Kildare football 2026: So much to look forward to
Sports editor, Tommy Callaghan takes his own unique view on the season ahead
2026.
A huge season for The Lilies.
And that’s for sure.
National Football League
Division 2.
Leinster Football Championship.
The All-Ireland Series.
So much to look forward to.
Brian Flanagan
Second season.
Davy (Burke) back
Hoping to add a bit of his magic.
Good record
With The Lilies
And others.
Familiar with many of the (younger)
players.
Has to be positive.
Aidan O’Rourke
Serious operator.
Damian Hendy
Highly respected.
Daryl Flynn
Stalward.
All good lads.
A return to ‘collective’ training just around
the corner.
O’Byrne Cup is back
After 12 months absence.
Crazy decision that.
Just when the New Rules were introduced.
You couldn’t make it up.
A bit of sanity has returned.
We motor on.
And before you say
‘The Big Fella has been here and Gone’
We’re up and running.
The OBC.
Good preparation.
Then the real action.
The National League.
Saturday 24 January.
Tyrone.
Tough start.
Never got the better of The Red Hand.
Away, anyway.
Followed by
The Faithful
Offaly (home).
The Oak Leafers
Derry (home).
The Breffini
Cavan (away).
The Royals
Meath (home).
The Rebels
Cork (away).
And the final game?
Back to Conleth’s.
The Wee County.
Louth.
Away weekend for the fans?
Cork looks nailed on.
Something to look forward to.
Always an occasion.
Mighty craic.
After that?
Leinster Championship.
Interesting or what.
The Lilies will be hopeful.
As ever,
As usual,
Hope springs eternal.
Louth defending their title.
Meath back for more.
And Ger Brennan’s Dubs?
A bit of pressure on the former Moorefield
boss?
And all the rest of the counties.
Take nothing for granted.
It doesn’t get much better.
No Tailteann Cup in 2026.
For Kildare anyways.
Be thankful for small mercies.
Still.
It has its benefits.
Kildare silverware
As scarce as hens’ teeth.
Remember,
In The Tailteann for a reason.
But two seasons ‘on tour’ enough.
Win it.
Get out of it.
Place in All-Ireland guaranteed.
2026
Straight into the All-Ireland Series.
In with the Big Boys.
Rubbing shoulders with the elite.
The Kerrys.
The Armaghs.