Tir Conaill Harps emerged victorious in a tense and dramatic encounter against Stirling Carrigans to claim the 2025 Scotland Men’s Intermediate League title, edging their rivals by two points in a contest that had it all — goals, drama, and crucial turning points.

The game got off to a lively start with Carrigans striking first blood, but Harps’ Dan Gallagher responded almost immediately in the second minute to level proceedings. Carrigans looked threatening early on and almost regained the lead through a high dropping ball into the square, but Harps goalkeeper Ciaran Gildea showed nerves of steel to pull off a vital save under pressure.

Odhran O’Connell, who was central to Carrigans’ attacking efforts, nudged his side back in front with a superb effort from distance. Harps responded well, with Dan McGeever carving open the Carrigans defence, only to be denied a goal by a brilliant save from Christopher Quinn.

The momentum briefly swung in Harps' favour in the eighth minute when Conor McCormack landed the game’s first two-pointer from well beyond the 40-metre arc, giving Harps the lead. Moments later, McCormack turned provider, slipping the ball to Dan Gallagher who turned his man and curled over a beautiful score.

O’Connell continued to torment the Harps defence, levelling the match again with Carrigans' own two-pointer in what was quickly becoming a tit-for-tat shootout. Ethan Friel then chipped in with a tidy score for Harps, but Carrigans hit back with two of their own to reclaim the advantage.

The first goal of the match came just before the half-hour mark, and it was no surprise that it came from O’Connell. He burst through the Harps backline and coolly slotted past Gildea. McCormack reduced the gap with a quick reply, and both sides added another point apiece before the break to leave the half-time score at Tir Conaill Harps 0-07, Stirling Carrigans 1-07.

The Harps came out after the interval with renewed energy and quickly rattled off two points to close the gap to a single score. Carrigans nearly struck for a second goal on 41 minutes, but Gildea stood tall once again, making a brilliant save to push the ball wide for a 45, which Carrigans failed to convert. They did manage to register their first score of the half shortly after.

Harps hit back with a well-taken free from Dan Gallagher, and with just one point separating the sides and tensions running high, disaster struck for the Harps as Gildea was forced off with an injury. Chris McGrory stepped into the breach with just under 30 minutes to go.

The defining moment of the match came shortly after. Danny McGeever lifted a clever handpass over the Carrigans defence into the path of Dan Gallagher, who made no mistake when one-on-one with the keeper, smashing the ball to the back of the net to give Harps the lead.

Harps sensed the shift in momentum, and McGeever soon added a point of his own, gliding past defenders before slotting over. Carrigans managed to claw one back from a Connla McCarthy free and were nearly in for a second goal, only for McGrory to make a stunning save. With the ball still loose in the box, Michael Howarth got the vital touch to push it wide and snuff out the danger.

As the clock ticked down, the game became increasingly scrappy, with both sides conceding cheap frees. Gallagher kept his composure to convert for the Harps.

With time almost up and Harps leading by three, Carrigans launched a final push. Their full forward broke through and looked to be in on goal before Aedan Kerr made a cynical but crucial last-ditch tackle. Kerr was shown red, and Carrigans settled for the point, hoping to win back possession on the kickout.

However, it was Harps that claimed the kickout, and with a push in the back a final free was awarded which was kicked through to Phil Lambert who calmly took possession and held the ball as the referee blew the full-time whistle, sparking scenes of celebration.

Tir Conaill Harps were crowned Scotland’s Men’s Intermediate League Champions for 2025 after a pulsating contest, prevailing by two points in a game that will live long in the memory.

Final Score: Tir Conaill Harps 1-13, Stirling Carrigans 1-11