County final season is gathering pace across Ireland, but nine clubs still have an even bigger prize in sight. These teams remain alive in both senior hurling and Gaelic football, leaving them just a few wins away from an extraordinary county double.
For supporters, it is the ideal time of year: packed club grounds, local rivalries, county finals and the possibility of history. From Wexford to Donegal, the latest GAA news shows just how competitive the 2026 club championship has become.
The GAA clubs chasing senior county glory in both codes
St Martin’s, Wexford
St Martin’s are attempting to build on an exceptional period for the club. After winning the Wexford senior hurling championship and an intermediate football title last year, they went on to claim Leinster senior hurling honours with a memorable victory over Ballyhale Shamrocks.
The hurlers are now preparing for a county semi-final against Rathnure. Their footballers have also reached the last four after a convincing quarter-final win over Castletown, setting up a meeting with Kilanerin. The possibility of two senior county finals remains firmly alive.
Monaleen, Limerick
Monaleen’s rise through the Limerick ranks has been rapid. The club’s hurlers edged past Mungret St Paul’s in the quarter-final, with a late Lorcan Lyons point securing a 0-21 to 1-17 victory. Kilmallock await in the semi-final.
The footballers have matched that progress. A late Darragh Murray goal helped them defeat Rathkeale, and Fr Casey’s now stand between Monaleen and a place in the football final. Two close wins have kept their double challenge on track.
St Finbarr’s, Cork
St Finbarr’s supporters have plenty to look forward to. The club’s hurlers booked their place in the Cork final by defeating Kanturk, with a powerful finish featuring seven unanswered points. Ben Cunningham contributed 11 points, while Ethan Twomey and Brian Hayes also played key roles.
Glen Rovers will provide the opposition in the hurling decider on October 18. Before then, the footballers must overcome Clonakilty in their semi-final. Victory would give the historic Cork club a chance to compete for both county titles.
Cuala, Dublin
Cuala remain a major force in Dublin GAA. Their footballers reached the county final after dethroning Ballyboden St Enda’s, earning a meeting with Castleknock. The Dalkey club won its first Dublin title in 2024 before adding Leinster and All-Ireland success.
The hurlers are also in contention after beating Whitehall Colmcille in the quarter-final. Na Fianna are next in their path, meaning Cuala face a busy fortnight as both teams attempt to reach their respective county finals.
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Slaughtneil, Derry
Slaughtneil have already secured the hurling portion of their campaign. Their 0-20 to 1-14 win over Kevin Lynch’s delivered a remarkable 14th consecutive Derry senior hurling title.
Attention now turns to football. A quarter-final victory over Ballinderry sent Slaughtneil into the semi-finals, where Magherafelt await. Another county title would add to one of the strongest dual-code records in modern club GAA.
St Eunan’s, Donegal
St Eunan’s secured their third Donegal senior hurling title in dramatic fashion, defeating Setanta by a single point after extra time. Fearghal Delaney’s late goal proved decisive in a 1-18 to 1-17 final.
The Letterkenny club are now one football win away from completing the double. Their semi-final victory over Gaoth Dobhair set up a county final against Naomh Conaill, with goals from Dylan Doogan and Ciaran Moore making the difference.
Naas, Kildare
Naas are familiar figures in any conversation about county GAA dominance. Their footballers advanced to the semi-finals after beating Johnstownbridge, while Maynooth are next. The hurlers are also at the same stage and face Éire Óg Corra Choill.
The club’s hurlers are chasing an eighth consecutive Kildare title. Although Athy ended the footballers’ bid for five in a row last year, Naas remain firmly in the hunt for another two-title campaign.
Maynooth, Kildare
Maynooth knocked Athy out of the football championship in extra time and now face the formidable Naas in the semi-final. Their hurlers have also reached the last four, where Celbridge stand in their way.
That creates a fascinating scenario: Maynooth will face another club from this list in both competitions. They could keep their double hopes alive while ending two rival campaigns.
Celbridge, Kildare
Celbridge complete the Kildare trio. Their footballers have reached a remarkable 13th consecutive semi-final appearance after beating Raheens, with Sarsfields next on the schedule.
The hurlers finished their group campaign with a win over Ardclough and will meet Maynooth in the semi-final. Both Celbridge teams remain two victories from county glory, ensuring another tense period for Kildare GAA followers.
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What happens next in the GAA championship?
The next round of semi-finals will decide which clubs can turn a promising dual campaign into two county final appearances. St Finbarr’s, St Eunan’s and Slaughtneil already have one title secured, while the remaining clubs are still chasing success on both fronts.
For these nine clubs, the pressure is now at its highest. Every score, selection decision and late-game moment could determine whether the 2026 season becomes a memorable double or a near miss. The coming weeks will provide some of the most compelling GAA fixtures and GAA results of the club year.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
