Castlemagner are the 2026 Ashgrove Renewables Junior A Football Champions after a 1-10 to 1-9 victory over Ballydesmond in a final which was contentested with real intensity and  determination by both sides. 

The Newmarket venue was in splendid condition for the final in which both teams took a while to settle. Castlemagner received a major boost after 5 minutes play- when a dropping ball was finished to the Bally  net , Ballydesmond however recovered magnificently to register 8 unanswered  points before Catlemagner got the last score of the half leaving the game finely balanced on a 0-8 to 1-1 scoreline.

Castlemagner upped their game considerably at the start of the 2nd period and reduced the deficit to the minimium , however  Bally responded with a goal which was similiar in nature to Castlemagner’s , A high dropping ball caused confusion in the Castlemagner defence before being finished to the net. Ballydesmond were now 4 points ahead with 8 minutes of normal time remaining . However reigning champions Castlemagner found another gear as they rattled off 5 points without reply as added time approached. Ballydesmond tried manfully to take the game to extra time but resolute defending by Castlemagner saw them retain the title for a fourth consecutive occasion .

CONGRATULATIONS TO CASTLEMAGNER AND COMMISERATIONS TO A GALLANT BALLYDESMOND SIDE.

PICTURED ABOVE IS TONY McAULIFFE, CHAIRMAN DUHALLOW GAA PRESENTING THE ASHGROVE RENEWABLES JUNIOR A TROPHY TO CASTLEMAGNER CAPTAIN DANIEL MURPHY.