REPRESENTATIVES from the schools competing in the 2026 Lidl All-Ireland Junior Post-Primary Schools Finals gathered at Croke Park today ahead of next week’s deciders.
Schools from Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Galway, Mayo and Westmeath are aiming for the silverware on offer on Wednesday March 18th and Thursday March 19th.
The action gets underway with the Junior ‘C’ final on Wednesday March 18th, as Salerno Secondary School, representing Galway, take on St. John Bosco Community College from Kildysart in Clare.
Salerno Secondary School will aim to bring the title to Connacht for the second time in three years, while St. John Bosco Community College are aiming to become the first Munster winners since Presentation Milltown (Kerry) in 2023.
In their respective semi-finals, Salerno Secondary School got the better of Monaghan opponents Coláiste Oiriall, as St. John Bosco defeated Offaly’s St. Mary’s Secondary School, Edenderry.
On Thursday March 19th, attention switches to the Junior ‘B’ and Junior ‘A’ Finals.
The Junior ‘B’ Final pits last year’s ‘C’ winners, Bailieborough CS, against St Leo’s Secondary School from Carlow.
St. Ronan’s College, Lurgan (Armagh) were the last Ulster winners of the Junior ‘B’ title in 2024, with Bailieborough CS looking to follow in their footsteps, while a St. Leo’s victory would bring the silverware to Leinster for the first time since victory for Kildare’s Maynooth Education Campus in 2023.
At the semi-final stage, Bailieborough CS prevailed against Leitrim’s Carrick-on-Shannon CS, as St. Leo’s overcame Tipperary’s Cashel Community School.
The Junior ‘A’ decider will be contested by Moate Community School from Westmeath and Mayo’s Sacred Heart School, Westport.
Moate CS will be hoping to retain the title they won last year, as Sacred Heart School, who were beaten finalists in 2022, aim to go one better on this occasion.
In the semi-finals, Moate CS overcame the challenge of Cork’s St Mary’s Secondary School, Macroom, as Sacred Heart School won a similarly close game against Our Lady’s Grammar School from Newry in Down.
Once the Junior finals are complete, focus will switch to the Senior deciders, to be played on Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday March 24th/25th/26th.
Representatives from the teams competing in the Senior Finals will visit Croke Park on Thursday March 19th for a photocall ahead of those games.
Looking ahead to the Junior finals, LGFA President, Trina Murray, said: “The Ladies Gaelic Football Association is always proud to see the next generation of players take centre stage at the Lidl All‑Ireland Post Primary Schools Finals. These finals are hugely important dates on the LGFA calendar and represent months of dedication from players, teachers and schools across the country.
“Year after year, the standard of football continues to rise, and these competitions provide young players with a fantastic opportunity to develop their skills, build friendships and represent their schools with pride. Many of today’s county stars first experienced national success at this level, so it’s a very special stepping stone in their journey.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the continued support of Lidl Ireland. Their commitment to Ladies Football has been, and continues to be, transformational, not only at inter-county level but right through the grassroots and schools game. Thanks to Lidl’s backing, these competitions continue to grow and give young players the platform they deserve to shine.”
Eimear O’Sullivan, Corporate Affairs Director at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, said: “At Lidl, we are immensely proud of our long-standing partnership with the LGFA, and the All-Ireland Post-Primary Schools competitions hold a very special place in that journey. This competition is about more than just the result on the scoreboard; it’s about fostering community spirit, building resilience and providing a national stage for the future stars of the game. We are committed to supporting Ladies Gaelic Football at every level, and it’s so inspiring to see these players represent their schools and counties with such pride. We wish all the finalists the very best of luck in what promises to be an unforgettable two days of action.”
2026 Lidl All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Finals – Times, venues and ticket details TBC unless stated
Wednesday, 18th March, 2026
Lidl PPS All-Ireland Junior ‘C’ Final
Salerno Secondary School, Galway v St. John Bosco Community College, Kildysart, Clare; St Brigid’s GAA, Kiltoom, Roscommon – 1pm (result on the day)
Thursday, 19th March 2026
Lidl PPS All-Ireland Junior ‘B’ Final
Bailieborough CS, Cavan v St. Leo’s Secondary School, Carlow; Clann Mhuire GFC, Dublin – 12pm (result on the day)
Lidl PPS All-Ireland Junior ‘A’ Final
Moate Community School, Westmeath v Sacred Heart School, Westport, Mayo; Orchard Park, Elphin GAA, Roscommon – 1pm (result on the day)
Tuesday, 24th March 2026
Lidl PPS All-Ireland Senior ‘C’ Final
Ballinrobe CS, Mayo v St. Anne’s Secondary School, Tipperary – TBC
Wednesday, 25th March 2026
Lidl PPS All-Ireland Senior ‘B’ Final
Bailieborough Community School, Cavan v Calasanctius College, Oranmore, Galway v Coláiste na Sceilge, Cahirciveen, Kerry / Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew, Wicklow
Semi-finals being played on Wednesday March 11th.
Thursday, 26th March 2026
Lidl PPS All-Ireland Senior ‘A’ Final
St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point, Clare / Moate Community School, Westmeath v Our Lady and St. Patrick’s, Knock, Antrim / Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Galway
Semi-finals to be played on Thursday March 12th.