Derry GAA - All-Ireland Minor Football Championship 2026

Derry’s minor footballers gave supporters plenty to shout about in the 2026 Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Championship. After coming so close in Ulster, the Oak Leafers took their campaign into the national series and pushed through to the last four, making this one of the better summers in recent memory for underage football from the county. If you follow Derry GAA or have a young footballer at home who looks up to the county panel, this is the story of the 2026 campaign.

What to expect

The 2026 campaign followed a familiar pattern for Derry minors. They reached the Ulster Minor Football Championship Final, where they led Tyrone at half-time in O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny - 1-07 to 1-05 - before Tyrone powered through in the second half to retain the provincial title. The final score was Derry 1-12, Tyrone 2-16.

That defeat did not end the season. Derry qualified for the All-Ireland series and beat Connacht champions Roscommon 2-12 to 1-9 in the quarter-final at Kingspan Breffni, Cavan, with goals from Rocco Devlin and Gabriel Gormley. In the semi-final at Parnell Park on 20 June, Cork’s second-half performance proved too much, with the Rebels winning 2-19 to 2-8. Derry had briefly led after the break before Cork struck two goals to seal their place in the final.

The squad - trained by Kieran Glackin - showed real quality throughout, and several players will be expected to push for county development squads in the seasons ahead. Minor championships are where you first see the names you will be watching at senior level for the next decade.

Getting there

For home matches or nearby championship fixtures, Derry city is straightforward to reach. From Belfast, the A6 is the direct road route, roughly 70 miles and about an hour’s drive. Bus Eireann and Translink both run coach services between Dublin, Belfast and Derry. The city’s bus terminus is close to the city centre and within walking distance of the main facilities. For matches held at neutral GAA venues across Ulster - Cavan, Letterkenny or elsewhere - check gaa.ie for the confirmed ground and plan accordingly. Parking at GAA grounds is generally available on-site or in nearby fields; arriving 45 minutes before throw-in avoids the worst of it.

While you’re in Derry

Derry city is one of the most walkable cities on the island, with the 17th-century walls still intact and the Bogside murals just below them. A championship day pairs well with a wander around the old city before or after. There is more to see in Derry and across Co. Derry.

Good to know

• The 2026 All-Ireland Minor Football Championship semi-final took place on Saturday 20 June; Derry’s campaign for 2026 is now concluded
• The All-Ireland Minor Final (Cork v Tyrone) is scheduled for July 2026 - check gaa.ie for the confirmed date and venue
• Tickets for GAA championship matches are available at gaa.ie or Ticketmaster; prices typically start from GBP 10 for adults
• For future Derry GAA fixtures, check derrygaa.ie for the full fixture list