Dublin face Laois in Ger Brennan's first game in charge

The O'Byrne Cup final is scheduled to be broadcast by TG4.

Ger Brennan's first game as Dublin manager will be away to Laois on January 3. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Ger Brennan’s first game in charge of Dublin will be on the road against Laois in the opening round of the returning O’Byrne Cup on January 3.

Dublin have been drawn against Justin McNulty’s side and the winners will face the victors of Wexford v Kildare in the following weekend’s semi-finals.

On the other side of the draw, Leinster champions Louth will meet Longford or Westmeath in another quarter-final, while the other last-eight game will involve the winners of Carlow and Offaly and Wicklow and Meath.

Back for the first time since 2024, each of the Leinster counties is guaranteed two games and the final of the pre-season competition is scheduled for the middle of January with TG4 scheduled to televise the game.

2026 O’Byrne Cup

Saturday, January 3.

Laois v Dublin; Wexford v Kildare; Carlow v Offaly; Wicklow v Meath; Longford v Westmeath. Bye: Louth.

Wednesday, January 7.

Quarter-finals – Carlow/Offaly v Wicklow/Meath; Longford/Westmeath v Louth.

Saturday, January 10.

Semi-finals – Wexford/Kildare v Laois/Dublin; Longford/Louth/Westmeath v Carlow/Offaly/Wicklow/Westmeath.

Final TBC.

O’Byrne Cup Shield 

Wednesday, January 7.

Quarter-final.

Carlow/Offaly v Wexford/Kildare.

Saturday, January 10.

Semi-finals.

Carlow/Offaly/Wexford/Kildare v Laois/Dublin.

Westmeath/Meath v Longford/Westmeath.

Friday, January 16.

Final.