The Victoria league finals concluded on Sunday 28 May at La Trobe University, Bundoora. Congratulations to all league winners, including the fledgling Young Melbourne club, who claimed their first-ever league silverware, as well as Garryowen, who won three of their four finals. Read the round-up from each of the finals below.
Women’s senior football
St Kevin’s 2-06 – 1-05 Sinn Féin
Sunday 28 May
In the women’s senior football final, Sinn Féin took on St Kevin’s. The standard in ladies football has risen greatly this year with hotly contested games throughout the league. It was victory for St Kevin’s on a final scoreline of 2-06 to 1-05. Mona Sheridan in her first year at St. Kevin’s accepted the trophy as captain, with player of the match going to Jayne Moore.
Men’s senior football
Garryowen 0-18 – 1-11 Wolfe Tones
Sunday 28 May
The men’s senior football final saw Garryowen take on rivals Wolfe Tones again. This was an exceptional match with both teams fighting eagerly for the victory. Garryowen came out on top with the score at the final whistle being 0-18 to 1-11. Garryowen captain Stephen Cahill lifted the cup, with the player of the match being awarded to Fearghal McMahon.
Camogie
Garryowen 1-9 – 1-3 Melbourne Shamrocks
Sunday 28 May
In the camogie final, we had reigning winners Melbourne Shamrocks take on Garryowen. In a first for the Garryowen team, they came away as victors with the final score of 1-9 to 1-3. Garryowen captain Paula Collins raised the cup, and the player of the tournament was awarded to Sinéad Touhy. President Conor Hennessey commented that the standard of camogie has risen in Victoria, and it is promising to see how it progresses in the coming year.
Hurling
Melbourne Shamrocks 1-25 – 0-16 Garryowen
Sunday 28 May
The hurling final saw an incredible tussle between Melbourne Shamrocks and Garryowen. Shamrocks were victorious at full time with an outstanding result of 1-25 to 0-16. Melbourne Shamrocks captain Paul Morris picked up the silverware with the player of the match being awarded to Jason Stanley.
Women’s intermediate football
Padraig Pearses 2-6 – 0-4 Sinn Féin
Sunday 21 May
Padraig Pearses claimed the intermediate league with a convincing eight-point win over Sinn Féin.
Men’s intermediate football
Garryowen 2-7 – 1-8 Wolfe Tones
Saturday 20 May
The men’s intermediate league final was a repeat of old rivals Garryowen and Wolfe Tones. There’s never a dull game when these two clubs play, their usual high standard on display throughout the competition. The men in red and black got over the line this time round on a scoreline of 2-7 Garryowen to Wolfe Tones’ 1-8. Garryowen’s captain Mark O’Driscoll accepted the trophy, and the player of the match was awarded to Eddie Goggin. The men’s intermediate league had seven teams participating for the first time. This is a great sign of the significant growth in participation in Victoria in 2023.
Men’s intermediate football shield
Young Melbourne 3-12 – Pearses 3-10
Saturday 20 May
The shield final was contested by Young Melbourne and Padraig Pearses, Young Melbourne snatching victory by a couple of points after extra time. It was a memorable victory for the fledgling club, and a testament to the great strides they’ve made since they formation. The final score was Young Melbourne 3-12 to Pearses 3-10. Young Melbourne’s captain Ollie McKeon lifted the shield with the player of the match awarded to Graham Glynn.