Pictured at the launch of the Senior Football Championship, front: Thomas Partington (Arva), Aaron Watson (Ballyhaise), Anslem Lovett (Killygarry), Ross Nagle of Kyte Powertech, Killian Brady (Mullahoran), Ciaran Cooney (Laragh Utd), Padraig Sexton (Cavan Gaels). Back: Philip Smyth (Cuchulainns), Aaron Shekleton (Kingscourt Stars), Enda Maguire (Ramor Utd), Fergal Reilly (Castlerahan), Matthew Costello (Crosserlough), Ryan Magern (Gowna). Photo: Adrian Donohoe

Wide open race for Oliver Plunkett Cup

Damien Donohoe

Published: Thu 6 Aug 2026, 3:19 PM

Trying to predict the destination of the Oliver Plunkett Cup has rarely been as difficult.

While familiar names remain among the favourites, the gap between the leading contenders and the chasing pack appears narrower than ever before, making the 2026 Cavan Senior Football Championship one of the most open, and eagerly anticipated, in recent memory.

DEFENCE

Reigning champions Kingscourt Stars begin the defence of their title knowing history is against them. They haven’t retained the championship since 1991.

Colin Kelly remains in charge of a squad that has arguably become even stronger over the past 12 months. Jordan Morris continues to provide inter-county star dust up front, Padraig Faulkner is expected home from New York soon, former Louth Player of the Year Niall Sharkey has joined the club, and Barry Reilly is back in the panel to provide further experience.

Winning back-to-back titles is notoriously difficult, but Kingscourt Stars have every reason to believe they can mount another serious challenge.

EXPECTATION

Gowna always expect to be at the business end of the championship. Now in Vinnie Corey’s second season as manager, they remain one of the strongest squads in the county, boasting more county senior players than any other club by some distance.

Last year’s county final defeat to Kingscourt will have hurt and they’ll feel they didn’t perform to their potential on the biggest day.

The young side that captured back-to-back championships has now matured, bringing greater experience but also greater expectation. If they can enjoy a relatively injury-free campaign, few would bet against them lifting the Oliver Plunkett Cup once again.

TIME

Crosserlough also enter the championship under new management, with former All-Ireland Junior-winning manager Finbar O’Reilly taking over the reins. With players of the calibre of Paddy Lynch, Dara McVeety, James and Peter Smith, Brandon and Emmett Boylan and Matthew Costello, there is no shortage of talent. However, time waits for nobody. The nucleus of the side that ended almost five decades of hurt in 2020 are no longer youngsters. Much could depend on Paddy Lynch returning from Boston in top form and Dara McVeety remaining injury-free throughout the campaign.

Crosserlough’s Paddy Lynch has returned from the States.. Photos: Adrian Donohoe.

INFLUENTIAL

Ramor United are another side with genuine ambitions of a county title. Concern surrounds the fitness of influential forward Sean McEvoy, but with Jack Brady continuing to lead by example alongside Conor Bradley, Enda Maguire and county men Brian O’Connell and Jesen Tynan, Ramor possess quality throughout the spine of the team. They may see players currently over seas return for the championship, adding further depth to an already competitive panel.

TRANSITION

For Cavan Gaels, many expected this season to be one of rebuilding, yet Declan McCoy’s side finished third

in Division 1 and have accelerated their transition. The blend of experienced championship winners and emerging young talent makes them an intriguing proposition. Emmanuel Shehu remains one of Cavan’s standout inter-county performers, while Jack and Ben Tully, Conor Doyle and brothers Favour and Joshua Shehu provide exciting support. Nine years have passed since Cavan Gaels last lifted the Oliver Plunkett Cup, and they’ll feel another opportunity is beginning to emerge.

FUTURE

Castlerahan under David Lennon, may be focusing on the future as they continue introducing the next generation following the successful side that won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019. Jamie Clarke looks ready to become a leader after impressing at underage county level, while Senan Macken continues to develop into an exciting defender.

Ciaran Caldwell has shown he possesses the talent to become a prolific championship forward but still has another level to reach. League form suggests challenging the top contenders may come too soon.

QUALITY

Mullahoran appear to be moving in the right direction. A fifth-place finish in Division 1 reflected the progress being made under new manager Pat Fallon, with a talented crop of young players. Former county player Killian Brady (pictured right) continues to set the standards as captain, while the return from Australia of Gavin Brady should strengthen their attack. If Cormac O’Reilly can overcome injury, the Dreadnoughts have enough quality to make life uncomfortable for any opponent.

CONFIDENCE

Killygarry arrive full of confidence after finally securing promotion from Division 2 under Damien Keeney. Winning the league despite missing several players through county commitments and injury demonstrated the depth within the squad. Martin Reilly’s leadership remains invaluable, while Cian Keeney’s long-range shooting makes him one of the county’s most dangerous forwards alongside Oisín Brady and Daragh Lovett.

Defensively, Cian Reilly’s organisation and the return of Matthew McKenna in midfield will be crucial. If injuries are kind, a semi-final appearance is not beyond them.

MOMENTUM

Cúchulainns perhaps carry more momentum than anyone. Fresh from winning the Division 1 League after claiming the Intermediate Championship last year, Niall Lynch’s side have already shown they belong at senior level. Victories over Ramor United, Crosserlough and Gowna during the closing weeks of the league, despite missing county players Niall Carolan and Ryan Tobin, highlighted both their quality and squad depth. Confidence is high, and they will fear nobody.

AVAILABILITY

Darren Chapman became the third Ballyhaise manager in as many seasons. Injuries and absences haven’t helped this year, with Michael Brady missing much of the league and county commitments restricting the availability of Evan Crowe, Eoin Clarke and Gary O’Rourke. They’ll need Brady and Padraig Moore producing consistently if they’re to challenge for the latter stages.

BATTLE

Laragh again face a battle for survival. Declan Farrell has taken charge of a panel weakened by players travelling abroad, but as always they’ll rely heavily on the inspirational leadership of captain Fergal McKenna. His determination has repeatedly dragged Laragh through difficult moments over recent seasons. Whether that alone will be enough this time remains uncertain.

Ciarán Brady pictured here taking on Bryan Magee of Cuchulainns.

CAPABLE

Arva complete the field under first-year manager Joe Cowley.

Last year’s spirited quarter-final performance showed they are capable of competing at this level, while the return of key county players including Ciarán Brady, Barry Donnelly and Tristan Noah Kaufmann strengthens the panel considerably. Youngsters such as Jack Dobson add further promise, and their opening championship clash against Crosserlough, provides one of the championship’s most intriguing storylines.

There may be no overwhelming favourite this year, but perhaps that’s precisely what makes this championship so compelling. With so many genuine contenders and several ambitious outsiders capable of causing major upsets, the race for the Oliver Plunkett Cup looks like being one of the most competitive for many years.