20/07/2026
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
The Race for the Dr Mick Loftus Cup
Six rounds. Seventy-eight games. Countless moments of brilliance.
The league phase of the 2026 GMA Football All-Ireland Championship has come to a dramatic conclusion, and what a championship it has been.
From the opening throw-in to the final whistle of Round 6, players from every corner of the country have once again shown what Masters Football is all about. Pride in the jersey. Commitment to their county. Fierce competition. Lifelong friendships. And an unwavering love for Gaelic Games.
Now, the championship enters its most exciting chapter.
After six fiercely contested rounds, Donegal Gaelic Masters , Dublin Masters , Kerry Masters Football and Waterford Masters have secured their places in the Dr Mick Loftus Cup All-Ireland Semi-Finals. Their consistency, determination and outstanding football throughout the league campaign have earned them a deserved place in the last four.
The Semi-Final Draw, along with the draws for the remaining championship finals and play-offs, will take place on Thursday night, when every remaining county will discover the road that lies ahead.
The End of an Extraordinary Era
Every championship writes its own story, but this year's competition marks the end of one of the greatest chapters in Gaelic Masters history.
For the first time in five years, there will be a new name engraved on the Dr Mick Loftus Cup.
The reigning champions, Tyrone Masters, will not be defending their title this season.
Five consecutive All-Ireland Championships is a truly remarkable achievement—one that deserves enormous respect and admiration. Season after season, Tyrone set the benchmark for excellence, consistency and championship football. They inspired teams across the country and showed what can be achieved through dedication, teamwork and an unbreakable belief in one another.
Five-in-a-row is an achievement that may never be matched again.
To every player, manager, coach and supporter who has been part of that incredible journey…
Thank you for the memories.
Your legacy in Gaelic Masters Football is secure.
The Championship Isn't Over Yet
While four counties have booked their places directly into the All-Ireland Semi-Finals, the championship is far from over.
For many teams, the dream of lifting the one of our other Cups is still very much alive.
Thursday night's draw will determine the remaining play-offs and semi-final pathways, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to another unforgettable championship.
If the league phase has taught us anything, it is that nothing can be taken for granted. Every county has shown they are capable of producing moments of magic, and knockout football has a habit of creating heroes.
The best may still be yet to come.
Thank You
As one chapter ends, we also say farewell to five counties whose championship journeys conclude at the league stage.
Westmeath Masters GAA, Cavan Gaelic Masters, Clare Masters, Louth Gaelic Masters, and Wicklow Gaelic Masters Association may have reached the end of the road this year, but each has contributed to another fantastic championship.
To every player who pulled on their county jersey, every volunteer who organised training, and every supporter who stood on the sidelines.
Thank you all for your commitment, your sportsmanship and your passion for Masters Football. We look forward to welcoming you back next season.
Attention Turns to Athenry this Saturday.
Before football reaches its knockout stages, all eyes now turn to Kenny Park, Athenry, Co. Galway, where this Saturday the very best of Masters hurling will battle it out in 2 GMA Hurling All-Ireland Finals.
The Michael Weeks Cup will be up for grabs, and another memorable day of Gaelic Masters action awaits.
We'll have plenty more on the hurling finals over the coming days.
One championship is building towards its climax.
Another is about to crown its champions.
What a time to be part of the Gaelic Masters Association.
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
