The draws have taken place for the 2026 O’Byrne and Walsh Cups.

The Leinster pre-season competitions return in January after not being held this year. In a change from previous years, the games have been shortened to 60 minutes, while matches that finish level at full-time will go straight to penalties. Unlimited substitutions will also be allowed, while a Shield competition will ensure that every county gets to play at least two games.

In the O’Byrne Cup, Ger Brennan’s first game as Dublin football manager will be away to Laois on Saturday, January 3.

2026 O’Byrne Cup fixtures

Round 1: Saturday, January 3rd

Laois v Dublin

Wexford v Kildare

Carlow v Offaly

Wicklow v Meath

Longford v Westmeath

Louth – Bye

Quarter-finals: Wednesday, January 7th

1 – Winners of Carlow/Offaly v Winners of Wicklow/Meath

2 – Winners of Longford/Westmeath v Louth

Semi-finals: Saturday, January 10th

Winners of Wexford/Kildare v Winners of Laois/Dublin

Winners of quarter-final 1 v Winners of quarter-final 2

Final: Friday, January 16th

2026 Walsh Cup fixtures

Round 1: Sunday, January 4th

Kildare v Galway

Offaly v Antrim

Westmeath v Kilkenny

Laois v Wexford

Carlow v Dublin

Quarter-final: Thursday, January 8th

Winners of Laois/Wexford v Winners of Carlow/Dublin

Semi-finals: Sunday, January 11th

Quarter-final winners v Winners of Westmeath/Kilkenny

Winners of Kildare/Galway v Winners of Offaly/Antrim

Final: Sunday, January 18th

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