McKillion and McGourty rule the Mournes in Ulster Poc Fada

On a fine July evening, in the heart of picturesque County Down, Tyrone’s Paddy McKillion put on a powerful display to win his first O’Neills Ulster GAA Poc Fada title. The event took place in perfect conditions on a very challenging course on Hen Mountain, just outside Hilltown yesterday evening.

Speaking following the O’Neills Ulster GAA Poc Fada Ulster GAA President Martin McAviney said, “Congratulations to our hurlers and camogs from across Ulster who competed in this year’s O’Neills Ulster GAA Poc Fada. This is a brilliant event which celebrates individual hurling talent across a demanding mountain course.”

Kieran Kennedy from O’Neills stated, “O’Neills are delighted to once again sponsor this flagship event which celebrates talented hurlers and camogs across Ulster. This unique event brings together the very best of our great outdoors with Ireland’s most skillful sport. I commend all those involve and congratulate kings and queens of the mountain: Paddy McKillion (Senior Hurler), Catherine McGourty (Senior Camog), Anne-Marie Smyth (U16 Camog), and Reece McSorley (U16 Hurler).”

Competition took place in Senior and Under 16 Hurling and Camogie and all the winners were claiming their first Ulster titles. Tyrone’s Paddy McKillion’s winning score of 25 pucks saw him coming in just ahead of Down’s Karol Keating and Antrim’s Conor McAllister, with former champion, Sean McBride from Derry pushing the leaders all the way.

In the Camogie event it was the Down girls who led the way with Catherine McGourty winning the Senior title and Anne-Marie Smyth coming through in the Under 16 category.

Derry’s Reece McSorley edged home in the Under 16 Hurling from Stevie Curry from Tyrone.

Due to an unfortunate injury, reigning champion Ruairi Convery was unable to compete in the competition, however he was on hand to referee at the event and was impressed with the course and the standard of competition.

All the winners will now progress to represent Ulster in the National Poc Fada on 1st August in the Cooley Mountains in County Louth.

Complete album of photos from the Ulster Poc Fada is available to view on the Ulster GAA Facebook Page.