The countdown is on to the 2026 Carlow Football Championships after all grades were officially launched at Netwatch Cullen Park last night.
The senior championship gets underway on Thursday, July 19th, with defending champions Old Leighlin opening the defence of their title against Fenagh, while Éire Óg take on Bagenalstown Gaels in the evening’s other fixture.
For Éire Óg, this year’s campaign comes after a challenging 2025 season. The county’s most successful football club, with 31 senior titles, were forced into a relegation play-off to preserve their senior status.
Speaking to KCLR Sport’s Oisín Langan, Éire Óg forward Eoghan Ruth believes that experience has given the squad fresh motivation.
“Hopefully it gives us a bit of a kick and reignite us a bit. We kick on and improve whether that’s in training or matches, we apply ourselves a bit better.”
Ruth also feels last season demonstrated just how competitive the Carlow Senior Football Championship has become.
When asked if the results showed that any team is capable of beating another, he agreed.
“On the day, anyone can beat anyone. We felt the brunt of it last year and paid the price.”
With Old Leighlin looking to retain their crown and Éire Óg aiming to bounce back after a difficult campaign, another fiercely contested Carlow Senior Football Championship looks set to get underway later this month.
