2026 Allianz Leagues Kick Off This Weekend

The 2026 Allianz National Leagues in hurling and Gaelic football kick off this weekend, marking the start of another competitive season across Ireland's top inter-county competitions. Defending All-Ireland hurling champions Tipperary face Galway in Division 1 hurling on Saturday evening, while Division 2 football sees Meath host Derry at Croke Park on the same day, among a slate of fixtures that promise early tests for promotion hopefuls and title contenders.

In Thurles, Tipperary's FBD Semple Stadium hosts the hurling opener at 7:30 p.m. local time. Manager Liam Cahill has named a strong lineup featuring 10 starters from the team's 2025 All-Ireland final victory over Cork, including young forward Darragh McCarthy, who scored 1-13 in that decisive match. Debutants Cathal O'Reilly and Jack Leamy start at corner back and corner forward, respectively, alongside experienced players like Bryan O'Mara at center back and captain Jake Morris. Tipperary enters as favorites, buoyed by their recent success, while Galway aims to build momentum after inconsistent recent performances. The game will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and streamed on the RTÉ Player.

Earlier on Saturday, at 3 p.m., Meath...