Gaelic Games

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Kilkenny's seven-time All-Ireland winner TJ Reid has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.

Reid joined Kilkenny's senior panel in 2007 and went on to win 14 Leinster senior titles, five National Hurling League medals and seven All-Star awards.

The 38-year-old was named hurler of the year in 2015 and also became the all-time leading scorer in senior hurling championship history with 43 goals and 672 points.

"TJ Reid has given extraordinary service to Kilkenny hurling over almost twenty years. His achievements speak for themselves, but it is the manner in which he represented Kilkenny, his commitment to the jersey, and the standards he set throughout his career that will leave a lasting impression," Kilkenny GAA Chairman PJ Kenny said in a statement.

"He has been a wonderful ambassador for Kilkenny GAA and a firm favourite with our supporters, who have enjoyed so many memorable moments thanks to his exceptional talent.

"On behalf of Kilkenny GAA, I want to sincerely thank TJ for everything he has given to our county."

The Shamrocks Ballyhale clubman also won six All-Ireland Senior Club titles and 13 Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship medals.

"After 20 seasons in black and amber, I have decided to bring my Kilkenny senior hurling career to an end," Reid posted on social media.

"Walking away from something that has been such a huge part of my life is not easy, but I leave with immense pride and no regrets.

"When I first wore the Kilkenny jersey in 2007, I never imagined I would still be representing my county two decades later. It has been the greatest privilege of my life."

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Tyrone's Conor McKenna has signed a two-year contract extension with Australian Football League side Brisbane Lions.

The 30-year-old half-back joined the Lions in 2023 and helped the Queensland side win the Premiership title in 2024 and 2026.

The Eglish native previously had a five-year spell with Essendon before returning home to help Tyrone win the All-Ireland SFC title in 2021.

This year, McKenna helped the Lions clinch a third straight Premiership title with victory over the Fremantle Dockers in the AFL Grand Final at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The Lions have also tied Lincoln McCarthy and Darcy Fort down to contract extensions.

"It is fantastic to have Darcy, Conor and Linc committed to the Brisbane Lions as they have all played an important role in our success and will continue to do so," said Lions general manager Danny Daly.

"All three offer plenty on field as players, and their experience and leadership are also incredibly valuable - especially in supporting our younger players.

"We look forward to having all three players and their families continue to be part of the Brisbane Lions."

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The Antrim Senior Hurling Championship final between Cushendall and Dunloy has been postponed until 1 November due to Storm Boelo.

The club showpiece was set to be played at McQuillan Park in Ballycastle on Sunday but has now been moved because of an impending yellow weather warning, with winds of up to 75mph expected this weekend.

"The safety of everyone attending is our top priority," said a statement from Antrim GAA.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding and cooperation."

While St John's won the Antrim title last year, Cushendall and Dunloy shared the previous eight trophies between them.

The sides have also met in three of the past seven finals, as Dunloy's four-in-a-row from 2019 was countered by consecutive titles for the Ruairi Ogs in 2023 and 2024.

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The majority of male inter-county Gaelic footballers are opposed to further significant rule changes but are broadly supportive of the introduction of Friday night matches.

According to the Gaelic Players Association (GPA)'s 2026 member survey report, which was launched on Wednesday, 76% of male players are against further rule changes following the implementation of the Football Review Committee (FRC)'s tweaks in 2025.

While the FRC's suite of rule enhancements - which included the introduction of two-point scores and the 'three-up' rule - have been widely viewed as a success, the Kevin McStay-led Expert Advisory Group are trialling further changes.

They include a limit on consecutive handpasses, banning fisted points and introducing a four-point goal and are currently being trialled in third-level leagues.

However, the majority of players are not in favour of more upheaval, with 23.5% suggesting that only small tweaks are required after two seasons with the FRC-led alterations.

In hurling, there is support for three possible changes, including the maor foirne (66%) and an increase of substitutions from five to seven (58%). A slight majority (51%) want to see a two-point sideline cut while 91% are against a four-point goal.

When asked to outline the biggest problem in hurling, 44% of respondents said the gap between strong and weak counties is too wide.

In terms of Friday night games, 63% of male footballers and hurlers are supportive if they are not required to take time off work or are compensated if they do.

"It has never been put as a formal proposal to players, so this is the first time that we've asked the question," said GPA chief Tom Parsons.

"At least we have data now. I think what's important is that, where is the stumbling block? Because if it's designed where players can take a day off work, and that will be compensated, then we have a real opportunity to actually go for it."

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According to Parsons' executive summary, "equality of standards" is a clear theme.

"Among male players familiar with the Charter, 88% reported receiving their full entitlements," wrote Parsons.

"For female players, core match-day provisions are generally strong, but significant gaps remain in the training and performance environment. Both male and female lower-tier players consistently report lower provision.

"Female players identify the timing of expenses as an immediate priority: 70% report at least one significant issue with the current two-instalment system and 94% support monthly reimbursement in 2027.

"78% of all players support equalising one minimum standards Squad Charter for all inter-county players post integration."

Also, 86% of players feel they should commercially benefit from their name, image and likeness.

The GPA's survey attracted responses from 3,555 inter-county players across men's and ladies football, hurling and camogie.

John McGovern
BBC Sport NI contributor

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Crossmaglen Rangers manager Shane Lennon says the heartbreak of last year's championship exit fuelled his side's determination to reclaim the Armagh Senior Football Championship title.

Rangers secured their 48th county crown with a 1-19 to 0-17 win over Killeavy in Sunday's final, with Pearse Blessing's second-half goal helping them pull clear at the Athletic Grounds.

Lennon recalled the pain of surrendering a nine-point lead against Cullyhanna with seven minutes remaining in last year's semi-final.

"There's a lot of hurt from last year," Lennon told BBC Sport NI.

"The feeling that we had in that dressing room and going back on the bus, it was unbelievable.

"It has driven everyone on. We started doing a bit of running just before Christmas last year and gradually built it up."

Lennon revealed that the squad had collectively committed to winning the championship following that disappointment.

"We sat down after that game and said in a meeting, 'How are we going to win a championship?'.

"Forty-two of us in the room, including the management, said yes, we're going to win a championship. Here we are."

"We took the toughest route we could. After the Clann Eireann game, we built on that performance to get to where we are today. It's unbelievable."

Despite the presence of established stars, Lennon reserved particular praise for Crossmaglen's younger players, including Blessing, who starred in the second half.

"People will naturally look at the O'Neills and McConvilles, but it's hard to believe Pearse Blessing is only 21. There are a lot of young lads chomping at the bit," he said.

"There were a few harsh truths throughout the league, but when a team produces that when the chips are down, it's a credit to them.

"We knew we weren't always going to get eight or nine two-pointers. We were going to have to graft and step inside."

With an Ulster quarter-final against Cavan champions Gowna awaiting, Lennon hopes the county triumph will allow his players greater freedom.

"We've taken the pressure off the lads, and hopefully we can express ourselves a little bit more now coming into the championship."