The 2026 JJ Kavanagh Carlow Senior Hurling Championship gets underway Friday evening, with Ballinkillen taking on last year’s runners-up St Mullins in the opening game at McGrath Park, Bagenalstown.
Throw-in is at 7.30pm, with live commentary available on KCLR Plus.
The clash pits one of the county’s traditional powerhouses against a Ballinkillen side hoping to force their way into the championship conversation this season.
Speaking to KCLR’s Brendan Hennessy ahead of the opening round, Ballinkillen defender David English acknowledged that St Mullins and Mount Leinster Rangers remain the teams to beat.
“Not much has changed, you still have St Mullins and Mount Leinster Rangers at the forefront of the championship.”
However, English believes Ballinkillen are among the clubs capable of challenging that established order.
When it was suggested by Brendan Hennessy that Ballinkillen could be the team to change the current landscape, English agreed and said that ambition has been discussed within the squad for some time.
“We can change that. We spoke about it last year. That is the goal ultimately.
“You have Bagenalstown and Naomh Bríd and we are all trying to catch the other two. We are only bursting to get going.”
Coverage of St Mullins versus Ballinkillen is live on KCLR Plus from 7.30pm.
