National Leagues and Championship Dates in the 2026 Master Fixtures Plan

The confirmed dates give counties a clear roadmap for the 2026 season. Teams can now plan league and championship campaigns well in advance under the newly published master fixtures plan.

Championship Structure Changes Confirmed in the 2026 Master Fixtures Plan

The Camogie Association has announced the master fixtures plan for 2026, confirming the start dates for the National Leagues and the All-Ireland Championships. The updated calendar provides counties with clarity and sufficient preparation time ahead of the inter-county season.

Senior Championship Structure

At Senior level, teams will compete in:

• One group of six teams

• One group of four teams

The 2025 All-Ireland semi-finalists will enter Group One.

From there:

• The top two teams qualify directly for the All-Ireland semi-finals

• Third and fourth place teams advance to the quarter-finals

In the quarter-finals, those teams will face the top two sides from Group Two.

Intermediate Championship Structure

At Intermediate level, teams will continue to compete in two groups of four, maintaining the current format.

Trial Rules Introduced Under the 2026 Master Fixtures Plan

Meanwhile, the Camogie Association has confirmed a series of trial rules for the 2026 season. These will apply only to:

• The National Leagues

• The Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Championships

• The U23 All-Ireland Championships

Helmet Rule and Injury Assessments

Under one trial rule, any player who removes their helmet during a game — or has it removed by a teammate or official — will be treated as potentially injured.

As a result, the referee will:

• Instruct the player to leave the field

• Ensure an injury assessment takes place

• Allow play to resume only once the helmet is correctly refitted

Substitution Limits and Dissent Penalties in 2026

The trials will also introduce stricter substitution rules. Teams will no longer be allowed to make substitutions:

• After 30 minutes of each half

• After 10 minutes of each half in extra time

In addition, officials will apply stronger penalties for dissent from players and team officials.

Captain-Only Communication With Referees

Another key change limits communication with referees. Only:

• The team captain, or

• A nominated player (if the captain is the goalkeeper or off the field)

may speak to the referee to seek clarification on decisions.

Side-Line Puck Rule Adjustment

Finally, players may now take side-line pucks from the hand, provided they are inside their own 45-metre line. This aims to improve the flow of play and reduce stoppages.

Review Process Following the 2026 Season

All trial rules will be reviewed throughout the 2026 season. An initial assessment will take place after the National Leagues.

Following that:

• Officials will assess any required changes before the Championship

• A further review will follow at season’s end

• Any permanent proposals will be brought to Congress in 2027