The 2026 Roscommon SHC begins this weekend with three games down for decision, all of them being hosted at Páirc an Phiarsaigh. Needless to say, Four Roads are the hot favourites to win the Mickey Cunniffe Cup once again, with the club attempting to claim the title for the fifth year running.
With the likes of James Dillon, Adam Donnelly, Conor Morris, Noel Fallon, Tommy Morris, Cormac Mulry and Conor Mulry – to name a few – in their ranks, the Tisrara club will be hard to dislodge.
Oran had a good run to the final in 2025 but they are short a number of players who were prominent last year and will be hoping that the likes of Micheál Hussey and Paddy Fallon can inspire them to go that one step further in 2026.
Pádraig Pearses are something of an unknown quantity. They are without Seán Canning this year, and he will be a big loss. Darragh and Ronan Finn, Keelan Ryan and young Daniel Mooney will be prominent, but it remains to be seen if they can make a title-winning run. They were competitive in the league and only lost by two points in the final to Four Roads, form that gives them hope.
St Dominic’s have flattered to deceive in recent campaigns but they have a number of very good players including Micheál Byrne, Naos Connaughton, Jack Lohan and Ruairí Kilcline. On their day St Dominic’s are capable of beating anyone but they remain inconsistent.
Athleague will always be a factor in the championship and with Robbie Fallon now in charge they will give this campaign everything. Cormac Kelly will captain the side but it looks like they will be without Ben McGahon, Mark Ward, Jack McGahon and a couple of other experienced players for various reasons, which means we will see a number of younger players in the blue and white stripes this year.
Roscommon Gaels, who have been knocking on the door in recent years, are now managed by Darren O’Shaughnessy. A number of players will be unavailable, including Fionn Killion, while Eoin Kiernan is injured. It could be a struggle for the town team this year. Ideally they will want a couple of early wins to create some momentum.
Tremane went out of the championship early last year and they will be anxious to avoid a repeat in 2026. They will be depending on Peter and Michael Kellehan to lead them to a couple of early victories to get their season going. Their game against the Gaels this weekend could prove crucial.
This weekend’s fixtures
(All on Sunday at Páirc an Phiarsaigh)
Tremane v Roscommon Gaels (1.30 pm)
While it’s only round one, victory here would be very important for both sides. Much will depend on how strong a line-up is available in both cases. Tremane get a hesitant vote to open their 2026 campaign with a narrow win.
Prediction: Tremane.
Pádraig Pearses v Oran (3.15 pm)
An attractive battle in store here as Oran bid to go one step further this year. Pearses played well in the league final but will miss Seán Canning up front. There won’t be a lot between them. Home advantage might just decide it.
Prediction: Padraig Pearses.
St Dominic’s v Four Roads (4.45 pm)
St Dominic’s would love to put down an early marker against the defending champions. Thady Beirne’s men will give it everything but if Four Roads field a strong side they must be the favourites to open their campaign with a win.
Prediction: Four Roads.
