Kildare begin Walsh Cup against Galway with 2026 competition rule changes

The Kildare hurlers will begin their 2026 Walsh Cup campaign against Galway with a reduced clock to 60 minutes and other rule changes in place, see full list below the format.

Walsh Cup 

Round 1 - Sunday, January 4

1. Kildare v Galway 
2. Offaly v Antrim 
3. Westmeath v Kilkenny 
4. Laois v Wexford 
5. Carlow v Dublin 

Quarter-Final - Thursday, January 8

6. Winners LS/WX v Winners CW/DB  

Semi-Finals - Sunday, January 11

7. Winners 6 v Winners Westmeath/Kilkenny 
8. Winners Kildare/Galway v Winners Offaly/Antrim 

Final - Sunday, January 18

9. 7 v 8 

READ NEXT: Kildare's O'Byrne Cup fixtures confirmed with key rule changes for 2026 competition

Walsh Shield 

Quarter-Final - Thursday, January 8

10. Loser LS/WX v Losers CW/DB  

Semi-Finals - Sunday, January 11

11. Winners 10 v Losers Westmeath/Kilkenny 
12. Losers Kildare/Galway v Losers Offaly/Antrim  

Final - Sunday, January 18 

13. Winners 11 v Winners 12

Regulations 

- Games of 60 Minutes duration (instead of 70). 

- If a game is level at the end of Normal Time “straight” to penalties ❖ First named team - Home Venue(s) including Final. 

- Other than Final if a game is not played as per schedule and cannot be played  prior to the next Round, Toss of Coin to decide which Team advances. 

- Match Day Panel of 26. 

- Unlimited Substitutions with a Maximum of 6 during Second Half. When a  player is substituted he cannot take any further part in the game except  Penalty Shoot Out or unless as a Blood or Head Injury Sub. 

- There will be an additional regulation Re: Third Level. (Ard Comhairle  Meeting 29.11.25)