Preview: Weekend’s Tailteann Cup action:
Tailteann Cup Round One
Saturday 9th May
Wexford v Limerick in Chadwicks Wexford Park at 6pm
These counties have been involved in some lively league battles in recent years.
So, it promises to be a lively affair in the south east as Wexford and Limerick will believe that they can embark on a 2026 adventure.
Last year Limerick reached the decider, enjoying a hugely encouraging campaign. In the Munster SFC, though, they leaked goals against Cork, but Limerick have significant potential.
Back to back promotions illustrates Wexford’s progress under John Hegarty, but they want to stitch championship victories together now.
Clare v Offaly in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg at 4pm
This should be a revealing encounter for both teams in Ennis.
Clare put in a spirited display against Kerry in the Munster SFC with Brian McNamara and Aaron Griffin prominent, but they will expect a defiant response from Offaly.
A bitterly disappointing Allianz Football League Division Two relegation was followed by a heavy Leinster SFC loss to Laois.
So, Offaly know that significant improvement is necessary in order to make an impact in the Tailteann Cup. It is Clare’s first experience of the competition so the Banner will be determined to make a mark under Paul Madden’s stewardship.
Sunday 10th May
Sligo v Tipperary in Markievicz Park at 12.45pm
Losing to Leitrim on home turf in the Connacht SFC hurt Sligo, but they will want to respond in the Tailteann Cup.
There is a nice mix of emerging and established players in the Sligo panel, but a demanding match awaits against Tipperary.
Niall Fitzgerald’s resourceful work with the Premier county is worthy of the utmost respect.
Tipperary, prompted by the splendid Seán O’Connor, defeated Waterford before losing to Cork in the Munster SFC.
Carlow v Antrim in Netwatch Cullen Park at 1.30pm
So impressive securing the Allianz Football League Division Four title, Carlow subsequently lost to Wicklow in the Leinster SFC.
That was a setback for Joe Murphy’s developing team, who will be eager to demonstrate their ability in the Tailteann Cup.
Antrim endured some difficult moments initially in the league, but finished strongly.
Since the Tailteann Cup commenced, Antrim have enjoyed good days in the competition, and will head to Carlow adamant that momentum can be generated again.
Laois v Wicklow in Laois Hire O’Moore Park at 2pm, GAA+
Two Armagh All-Ireland SFC winners will patrol the line adding another sub-plot to this interesting Tailteann Cup tussle.
Justin McNulty and Oisín McConville have carried out impressive work with their respective teams.
Laois have plenty of attacking talent, including Paul Kingston and Evan O’Carroll, but Wicklow possess quality too.
Dean Healy is still going strong for Wicklow, who came extremely close to causing a Leinster SFC shock against Dublin.
Waterford v London in Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field at 2pm
Buoyed up by an encouraging Allianz Football League Division Four campaign, London will be intent on maintaining their decent form.
It has been a demanding campaign for Waterford, who weren’t sufficiently clinical against Tipperary in the Munster SFC.
Nonetheless, the home team will be hoping to glean a victory to guarantee three matches in the Tailteann.
Michael Maher’s London have progressed nicely and they will have similar aspirations.
Fermanagh v Longford in Brewster Park at 3pm
While it has been a tough 2026 to date, Fermanagh will still feel that they can enjoy a productive stint in the Tailteann Cup.
A number of players from the county have excelled in the Sigerson Cup recently to illustrate their potential.
Darragh McGurn’s remarkable kicking display against Armagh showcased his quality.
Longford secured promotion from Division Four of the Allianz Football League, but the Leinster SFC reversal to Westmeath was a blow. The midlanders’, though, will be keen to respond in Enniskillen.