Tipperary teams impress on the national stage during the John West Féile na nGael

The John West Féile na nGael 2026 competitions took place last weekend

Tipperary clubs enjoyed a successful and memorable weekend at the 2026 John West Féile na nGael hurling finals, with representatives competing across Divisions 1, 2 and 3 and producing a series of impressive performances against some of the strongest underage teams in the country.

In Division 1, Nenagh Éire Óg travelled to the Centre of Excellence in Portlaoise for finals day, where ideal weather and playing conditions provided the backdrop for a highly competitive programme of games.

Nenagh opened their campaign against Offaly side Birr and came through a closely contested encounter thanks to a strong finish. A late burst of goals helped the North Tipp club pull clear to record a 3-8 to 1-8 victory and make the perfect start to the day.

Their second outing saw them face Dublin champions Kilmacud Crokes. Nenagh battled hard throughout, but Crokes adapted better to the conditions and secured a 1-11 to 1-7 win. That result sent Nenagh into the Shield section of the competition and a semi-final meeting with Dunloy Cuchullains.

The semi-final proved to be another fiercely contested affair, with both teams displaying tremendous work-rate through relentless chasing, hooking and blocking. Scores were difficult to come by, and the sides remained closely matched for long periods, but Dunloy eventually edged clear to claim a 0-12 to 0-7 victory and bring Nenagh's Féile journey to an end.

There was considerable Tipperary interest in Division 2, where both Roscrea and Durlas Óg enjoyed strong campaigns.

Roscrea recovered impressively from an opening-round defeat to Inagh Kilnamona. The North Tipp side lost a thrilling contest by three points but responded in excellent fashion by defeating Watergrasshill and then recording a comprehensive victory over Bruff to secure a place in the semi-finals.

There, they encountered a powerful Bennettsbridge side. Despite another determined effort, Roscrea were unable to progress, with the Kilkenny club proving too strong on the day.

Durlas Óg enjoyed an outstanding campaign and ultimately brought home Division 2 honours. The Thurles club made a flying start with a convincing win over Kilconieron before following up with another impressive victory against Bennettsbridge.

Already assured of a semi-final place, they rounded off the group stage with a draw against Lucan Sarsfields before producing two of their best performances in the knockout stages.

First, Durlas Óg overcame Watergrasshill in the semi-final, and they then completed a remarkable weekend by defeating Bennettsbridge for the second time to claim the Division 2 title. It represented a hugely impressive achievement and capped a flawless knockout run.

Silvermines also enjoyed an excellent Féile campaign in Division 3 and managed to capture some much-deserved silverware.

Their competition began with a draw against Coshlea Gaels before a defeat to Killeagh left them with work to do. Silvermines responded superbly, however, producing a strong quarter-final display to overcome Salthill Knocknacarra and advance to the last four.

Ennistymon ended their hopes of reaching the final through the semi-final route, but Silvermines remained in contention and eventually earned another opportunity against Killeagh, splitting the crown for this year.

The final proved to be one of the closest contests of the weekend. After extra time, the sides could not be separated, with Silvermines finishing level with Killeagh on a scoreline of 2-7 to 1-10.

While Durlas Óg celebrated Division 2 success, all four Tipperary clubs represented themselves admirably across the weekend, producing a series of strong performances and ensuring the county was well represented on one of the biggest stages in underage hurling.

RESULTS

Division 1 Shield - Nenagh Éire Óg