The 2026 Na Cait Óga season has come to an end with the Hurling Academy National Games Semifinals & Finals taking place today.
Congratulations to everyone involved on a hugely successful day for Kilkenny GAA.
Our U14s had a fantastic day in Ballyragget. The semi-final was a hugely competitive and sporting game, with very little between the two Kilkenny squads. The Cill Chainnigh squad went on to defeat Wexford in the Shield Final, while the Kilkenny squad shared the Cup with Galway after finishing level following normal time. Despite a nail-biting period of extra time, the sides still could not be separated.
Our U15(2) squad defeated Westmeath in the John Doyle Shield semi-final before narrowly missing out to Galway in a frantic final, losing by just a single point. They scored an incredible 12 goals across their two games. It was a hugely impressive display from the players, who showed great skill, determination and attacking flair from start to finish.
The U15(1) squad were involved in a fiercely contested semi-final against Tipperary in the Arrabawn Cup, with very little between the teams throughout. Kilkenny showed great character to score a crucial goal in the closing minutes and hold on to win by a single point in a fantastic game of hurling. They then produced a composed and controlled performance in the Cup final against Limerick to deservedly lift the title in this hugely important and prestigious National Hurling competition. A brilliant achievement from the players and management team.
Our U16(2) squad produced two excellent performances in MW Hire Dunmore, defeating Westmeath in the semifinal before going on to beat Limerick in the U16B Shield Final. This was a great team effort, with every member of the panel playing their part. It was a superb team effort, with every member of the panel playing their part and contributing to a very successful day for the squad.
The U16(1) squad really came up with the goods when it mattered, showing tremendous character and composure to score the final three points and edge past Dublin by a single point in a thrilling Michael Foley Cup semi-final. They then produced a superb performance in the final to comfortably defeat Tipperary and were worthy winners of the Michael Foley Cup.
Of the six Na Cáit Óga squads in action today in the National Hurling Games competitions, Kilkenny won four titles, shared one and were narrowly beaten by just a single point in the sixth. It is a hugely positive outcome and a fantastic reflection of all the hard work and commitment shown by these young players and their management teams throughout the season.
Thank you to all the host venues for their hospitality and for looking after the teams so well.
A massive thank you to each and every member of the management and coaching teams, along with the S&C coaches, full-time staff, umpires, referees, physios and statisticians, for their contribution throughout the season.
A special thank you to CluneTech for their continued support of the Na Cáit Óga Academy. Their support is hugely valued and plays an important part in providing these young players with the opportunity to develop and represent Kilkenny.
Finally, a huge thank you to the players and their parents and guardians for their commitment, dedication and drive throughout the year. The players are a credit to their families, their clubs and to Kilkenny GAA.
A hugely successful end to the 2026 Na Cáit Óga season — well done to everyone involved.
