McAlister and Devlin are 2024 Ulster Poc Fada senior champions

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: