02/07/2026
Sligo Leitrim Kennedy Cup 2026 – Tournament Report
The 2026 Kennedy Cup will be remembered as a week defined by resilience, character and togetherness for this Sligo Leitrim squad. Played in extremely challenging conditions and against high-quality opposition, the group consistently demonstrated a competitive edge and a refusal to give in, regardless of circumstance.
Preparation for the Kennedy Cup had seen a hugely intensive year with training, conditioning and games. Following a successful interleague run which saw the lads exit at semi-final stage in a wicked penalty shoot out, preparation focused on friendlies and participating in the weekend festival in Clare. Over the season, these lads participated in an additional 20 games to their club games showing huge commitment.
Squad Panel 2026
The following players represented Sligo Leitrim with distinction throughout the tournament:
1. Ryan Fallon
2. James Ettery
3. Charlie Scollan
4. Ruairi Minton
5. Bran Beglane
6. Joe O’Donnell
7. Keelan Noonan
8. Lucas Ballantyne
9. Oran Hynes
10. Mathew Conneely
11. Conor Maguire
12. Kyle Hannigan
13. Killian Downey
14. Callum Clarke
15. Conor Fallon
16. Isaac McDaid
17. Ruairi Tivnan
18. Ronan McNally
19. Rory McHale
20. Nicolas Curda
A Disrupted Start But No Excuses
The week got off to a difficult and unexpected start, with the team bus running into some technical difficulties en route to the tournament. While far from ideal preparation, it quickly became clear that this group would not allow early adversity to define their week.
Instead, the disruption became a rallying point. The players showed composure and unity, arriving ready to compete and determined to make their mark.
Finding Their Feet in a Competitive Group
Thrown into a highly competitive path featuring Wexford, Kildare, Lisburn, Clare, Longford and North Tipperary, Sligo Leitrim faced a demanding schedule from the outset.
The opening fixtures against Wexford & Kildare, widely regarded as one of the tournament strongest teams, provided a stern early test. While the result did not go in our favour, the performance laid the groundwork for what was to follow; commitment, organisation and a willingness to compete with top-tier opposition.
The response to that defeat was immediate and impressive.
Against Lisburn, the team delivered one of their most controlled and confident performances of the week, securing a 2–0 victory. It was a result built on discipline, work rate and clinical finishing and it set the tone for the remainder of the group stage.
Across all fixtures, the squad proved consistently competitive, adapting to relentlessly poor conditions that made flowing football extremely difficult. Heavy rain, swirling winds and unpredictable gusts forced the players to dig deep, play smart and battle for every ball.
Through resilience and collective effort, qualification from the group was secured, a thoroughly deserved outcome given the challenges faced.
Clare Clash – A Game That Defined the Tournament
If there was one match that encapsulated the spirit of this team, it was the knockout encounter against Clare League.
Facing into a 2–0 deficit, many teams might have faded. Instead, Sligo Leitrim rose.
What followed was a brave and determined comeback, driven by belief and relentless effort. The team clawed their way back into the game, levelling at 2–2 and shifting the momentum entirely.
In one of the cruellest moments of the week, Clare struck with the final kick of the game to win 3–2. The disappointment was evident, but so too was the pride in a performance that showcased the heart and character of the entire squad.
Nerve and Composure – Longford Shootout
One of the standout highlights of the week came in the dramatic penalty shootout victory over Longford.
In tense conditions, the players showed composure beyond their years, stepping up and delivering under pressure. At the heart of that moment was goalkeeper Kyle Hannigan, whose crucial saves proved decisive.
Alongside him, Ryan Fallon also contributed significantly throughout the week, with both goalkeepers providing assurance, leadership and outstanding shot-stopping across multiple games. However, it was Kyle’s heroics in the shootout that sealed a memorable victory and one of the defining moments of the tournament.
Attacking Quality
Despite difficult playing conditions, Sligo Leitrim showed clear attacking intent throughout the week.
Keelan Noonan stood out with an exceptional return of six goals, marking him as one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition and placing him firmly in contention for the Golden Boot. His movement, finishing and determination highlighted the attacking potential within the squad — particularly in more favourable conditions.
More Than Football – A Special Week
The Kennedy Cup is about more than just results, and this week fully captured that spirit.
A particularly special contribution came from Neven Maguire and McNean House, whose generosity extended far beyond sponsorship. By providing meals and creating opportunities for players, families and supporters to come together, they played a huge role in making the experience memorable for everyone involved.
The squad was also proudly supported by:
• McNean House
• Dunnes Stores
• Lannons Pharmacy
• Cannings Spar
• Scollan’s Gala Drumshanbo
• Sligo Leitrim League
Their backing was instrumental in ensuring the team could focus fully on performing and representing their region.
Conclusion
The 2026 Kennedy Cup was a week that tested this Sligo Leitrim squad in every possible way — from early disruption to difficult playing conditions and high-quality opposition.
Yet throughout it all, the players demonstrated resilience, unity, and a competitive spirit that allowed them to not only compete but to excel at key moments. Qualification from the group, a memorable shootout win, and a heroic comeback performance against Clare all point to a squad with significant character and potential.
Most importantly, these players represented Sligo Leitrim with pride and integrity, leaving the tournament with valuable experience and a strong foundation for the future.
On behalf of the coaching group, it was a memorable experience and the reason we continue to be involved with the football community.
Lucas Walkowski, David Minton, Brian Tivnan & Cian Fox
