The IRFU has confirmed details of the 2026/27 Energia All-Ireland Junior Cup.
The tournament is now in its 21st year and yet again, it brings together the finest junior clubs from all four corners of Ireland.
Ulster clubs have enjoyed great success in recent years with Ballyclare, Clogher valley and Enniskillen all using the competition as a springboard for gaining promotion to the All-Ireland league.
Last year’s beaten finalists Dromore will lock horns with Galway outfit Creggs at Barban Hill. The teams are no strangers to each other having clashed in last year’s semi-final with the County Down side advancing following a titanic tussle.
Portadown have also been handed home advantage in their return to the national stage with Cork side Bandon the visitors to Chambers Park.
Like Dromore, Omagh will come up against against Galway opposition after being pitted against Dunmore.
Lurgan will mark their first ever furore into the competition with a trip to Tullamore. After spending many years in the lower end of championship rugby, the mid-Ulster club have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and they have been rewarded for their progress with an away day against the three-time winners from county Offaly.
The full first round is as follows with the first name team having home advantage.
- Boyne RFC v Ballinasloe RFC
- Mallow RFC v Wicklow RFC
- Portadown RFC v Bandon RFC
- Dunmore RFC v Omagh RFC
- Tullamore RFC v Lurgan RFC
- Kilfeacle & District RFC v Suttonians RFC
- Dromore RFC v Creggs RFC
- Ballina RFC v Clonakilty RFC
The first round will take place on 25th October with the final scheduled for 23rd January 2027.