Derry will be playing their championship hurling in the Joe McDonagh Cup next year after defeating Kerry by 3-24 to 3-19 in this afternoon’s Christy Ring Cup final at Croke Park.

Connor Melaugh (2) and Shea Cassidy struck the goals for the Oak Leafers as they upset their Munster counterparts by five points to finally get over the line in the third-tier after having lost the competition’s last three finals.

Melaugh’s first goal saw Derry open up a 1-4 to 0-1 lead in the ninth minute and the scores of Cormac O’Doherty and Cassidy would help ensure they held a 1-12 to 0-9 advantage at the break.

52 nóim @Kerry_Official 1-13 @Doiregaa 3-15

Cúl! Báite san eangach ag Shea Cassidy!🤩

Derry hit back straight away!@GAA_BEO #GAABeo pic.twitter.com/pj6TVwegxq

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) May 30, 2026

Points from Padraig Boyle (free) and Hugh Lenigan saw five points between the sides with half-an-hour left in normal time, but Melaugh found the net for Johnny McGarvey’s men five minutes later.

Boyle’s goal brought the Kingdom back into contention ahead of Cassidy rattling their net and points from Cassidy, skipper O’Doherty and Deaghlan Foley cementing the sweet success for the Oak Leaf County.

Bronnadh an corn ar captaen na foirne, Cormac O'Doherty!

Is iad Doire buaiteoirí Christy Ring 2026!🏆@Doiregaa
@GAA_BEO #GAABeo pic.twitter.com/Zmpk9RXdaf

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) May 30, 2026

Tweet

Most Read Stories