Kildare will begin away to Wexford.
The Draw has been announced for the 2026 O’Byren Cup.
Kildare senior footballers will begin the new year on January 3rd away to Wexford.
If they win that game, they will be in the semi final a week later against the winners of Laois vs Dublin,.
The full Draw is on our website Kfmradio.com
2026 O’Byrne Cup/Shield
O’Byrne Cup
Round 1
Saturday, 3rd January 2026
- Laois v Dublin
- Wexford v Kildare
- Carlow v Offaly
- Wicklow v Meath
- Longford v Westmeath
- Louth
Quarter-Final
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
- (3) Winners CW/OY v Winners WW/MH (4)
- (5) Winners LD/WH v Louth
Semi-Finals
Saturday, 10th January 2026
- (2)Winners WX/KE v Winners LS/Dublin (1)
- Winners 8. v Winners 7.
Final 9 v 10 – {TG4}
O’Byrne Shield
Quarter-Final
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
- (3) Loser CW/OY v Losers WX/KE (2)
Semi-Finals
Saturday, 10th January 2026
- Winners 12 v Losers Laois/Dublin (1)
- (4) Losers WH/MH v Losers LD/WH (5)
Final
Friday, 16th January 2026.
- 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)

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