Gaelic Games

David Mohan
BBC Sport NI journalist

Image source, Inpho

Michael McShane has been appointed as the new Antrim senior hurling manager.

The Ballycastle man takes over from Davy Fitzgerald who departed at the end of the Joe McDonagh Cup campaign following two years at the helm.

McShane was at the helm of the county's U20s during that time, leading them to a Leinster preliminary quarter-final last year and this year's Leinster B title, having been eliminated from the top tier by Meath.

Previously, McShane guided Derry club Slaughtneil for nine seasons, leading them to a first Ulster title in 2016 and adding a further three before departing after a provincial final defeat by Cushendall in 2023.

In that time, McShane also spent three years with Tyrone's senior hurlers, leading them a Nicky Rackard Cup triumph in 2022.

"Michael brings a wealth of experience to the role, along with an extensive knowledge of Antrim hurling," said Antrim chairperson Seamus McMullan.

"We are an ambitious hurling county, and that ambition is shared by Michael and his incoming management team.

"Everyone across Antrim will wish them well, and when the competitions begin in 2027, the county will be fully behind our players and management.

"I also want to thank the selection committee for overseeing a diligent, thorough, and professional appointment process."

McShane's appointment is to be ratified as an Antrim county committee meeting next week.

Antrim will play in Division 1B of the National Hurling League and Joe McDonagh Cup in 2027.

David Mohan
BBC Sport NI journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Dublin's Ciaran Kilkenny has announced his retirement from inter-county football after 15 seasons.

The 33-year-old played in Sunday's All-Ireland SFC semi-final defeat by Kerry but the Castleknock man has decided to call time on his career.

Kilkenny, who represented Dublin both football and hurling at underage level, opted to focus on the big ball when called into the Dubs' senior panel by then manager Pat Gilroy in 2012.

In doing so, he turned down the opportunity for a move to Australian Rules and would go on to play a key role in Dublin's record-breaking run of six All-Ireland titles in a row between 2015 and 2020, while also winning medals in 2013 and 2023.

A dynamic forward, Kilkenny also picked up six All-Star awards, while adding 13 Leinster and five National League titles to his collection.

In a statement, Kilkenny paid tribute to his family, club, his former Dublin managers Pat Gilroy, Jim Gavin, Dessie Farrell and Ger Brennan.

"It has been the greatest honour of my life to play for Dublin, a dream I've had since childhood," he said.

"When I turned down the opportunity to play professional sport in Australia, it was because I knew that representing my club and county would always mean more to me. I could never have imagined how rewarding that decision would be.

"I have been fortunate and privileged to share a dressing room with so many legends of the game and I've made brothers for life.

"To those beginning your journey with Dublin GAA, I hope it brings you as much fulfilment as it brought me. I look forward to cheering Dublin on for many years."

Current Dublin boss Ger Brennan, who was a team-mate of Kilkenny during his own playing days, paid tribute to the "enduring legacy" he leaves.

"I was very fortunate to have both played with and managed Ciaran during his time in the blue jersey," said Brennan.

"He has brought huge leadership to the Dublin senior football team for over a decade and it has been a privilege to work with him.

"Ciaran embodied all that is great in a Dublin inter-county footballer - incredible teamwork, selflessness, work ethic, drive and skill.

"He leaves an enduring legacy for the next generation to aspire to."

Image source, Sportsfile

Antrim are back in an All-Ireland junior final after a 3-14 to 2-13 win against Sligo in Sunday's semi-final at Clones.

The Saffrons reached a fourth decider at junior level in six years with a hard-fought victory at St Tiernach's Park, with Maria O'Neill netting a hat-trick.

They will face Carlow in the Croke Park decider on Sunday, 2 August after they saw off Derry 4-7 to 1-7 in Sunday's other semi-final at Breffni Park.

Fermanagh are into an All-Ireland intermediate final after a 1-11 to 0-12 win over Down in the last four.

The influential Eimear Smyth scored 1-10 in the Ernesiders' victory and they will now face Roscommon in the final after they saw off Westmeath.