Cork ladies footballers face Kildare in opening league game

Cork will get their Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 1 campaign underway with a home tie against Kildare on Sunday, January 25.

Cork and Galway were both relegated last year but bounced back at the first attempt by gaining promotion from Division 2.

They will face each other in the second round of games as the Rebels bid to get one over on the side that defeated them in the Division 2 league final last year.

It will be a tough season for Cork manager Joe Carroll, and his squad as they bid to retain their status in the top flight.

Such is the strength of the league that Cork will know getting off to a winning start will be vital, and winning their home games will also be key to retaining their status in the top flight.

What promises to be a hugely competitive Division 1 also contains Armagh, runners-up in 2025 and winners a year previously, as well as the likes of Meath and Waterford.

As well as being at home to Kildare and Galway, the Rebels will also have home advantage against Waterford and Meath.

They face tough away trips to Armagh, Kerry, and Dublin, all of which will be difficult to win.

Meanwhile, holders Kerry will begin the defence of their league title with a clash against TG4 All-Ireland champions Dublin on the opening weekend of the 2026 campaign.

Kerry will make the trip to the capital on Saturday, January 24, for a live TV outing on TG4 at 2.45pm, as the winners of the last three TG4 All-Ireland senior championship titles face off in what promises to be an intriguing tussle.

Dublin claimed the Brendan Martin Cup glory in 2025 and 2023, with Kerry crowned champions in 2024. Kerry go into the new season as league title holders, with Dublin chasing a first top-flight success since 2021.

Round 2 will feature two provincial derbies and both will be live on TG4 on Monday, February 2. Meath will host Dublin at 2pm, followed by the meeting of Kerry and Waterford at 3.45pm.

On the previous day, Sunday, February 1, Kildare will take on Armagh, with Cork at home to Galway.

The top two teams will progress to the final, and that will be played at Parnell Park, Dublin,  on Saturday, April 11.

CORK FIXTURES Sunday, January 25: Cork v Kildare.

Sunday, February 1: Cork v Galway.

Saturday, February 7: Armagh v Cork.

Sunday, February 22: Kerry v Cork.

Sunday, March 1: Cork v Waterford.

Saturday, March 21: Cork v Meath.

Sunday, March 29: Dublin v Cork.