Derry Junior Hurling Championship Explained

Derry Junior Hurling Championship
Irish:Craobhchomórtas Shóisearach Iomána Dhoire
Code:Hurling
Region: Derry
Teams:8
Title Holders: Ballinascreen
Sponsors:Leadon Timber Frame
Website:Derry GAA

The Derry Junior Hurling Championship (known for sponsorship reasons as the Leadon Timber Frame Derry Junior Hurling Championship and abbreviated to the Derry JHC) is an annual hurling competition organised by the Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association for the third tier hurling teams in County Londonderry in Northern Ireland.

In its current format, the Derry Hurling Championship begins with a group stage. The eight participating teams are divided into two groups of four and play each other in a round-robin system. The third-placed team in each group proceeds to the junior final at the Derry Centre of Excellence. The winner of the Derry Junior Hurling Championship qualifies for the subsequent Ulster Junior Club Championship.

Ballinascreen are the title holders after defeating Lavey by 2-16 to 1-17 in the 2024 final.

Format

Group stage

The 8 teams in the Derry Hurling Championship are divided into two groups of four.[1] Over the course of the group stage, each team plays once against the others in the group, resulting in each team being guaranteed at least three games. Two points are awarded for a win, one for a draw and zero for a loss. The teams are ranked in the group stage table by points gained, then scoring difference and then their head-to-head record.

Knockout stage

Senior final: The top teams in each group contest the senior final.

Intermediate final: The second-placed teams in each group contest the intermediate final.

Junior final: The third-placed teams in each group contest the junior final.

Qualification for subsequent competitions

The Derry Junior Championship winners qualify for the subsequent Ulster Junior Club Hurling Championship. A team can only progress to the Ulster series of games in their respective grade if they retain their championship status from the previous season, or if they drop one grade. A senior team from the previous season cannot compete in Ulster at Junior level.[2]

Roll of honour

By club

ClubTitlesRunners-upChampionships wonChampionships runner-up
1Lavey212020, 20222024
2Na Magha1220212019, 2022
Eoghan Rua1120192021
Swatragh102023
Ballinascreen102024
6Banagher022020, 2023

List of finals

Legend

YearWinnersRunners-up
ClubScoreClubScore
20242-16Lavey1-17
2023Swatragh3-17Banagher0-22
2022Lavey2-24Na Magha0-13
2021Na Maghaw/oEoghan Ruascr
2020Lavey2-13Banagher0-15
20190-16Na Magha1-09

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Derry Club Championship draws 2023: All-Ireland finalists Glen learn fate in new-look SFC format. Belfast Live. 7 July 2023. 20 September 2023.
  2. Web site: 2023 Club Championship Group Stage. Derry GAA website. 6 July 2023. 20 September 2023.