Heartbreak for Connollys in their All-Britain quests

THERE was heartbreak for Dunedin Connollys’ Men and Ladies sides recently in their quest for All-Britain glory.

First up was the All-Britain Intermediate Ladies Final, which saw Connollys take on Holloway Gaels of London in Páirc na hÉireann in Birmingham. Despite a valiant effort from Dunedin, that old adage of ‘goals win games’ rang true as Gaels were victorious by a scoreline of 3-08 to 0-09.

Despite the loss, Connollys’ manager, Daniel O’Brien, expressed his pride at the efforts his team put in throughout the season to get to the showpiece final.

“I’d like to thank the players for their commitment, drive, enthusiasm and individuality —the qualities that make this squad a team,” he said. “Our girls have worked incredibly hard this year, and it’s been a real honour to be part of this environment that they have

created. Further thanks go to the management tea, the committee and our sponsors, without whose support we would not be here today.”

Captain Claragh O’Connor echoed her manager’s sentiments adding: “It was an honour and a privilege to lead this incredible bunch of girls in an All-Britain Final. The sheer amount of dedication, graft and hard work that’s been shown by every player and the management staff this year has been incredible. Good things come to those who work hard, and we deserved to be in the final. The family and community this club has built in Edinburgh is truly special and something that all my teammates and I are extremely grateful and proud to be a part of.”

The following day, the Senior Men’s side had the chance to book their place in an All-Britain Final too as they took on Birmingham’s own Sean McDermotts in Old Bedians in Manchester.

With a place in the final against last year’s winners—Tara GAA of London—at stake, spectators were treated to a fiercely contested semi-final but it was McDermotts who finished up four-point victors by a scoreline of 0-12 to 0-08.

So near and yet so far for Connollys’ Men and Ladies, but in time, both will be able to look back on very successful seasons and will have a renewed determination to go one better in 2026.