News

Final spots up for grabs in Bank of Ireland Senior Cup

11th September 2026

It’s all to play for in the final week of group games in this season’s Bank of Ireland Senior Cup and Shield with places in both finals up for grabs.

Ballynahinch and Instonians are currently occupying the top two berths in their respective groups, but that could all change come Saturday evening.

In Group 1 leaders Ballynahinch only require two-match points to top the group and book their place in another Senior Cup Final.

They welcome Banbridge to Ballymacran Park for their first home game of the season, and they’ll no doubt be aiming to mark the occasion with a win.

Banbridge can still of course make the final if they can claim the win and deny their hosts any match points.

Still in the equation in Group 1 are City of Armagh and they’ll be ready to pounce if Hinch slip up at home to Banbridge. If such a scenario emerges, we could be reaching for our calculators on Saturday evening to see who advances to December’s final.

There’s a straight shoot-out to decide who prevails from Group 2.

Instonians currently sit top of the group with Clogher Valley just one-point behind in second spot, and the top two go head-to-head at Fivemiletown.

Both have two wins from two, so something has got to give in what promises to a thrilling cup tie.

The other game in Group 2 sees Ballymena travel to The Dub to take on Queens University.

In the Senior Shield, Enniskillen currently lead the way, but only four points separate them and bottom placed Ballyclare.

Going into the final round of fixtures in the Senior Shield, Malone are the only unbeaten team left in the competition. But that record will be pushed to the limits this week when the travel to play Enniskillen at Mullaghmeen.

Enniskillen have been in free-scoring form this season clocking up a total of 88-points in their two-games to date.

After opening their account with a 31-all draw in Ballyclare, a much tighter Malone defence restricted Ballyclare to just two tries in their 22-12 win at Gibson Park.

It’s fourth verses third at The Cloughan where Ballyclare host Rainey.

Both sides fell to defeat last week, but whoever comes out on top here, could well end up leapfrogging the loser of the groups other game in Enniskillen.

There’s an added incentive in the Senior Shield with the group winner having home advantage for the final on 28^th December.