Sports
Cathal O’Neill reflects on All-Ireland Man of the Match performance
Cathal O’Neill reflects on All-Ireland Man of the Match performance
Cathal O’Neill says it is “unreal to have” the 2026 All-Ireland Man of the Match trophy following Limerick’s historic win
Cathal O’Neill has been announced as the 2026 Sunday Game All-Ireland Final Man of the Match following their 1-29 to 1-18 win over Galway.
O’Neill impressed with a 1-04 game, with his goal helping the Treaty Men pull away from the Tribesmen in the second half.
Speaking with RTÉ Sport on Sunday evening at, Cathal said it was “unreal to have” the man of the match award as well as the Liam McCarthy Cup, bringing the trophy back to Limerick for the first time in three years.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
The Crecora man said, “ We were hoping that performance would come all year, and I think there were signs in training and stuff that the lads can see, uh, that the performance is coming. We were just a small bit off the last few games, and, uh, it’s just so satisfying to get that performance on the final day.”
Speaking about his teammates, O’Neill said that the likes of Cian Lynch and William O’Donoghue have “set the standard” for what is expected in the squad.
He told RTÉ Sport, “This is my sixth year on the panel, so they’ve set the standards since I’ve been there six years ago. There are countless men there that you’re looking up to each night of training, driving standards. It’s not easy, but look, this is a standard that all of us young players need to get to and keep driving the team forward.”
Congratulating Cathal, his club Crecora Manister GAA said, “Huge congratulations to our own Cathal O’Neill on an incredible All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final performance and a richly deserved Man of the Match award.
Cathal’s journey is one that everyone in Crecora Manister GAA Club knows well. From his earliest days in our club colours to performing on the biggest stage of all, his commitment, dedication and relentless work ethic have been constant. Talent opens doors but it is the countless hours of hard work, both seen and unseen, that have helped bring him to this moment.”
Limerick band Puppets to play debut show in The Record Room on Friday, August 28
Get Creative at The Painted Pot – Pottery Fun for All Ages at Barnagh Greenway Hub
The Hunt Museum offers a stellar line up of events for National Heritage Week 2026
Social Farming Connects Limerick Communities
5 events in Limerick this weekend, August 14 – August 16
5 events in Limerick this weekend, August 14 – August 16
A Tribute to Costellos Tavern- Sticky Floor, Mon Amour
Limerick hurlers bring a smile to Children’s Ark at University Hospital Limerick
WATCH Limerick Back on top as Treaty Men Crowned 2026 All Ireland Hurling Champions
