Details of O'Byrne Cup fixtures confirmed. After a year's absence, the O'Byrne Cup returns early in the New Year and fixtures have been confirmed.
Kildare will begin their campaign away to Wexford on the first Saturday of the New Year.
2026 O’Byrne Cup/Shield O’Byrne Cup Round 1
Saturday, 3rd January 2026
1. Laois v Dublin
2. Wexford v Kildare
3. Carlow v Offaly
4. Wicklow v Meath
5. Longford v Westmeath
6. Louth
Quarter-Final
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
7. (3) Winners CW/OY v Winners WW/MH (4)
8. (5) Winners LD/WH v Louth
Semi-Finals
Saturday, 10th January 2026
9. (2)Winners WX/KE v Winners LS/Dublin (1)
10. Winners 8. v Winners 7.
Final
11. 9 v 10 – {TG4}
O’Byrne Shield Quarter-Final
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
12. (3) Loser CW/OY v Losers WX/KE (2)
Semi-Finals
Saturday, 10th January 2026
13. Winners 12 v Losers Laois/Dublin (1)
14. (4) Losers WH/MH v Losers LD/WH (5)
Final
Friday, 16th January 2026.
15. Winners 13 v Winners 14
Regulations
❖ Games of 60 Minutes duration (instead of 70).
❖ If a game is level at the end of Normal Time “straight” to penalties ❖ First named team - Home Venue(s) including Final.
❖ Other than Final if a game is not played as per schedule and cannot be played prior to the next Round, Toss of Coin to decide which Team advances.
❖ Match Day Panel of 26.
❖ Unlimited Substitutions with a Maximum of 6 during Second Half. When a player is substituted he cannot take any further part in the game except Penalty Shoot Out or unless as a Blood or Head Injury Sub.
❖ There will be an additional regulation Re: Third Level. (Ard Comhairle Meeting 29.11.25)
