Bridge beat Denn to claim IFC title

Paul Fitzpatrick at Kingspan Breffni

Butlersbridge 2-17

Denn 2-13

Three times in the previous six seasons, Butlersbridge had gone down the tunnel to the dressing rooms at Kingspan Breffni after an Intermediate Championship final with that hollow feeling that only a final defeat can bring.

In 2020, 2024 and 2025, they had come up short but this time, after an absorbing, high-octane contest against Denn, the ’Bridge finally got their hands on the silverware.

They were made to earn it. Denn, themselves beaten finalists in 2023, contributed handsomely to a pulsating encounter which swung one way and then the other, with scarcely a moment to draw breath.

The ’Bridge led by five points approaching half-time, trailed by four within five minutes of the restart and were level again by the 47th minute.

In the end, it was a second penalty from Caoimhín O'Reilly which proved the decisive score, although there was still plenty of drama to come.

For full report and reaction to the Cavan IFC Final, pick up this week's Anglo-Celt.