Donegal wins over Kerry and Meath - the hurling highlights of 2025

Donegal two victories in Division 2, one of which was against Kerry, was among the highlights of the hurling year according to Hurling Officer, Cormac Hartnett’s report to the Donegal GAA Convention, which takes place on Wednesday night in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey.

The report states that the win over Kerry was historic in being the first win over a Munster county and overall the league was good for the county.

“Donegal then moved onto the Christy Ring, a level we were only at once in 2019 and a competition where we had never previously won a game. The Donegal aim was to make sure we kept our status.

“Donegal had Derry first in a much tougher game and it went to the wire with Derry beating us by 4 points. We then had a really poor day in front of the posts against Wicklow and shot 17 wides, losing by a point which was a tough pill to swallow. Donegal had to regroup and secure a couple of victories to keep us safe and we did that with a good win over Tyrone, a solid losing performance to London (eventual winners) and a further and first ever win over Meath. 

“The players in this squad have given great commitment this year and are keen to play at the highest possible standard and Donegal simply need more consistency with performances at these higher levels,” says Hartnett’s report, who goes on to wish all the managers well for 2026.

Hartnett pays tribute to the county officers for the promotion of county hurling final days, which, he says, have been attracting increased attendances due to the great organisational input.

“We are striving forward. We have a County Board that is more aware of the issues and needs of hurling and a Hurling Officer position and a Hurling Committee all of whom wish to ensure further progression and success. Clubs within the County have shown an active interest in developing hurling at various levels within their own set up, be that through regularisations etc.,” says the report.

“A very significant majority of our clubs have a relationship with Hurling in 2025. It is correct that further resources are needed for Donegal Hurling. This is an understated fact. The Donegal Academy from a Hurling perspective is recognised as being currently under resourced with pivotal positions such as an Academy head of Hurling required and active steps are in play to address this and other academy needs. This is a priority at this moment.

READ NEXT: In pictures: Fans brave the rain as Gaeil Fhánada win U-21D title against Bundoran

“We have worked hard to promote new clubs and are delighted to say that 7 new clubs have commenced hurling this year. Congratulations to these new clubs namely Naomh Muire, St Michaels, Downings, Termon, Glenswilly, Ardara and Killybegs. It is at this moment anticipated that the 20th of November 2025 will see the media launch in Donegal of this Croke Park assisted initiative, with the seven new clubs and their players, William Maher, the National head of Hurling and our own Chairperson, all in attendance, together with well-known inter county players. It should be a great event for the clubs, their new players and will receive National and local coverage. A three-phase plan of support and assistance to these clubs will be outlined and discussed.”