 36 pucks.

Another Outstanding Celebration of Tradition

Beyond the medals and trophies, the M. Donnelly All-Ireland Poc Fada Finals once again celebrated everything that makes hurling and camogie unique. From the spectacular scenery of the Cooley Mountains to the dedication of competitors, officials and volunteers, the event continues to preserve one of Ireland’s oldest sporting traditions while providing a truly unique test of skill.

For another year, Annaverna Mountain became the centre of the hurling and camogie world, with champions crowned, legends honoured and new memories created on the slopes where the story of Cú Chulainn has inspired generations.

2026 M. Donnelly All-Ireland Poc Fada Finals

Senior Hurling

Senior Camogie

Under-16 Hurling

Under-16 Camogie