Mayo school in bid for All-Ireland senior glory
Representatives from the schools competing in the 2026 LGFA Lidl All-Ireland Senior Post-Primary Schools finals gathered at Croke Park today ahead of next week’s deciders.
Among them was Ali Hughes, captain of Ballinrobe Community School, who take on St. Anne’s Secondary School, based in Tipperary town, in the senior C final next Tuesday (March 24) at St. Rynagh’s GAA Club in Banagher, Co. Offaly. The throw-in time is 1 p.m. Tickets are available here.
The LGFA and competition sponsors, Lidl Ireland, have confirmed that all three senior finals will be available to view live on the LGFA’s Facebook Page and YouTube channel.
Ballinrobe CS will be aiming to bring the title to Connacht for the first time since victory for Galway’s Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in 2018, while St. Anne’s are hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Tipperary side Presentation Thurles, who were champions in 2017.
In their respective semi-finals, Ballinrobe CS got the better of Down opponents Dominican College, Fortwilliam, after extra-time, as St. Anne’s prevailed against Dublin’s Loreto Secondary School, Swords.
In the senior B decider on Wednesday, March 25, it’s a Cavan v Wicklow tie, with Bailieborough CS up against Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew. They start at 1 p.m. in Coralstown/Kinnegad GAA, Co. Westmeath.
The senior A decider on Thursday, March 26, will be contested by schools from Down and Clare, as Our Lady and St. Patrick’s, Knock, take on St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point. The game throws in at 2 p.m. in Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow.
Looking ahead to the senior finals, LGFA President Trina Murray said: “The Ladies Gaelic Football Association is always proud to see the next generation of players take centre stage at the Lidl All‑Ireland Post-Primary Schools finals. These finals are hugely important dates on the LGFA calendar and represent months of dedication from players, teachers and schools across the country.
“Year after year, the standard of football continues to rise, and these competitions provide young players with a fantastic opportunity to develop their skills, build friendships, and represent their schools with pride. Many of today’s county stars first experienced national success at this level, so it’s a very special stepping stone in their journey.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the continued support of Lidl Ireland. Their commitment to ladies' football has been, and continues to be, transformational, not only at inter-county level but right through the grassroots and schools game. Thanks to Lidl’s backing, these competitions continue to grow and give young players the platform they deserve to shine.”
Eimear O’Sullivan, corporate affairs director at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, added: “At Lidl, we are immensely proud of our long-standing partnership with the LGFA, and the All-Ireland Post-Primary Schools competitions hold a very special place in that journey.
“This competition is about more than just the result on the scoreboard; it’s about fostering community spirit, building resilience, and providing a national stage for the future stars of the game.
“We are committed to supporting ladies' Gaelic football at every level, and it's so inspiring to see these players represent their schools and counties with such pride. We wish all the finalists the very best of luck in what promises to be an unforgettable three days of action.”