Brawls in Antrim, Kilcoo hit six & Clifford seals title

Ugly scenes in the Antrim Senior Hurling Championship, another straightforward win for Kilcoo and some more David Clifford magic, it was another eventful weekend of club Championship action across the island of Ireland. The Antrim SHC final is the best place to start, as the rematch between last year's finalists St John's and Loughgiel Shamrocks was marred by clashes both on and off the pitch. The match at Fr Healy Park, ended in a 0-30 to 3-14 win for the Shamrocks, however, the scenes after were the main takeaway from an entertaining affair. After the final whistle there was a mass brawl between both sets of players as well as members of the backroom staff, while fighting also broke out in the stands between the two sets of supporters. Antrim GAA have yet to comment on the events after the Group One game, with the prospect of both teams set to face sanctions ahead of their knockout fixtures. Reigning champions St John's will face either Glenariffe or St Enda's of Glengormley in their knockout fixture, with the victory ensuring Loughgiel maintained their 100% record, finished top of the group and secured a semi-final berth. Kilcoo ease into Down's final four In the Down Senior Football Championship, Kilcoo demonstrated their stranglehold over the football crown once more with an emphatic 22-point win over Loughinisland to book their spot in the semi-finals. Kilcoo manager Vinny Corey was serving a touchline ban, but it seemed that his guidance was not needed in this instance, with the 2021 All-Ireland champions showing just how well-oiled a machine they really are. Sean Og McCusker, Chrissy Rooney, Jack Devlin, Miceal Rooney, Barra McEvoy and Ruairi Madine all hit the net for the Magpies as they continued their push for their eighth Down SFC title in a row and a 14th in 15 years. Elsewhere in Down, Burren and Carryduff secured their places in the last four with Clonduff and Mayobridge meeting at Pairc Esler on Monday night to complete the field ahead of the semi-final draw. Clifford helps Fossa to Intermediate success In Killarney, David Clifford made headlines and history again. The three-time footballer of the year helped guide Fossa to their first Kerry Intermediate Football Championship title at the third time of asking. Having lost the Intermediate decider in 2023 and 2025, Fossa were chomping at the bit to make the jump to the top division of Kerry football. Kilcummin were their unfortunate opposition who came up against a Fossa side powered by the on-song Clifford brothers, who between them scored all but seven of their 26 points. David, having topped the All-Ireland scoring charts last year with Kerry, yet again showed why he is regarded as one of the greatest gaelic footballers, scoring 0-15, including three two-point scores, two two-point frees and two frees. Paudie Clifford added on four more points in what finished as a four-point win for the relatively young club. Having formed in 1970, this victory lifts the red and black outfit to heights they have never before reached. The 2023 All-Ireland Junior Club champions will now rub shoulders with the likes of Dr Crokes, Austin Stacks and reigning All-Ireland Senior Club champions, Dingle.