2025 ZuCar All-Ireland U-18 Finals
CAPTAINS from the six competing teams have gathered at Croke Park ahead of next Saturday’s (July 26) 2025 ZuCar All-Ireland U-18 Championship Finals.
With the countdown well underway to three cracking games, the respective team captains Allie Tobin (Cork), Charlie Murphy (Dublin), Aisling Crowe (Clare), Aoibheann Durcan (Sligo), Ava Connolly (Waterford) and Aoife Keegan (Westmeath) visited Croke Park for a pre-finals photocall.
The 2025 ZuCar All-Ireland U-18 ‘A’ Final pits Cork against Dublin at Grant Heating St. Brendan’s Park in Birr (1.30pm), while the ‘B’ Final features Clare and Sligo at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence (2.30pm). In the ‘C’ Final, Waterford will take on Westmeath in Baltinglass (2.30pm).
What promises to be an enthralling ‘A’ Final features Cork, who were winners most recently in 2022, against Dublin, whose last title was achieved in 2012.
The A Final
Cork last featured in an ‘A’ Final three years ago, while Dublin’s previous appearance at this stage of the competition was in 2016, when they were defeated by Cork.
Cork are aiming to win the ‘A’ title for a 13th time, as Dublin chase their third crown, following on from successes in 2012 and 2008.
The B Final
In the ‘B’ Final, holders Sligo are back again and aiming for back-to-back crowns, following last year’s victory against Tyrone.
It’s a third successive ‘B’ Final appearance for Sligo, who were runners-up in 2023, and their opponents are Clare, who can boast a 100 per cent record in ‘B’ Finals after winning in 2017, 2013 and 2012.
The C Final
In the ‘C’ Final, Waterford will put their title on the line when they face Westmeath, who were ‘A’ Shield runners-up in 2010.
This is a third ‘C’ Final appearance on the trot for Waterford, who beat Armagh last year after losing to Donegal in 2023.
The ZuCar All-Ireland U-18 ‘A’ Final will be streamed live on the Spórt TG4 YouTube Page, https://www.youtube.com/@SportTG4/streams while the ‘B’ and ‘C’ Finals will be available to view on the LGFA Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/LadiesGaelicFootball/ and YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@LadiesFootballTV/streams
Looking ahead to the games, Ladies Gaelic Football Association President, Trina Murray, commented: “We’re looking forward to what should be three excellent games. All six teams have shown really good form en route to the finals and I wish them the very best of luck ahead of Saturday.
“We’re also delighted to have the continued support of ZuCar as competition sponsors. ZuCar came on board with us in 2021 as the LGFA’s Official Performance partner and they’re also our Gaelic4Teens programme sponsors.
“I wish to acknowledge the wonderful contribution that ZuCar have made during the course of our partnership to date. I’m also delighted that all three of Saturday’s games will be available to viewers who can’t be present at the venues.”
Speaking on behalf of ZuCar, Chief Executive Mr. Gavin Hydes commented: “As the Ladies Gaelic Football Association’s Official Performance Partner, and sponsor of the ZuCar Gaelic4Teens programme, we are also very proud sponsors of the ZuCar All-Ireland U-18 Championships, which culminate for 2025 with Finals in the ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ grades.
“Congratulations to all six teams on reaching their respective finals. This is a phenomenal achievement that takes a lot of hard work, commitment, dedication, and the support of every player’s family. I am sure the accomplishment of playing in the final will be an experience that every player and their families will cherish for a lifetime.
“ZuCar is part of the Joe Duffy Group and shares many values and beliefs with the LGFA, including passion, continuous improvement, and dedication to excellence. We believe that Gaelic Games is at the heart of every Irish community and our support of the LGFA is central to the Group’s corporate responsibility programme.”
Saturday, July 26th, 2025
2025 ZuCar All-Ireland U18 Championship Finals
‘A’ – Cork v Dublin; Grant Heating St Brendan’s Park, Birr, Co. Offaly, 1.30pm – Live on Spórt TG4 YouTube
‘B’ – Clare v Sligo; Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Bekan, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, 2.30pm – Live on LGFA Facebook and YouTube
‘C’ – Waterford v Westmeath, Baltinglass GAA, Co. Wicklow, 2.30pm – Live on LGFA Facebook and YouTube