Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Uladh

McAlister and Devlin are 2024 Ulster Poc Fada senior champions

June 24th, 2024

Ruairí Óg and Granemore goalkeepers Conor McAlister and Cairrai Devlin became Ulster Number Ones as they were recently crowned the Ulster Poc Fada Senior Champions for 2024.

Weather conditions in Glenarm, Co. Antrim, were perfect as 27 competitors and over a hundred spectators made their way onto the mountain for the eagerly-anticipated contest.

The competition featured four categories: Senior and U16 Hurling, and Senior and U16 Camogie.

Cushendall man McAlister emerged as the winner in the Senior Hurling category, completing the course in 24 pocs and 89 yards to defeat Ballygalget’s Finbarr Kelly by 13yards.  At the halfway point, the all competitors were separated by just less than two pocs, with the top three senior hurlers finishing in eight pocs plus yards. Sean Kelly of Naomh Colm Cille, Tyrone, finished third.

The Under 16 Hurling competition saw Connor Delaney from Cootehill Celtic, Cavan, claim the title. He completed the course in 27 pocs and 72 yards, finishing ahead of Oran McAnarney from Ballela, Down, by 27 yards.

In the Senior Ladies category, Granmore’s Ciarrai Devlin secured the title, completing the course in 36 pocs and 109 yards, beating Caitie Connolly from Loughgiel Shamrocks by 29 yards. Just behind in third place was Bellaghy camog Grace Draine.

Katie Donnelly from St Brenda’s Ballymacnab, Armagh, came home in 34 pocs and 62 yards, defeating Liatroim’s Aoibhean Farrell by 33 yards.

Following the event, all participants, spotters and spectators were invited back to the Shane Uí Neill GAC clubrooms for refreshments and the presentation of awards. Each of the four winners received their trophies, Ulster medal and a £50 O’Neill’s Sportswear voucher sponsored by Ulster GAA & Ulster Camogie.

Ulster Vice Chairperson Michael Geoghegan expressed gratitude to Terence Mulvenna and Shane Uí Neill club for their outstanding hospitality and the fantastic venue.

Thanks were also extended to Ulster Camogie, emphasising the significance of both Camogs and Hurlers in making the event a success. St Johns Ambulance was acknowledged for providing medical coverage, and John McIlwaine received recognition for his photography services. (Full photography here)

Ulster GAA congratulates to all of our competitors, and we wish Conor McAlister, Finbarr Kelly, Ciarrai Devlin, Connor Delaney and Katie Donnelly all the very best of luck when they compete against the best in Ireland on Annaverna Mountain, the Cooley Range, Co. Louth, on Monday August 5th.

Full results below:

Senior Mens
Club
County
Out
+ yds
In
+ yds
Pocs
+ yds
1
Conor McAlister
Ruairi Og, Cushendall
Antrim
16
39
8
50
24
89
2
Finbarr Kelly
Ballygalget
Down
16
33
8
33
24
66
3
Sean Kelly
Naomh Colum Cille
Tyrone
17
53
8
20
25
73
4
Gearalt Ó Mianáin
Na Magha
Derry
17
61
9
70
26
131
5
Chris Mckernan
St Brigids Clougmills 
Fermanagh
18
22
9
95
27
117
6
Sean Conway
Monaghan Harps HC
Monaghan
19
38
9
76
28
114
7
Paddy Monagle
Carndonagh
Donegal
19
43
9
12
28
55
8
Connor McAnallen
Keady
Armagh
19
16
10
34
29
50
Senior Ladies
Club
County
Out
+ yds
In
+ yds
Pocs
+ yds
1
Ciarrai Devlin
St Mary’s Granemore
Armagh
25
53
11
56
36
109
2
Caitie Connolly
Loughgiel Shamrocks
Antrim
24
0
12
80
36
80
3
Grace Draine
Bellaghy
Derry
24
22
12
15
36
37
4
Geraldine Daly
Bredagh
Down
26
26
12
3
38
29
5
Marie Greenan
Clontibret 
Monaghan
27
48
12
53
39
101
6
Deirdre Doherty
Letterkenny Gaels/ St Eunans
Donegal
31
22
16
46
47
68
U16 Boys
Club
County
Out
+ yds
In
+ yds
Pocs
+ yds
1
Connor Delaney
Cootehill Celtic
Cavan
18
12
9
60
27
72
2
Oran McAnarney
Ballela
Down
18
16
9
26
27
42
3
Cian Doyle-Kennedy
Ballinascreen
Derry
20
35
9
42
29
77
4
Cormac McErlean
Eoghan Ruadh HC
Tyrone
20
59
9
13
29
72
5
Cadhan Graham
Oisins Glenariffe
Antrim
20
17
9
22
29
39
6
Pierce McConalogue
Carndonagh 
Donegal
22
20
11
21
33
41
7
Jack Murphy
Monaghan Harps
Monaghan
27
13
16
61
43
74
U16 Girls
Club
County
Out
+ yds
In
+ yds
Pocs
+ yds
1
Katie Donnelly
St Brenda’s, Ballymacnab 
Armagh
23
23
11
39
34
62
2
Aoibhean Farrel
Liatroim
Down
23
10
11
19
34
29
3
Caela Casey
Loughgiel Shamrocks
Antrim
25
38
11
78
36
116
4
Aoife McAteer
St Patrick’s, Dungiven
Derry
24
10
12
62
36
72
5
Cassie Lambe
St Eunans
Donegal
27
28
13
23
40
51
6
Katie Rose Donnelly
Fr Shields
Tyrone
29
42
14
62
43
104

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