The club championship is heating up across the country as more and more counties are kicking off their campaigns, and one in particular has already been wrapped up.
Between upsets, injuries, speculation, and red cards, last weekend was packed with talking points, but we have identified five big ones that stand out above the rest.
5. Aidan O'Shea Jumps Straight Back In After Wedding
Aidan O'Shea got married last week at Muckross Park Hotel outside Killarney, but was still fit and able to kit out for Breaffy in their opening club championship game.
The celebrations didn't seem to have any affect on the Mayo star as he helped his club beat last year's Intermediate champions Kilmeena on a 1-13 to 0-12 scoreline.
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4. Luke Loughlin Makes Incredible Return After Collapsing During Game
This brilliant goal from Luke Loughlin helped Clonkill edge past Raharney by 2 points, 4-16 to 1-23, in a thrilling Slevins Coaches Senior A Hurling Championship Round 3 encounter at TEG Cusack Park this afternoon.#westmeathgaa#whclubchamp2024 pic.twitter.com/uzkI50vwb0
— Westmeath GAA (@westmeath_gaa) August 18, 2024
Two weeks ago, Westmeath star Luke Loughlin was at the heart of some worrying scenes as he collapsed on the field of play against Castletown-Geoghegan.
He collapsed shortly after being treated for a blood injury, and medics needed to treat him on the field where he was later taken to hospital and given the all-clear.
Loughlin appears to have made a full recovery as he returned at the weekend to star in a surprise SHC Round 3 victory for his club Clonkillas, as they beat Raharney at TEG Cusack Park.
The dual star even scored a brilliant goal and was at the top of his game throughout the whole match.
3. Rian O'Neill Sees Red In First Game
Rian O'Neill lined out for Crossmaglen Rangers in the Armagh championship last Sunday - his first game since helping his county win the All-Ireland against Galway.
However it was a game to forget for the Armagh star as he missed a penalty during the match, and was then sent off in injury time to finish off a miserable day for the star forward.
Clan Na Gael emerged victorious, with O'Neill's county teammate Stefan Campbell playing a starring role in the win.
Although this was a big victory for the club, the Armagh championship is only in the group stages, so there is still a lot of football to be played.
2. Conor McManus Ruled Out For The Season
Conor McManus is set to miss the remainder of the club championship after picking up a serious hand injury.
The Monaghan star was in attendance to watch his club Clontibret top the Greenfield food Monaghan SFC group two with two wins from two, but he was rooted to the sidelines with a heavily bandaged hand.
Clontibret manager confirmed the worst after the match: “He’s probably going to be pretty long term at this minute in time. It’s probably looking like the season is over for Conor”.
1. St Mullins Crowned County Champions
Congratulations to St Mullins who defeated champions of '23 MLR by 3-16 to 2-25 in the replay of the SH final today at balmy NCP! Great joy always in winning the co final and lifting the cup! Ger Coady is Captain! @Carlow_GAA @Natsport @TheLeftWingBack @StMullinsGaa pic.twitter.com/xHPCb6fghC
— Pat Ahern (@pgahern) August 18, 2024
Despite most championships only kicking off in the past couple of weeks, the Carlow senior hurling championship is done and dusted already.
St Mullins beat 14-man Mount Leinster Rangers in the SHC final replay at Netwatch Cullen Park, securing their 29th title at this grade.
In the first game it took a late St Mullins rally to sneak out of the match with a draw, but they were sharp from the beginning of this replay, and are officially the first county champions this summer.
