GAA Action Recap: January 11th – A Weekend of Intense Competition
January 11th, 2026, delivered a captivating day of Gaelic games, filled with compelling inter-county clashes and thrilling All-Ireland club finals. From hard-fought battles in the Dr McKenna Cup to decisive victories in the Walsh Cup, the weekend showcased the passion and skill that define Gaelic football and hurling. Understanding these early-season performances is crucial for fans tracking their countyS progress and anticipating the upcoming championship season.
Dr McKenna Cup – Northern Grit and Determination
The Dr McKenna Cup continued to provide valuable early-season game time, with Tyrone securing a narrow 0-18 to 1-11 win against Down in Pomeroy. I’ve found that these close contests are excellent indicators of a team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Monaghan demonstrated remarkable attacking prowess, defeating Fermanagh 1-17 to 3-8 in Castleblayney. Despite Fermanagh’s three goals, Monaghan’s consistent scoring proved to be the deciding factor.
Donegal asserted their dominance with a convincing 1-15 to 0-7 victory over Antrim in cargin,highlighting their strong preparation for the season ahead. This result signals Donegal as a team to watch in the upcoming Ulster Championship.
Connacht FBD League – mayo’s Commanding Performance
Mayo reaffirmed their status as Connacht champions with a dominant 0-22 to 1-6 win over Roscommon at Dr Hyde Park. The Westerners controlled both possession and the scoreboard, setting a high standard for the rest of the league. Did you no that Mayo has consistently been a top contender in Connacht football for over a decade?
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to team formations and player combinations in these early league games, as they often foreshadow tactical approaches for the championship.
Munster Hurling League – Tipperary’s Sharpening Edge
Tipperary showcased their hurling skills with a 1-16 to 1-7 victory over Kerry in Tralee. The Premier County’s superior touch and movement proved decisive as the game progressed. This win provides a positive momentum boost for Tipperary as they prepare for the Munster Championship.
McGrath Cup – Kerry’s Ruthless Display and Limerick’s Upset
Kerry delivered a commanding performance, overwhelming Waterford 1-27 to 0-1 at Dr Crokes. The sheer dominance displayed by Kerry underscores their continued strength in Munster football.
In a surprising result, Cork suffered a defeat against Limerick, with the Munster champions winning 3-11 to 0-15. Limerick’s potent goal-scoring ability proved to be the key to their victory.
Walsh Cup – Dublin and Galway Advance
Dublin secured their place in the final with a thorough 3-24 to 2-14 win over Westmeath at Parnell Park. Galway also impressed, earning a strong 2-22 to 0-16 victory over Offaly in Ballinasloe.
The Walsh Cup Shield semi-finals saw Kilkenny comfortably defeat Laois 2-17 to 0-
