Dioralyte Walsh Cup Round 1

The 2026 Dioralyte Walsh Cup gets underway on Sunday, January 4th, with all five Round 1 fixtures throwing in at 1.30pm, offering an early opportunity for counties to build momentum ahead of the Allianz National Leagues.

In Cedral St Conleth’s Park, Brian Dowling and his charges, still flying high from the heroics of last year, begin their campaign at home to Galway in a standout opening fixture. Offaly, meanwhile, will be looking to build some early form with a view to having a big say in the Leinster Championship later in the year when they host Antrim at Glenisk O’Connor Park.

There’s plenty of intrigue in Westmeath too, as the Lake Land men welcome Kilkenny to The Downs with plenty of new faces set to be on show for the home side. While Laois host Wexford in Rathdowney in a tie that should provide a stern early test for both sides. In Carlow, new manager Pat Bennett gets his first competitive outing as Carlow welcome Dublin to the SETU Carlow Campus, with the visitors keen to show that last year’s progress was no flash in the pan.

With tickets going on sale in the coming days, the Walsh Cup once again promises to set an exciting tone for the hurling season ahead.