Derry Minor Footballers - All-Ireland Semi-Final 2026

Derry’s minor footballers reached the 2026 Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Championship semi-final after a convincing six-point win over Roscommon at Kingspan Breffni in the quarter-final. For supporters who followed the Oak Leaf County’s underage journey, the semi-final appearance was a reminder of just how consistently Derry have punched at minor level in recent years. The game drew in followers of GAA underage football from across the county - this is the grade where the next generation of senior players announce themselves, and Derry’s record at minor level gives every reason to pay attention.

What to expect

The semi-final was part of the Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Championship, the premier competition for inter-county players aged 17 and under. Derry faced Cork at Parnell Park in Dublin on 21 June 2026, with Cork winning 2-19 to 2-8 in a game that was tight at half-time before Cork pulled clear in the second half. Derry came out hard after the break and briefly led, but Cork’s experience and scoring power ultimately proved decisive. It was the end of Derry’s 2026 minor campaign - one that had shown genuine quality in getting to the last four in the country.

The Electric Ireland sponsorship has raised the profile of minor football considerably, with games streamed and covered in detail by national media. Attending an All-Ireland minor semi-final is a notably different atmosphere from a local championship - large crowds, fast football, and the visible pressure of genuinely high stakes for young players.

Getting there

Parnell Park in Donnycarney, Dublin was the match venue. From Derry city, the drive to Dublin takes around two to two and a half hours via the M1 motorway. Bus Eireann and Translink both run services between Derry and Dublin, with journey times of roughly three hours. From Dublin city centre, Parnell Park is reachable by bus along the Clontarf Road corridor. Parking around the ground is limited and street-based; supporters are advised to use public transport or park further out and walk or get a bus in.

While you’re in Derry

Whether fans travelled south for the semi-final or followed the game from home, Derry city itself offers plenty for GAA supporters visiting the county. Celtic Park, home of Derry GAA, is a short walk from the city walls and worth a look if you are in the area. There is more to see in Derry and across Co. Derry.

Good to know

• Date: 21 June 2026 (semi-final played; original listing anticipated 11-12 July)
• Venue: Parnell Park, Donnycarney, Dublin
• Result: Cork 2-19 Derry 2-8
• Part of the Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Championship
• Fixture details and future Derry minor games at derrygaa.ie
• Ticket prices for Electric Ireland minor championship semi-finals typically start from around £10 / €10