National Forum

Tailteann Cup 2026

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Replying To legendzxix:  "A Fermanagh - Wicklow final would be a novel pairing for two counties without provincial honours.
Taking the semi finals out of the limelight is history repeating itself. Happened to the Ring and Rackard finals as well. It is surprising that D3 and D4 counties aren't lobbying for a return of the All Ireland qualifiers over 2 knockout rounds for the 7 league qualifier spots. The Tailteann Cup could always be played out after in straight knockout, with the winner still rewarded with an All Ireland spot.
Hope all going to Croke Park on Saturday enjoy the occasion anyways!"
Oh please, not this play off suggestion again. It is daft and would completely undermine the league, which has finally gained credibility and status as a competition. It would also fatally undermine the Tailteann Cup. You could have the scenario where Down beat Donegal (as they did a few weeks ago) in a play-off relegating Donegal, league champions, to the Tailteann Cup - utterly ridiculous. So that's a hat trick of damaged competitions with the Sam Maguire undermined as well.

CeachtPeile (Cavan) - Posts: 178 - 19/06/2026 12:48:49    2680587

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Replying To CeachtPeile:  "Oh please, not this play off suggestion again. It is daft and would completely undermine the league, which has finally gained credibility and status as a competition. It would also fatally undermine the Tailteann Cup. You could have the scenario where Down beat Donegal (as they did a few weeks ago) in a play-off relegating Donegal, league champions, to the Tailteann Cup - utterly ridiculous. So that's a hat trick of damaged competitions with the Sam Maguire undermined as well."
Interesting opinion. Tyrone were relegated from Division 1 last year while they were missing the Errigal Ciaran contingent. A county is going to miss out on All Ireland qualification through the league because some of their players were being rested after the All Ireland club series.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 9846 - 19/06/2026 14:01:13    2680598

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Replying To legendzxix:  "Interesting opinion. Tyrone were relegated from Division 1 last year while they were missing the Errigal Ciaran contingent. A county is going to miss out on All Ireland qualification through the league because some of their players were being rested after the All Ireland club series."
That is a matter for the respective county. Competition formats shouldn't be altered because of that. If a player doesnt make himself available for selection that is his right. Everyone else just gets on with it.
I would advocate that the Tailteann Cup goes back to the 4 groups of 4 format though. The luck of the draw has a much bigger impact at this level as counties dont have travelling support or big budgets. One home, one away, one neutral is fair to everyone and gives everyone one extra game in the summer.
That said, best of luck to everyone. Wicklow are back for a second year running so that will stand to them hopefully.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 582 - 19/06/2026 15:57:01    2680619

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