New formats and returning competitions – the GAA storylines to look out for in 2026

At half-time in the 2025 All-Ireland football quarter-final, holders Armagh seemed in a decent place when leading Kerry by one point.

However, there was a storm brewing and the Kingdom suddenly found their mojo, tearing through Kieran McGeeney’s side in the second period with 14 unanswered points rocking the Orchard men and paving the way for an eight-point win.

There was no looking back from there as Kerry’s season, which had stuttered despite winning League and Munster titles, came alive.

They put Tyrone to the sword in the semi-final and then produced another masterclass in the final against Ulster champions Donegal to complete a clean sweep of trophies for the year.

Perhaps it took Kerry a while to fully adjust to the new rules, but once they found their groove, they were unstoppable and they will enter 2026 as favourites to continue that dominance.

With the Cliffords – Paudie and David – Seanie O’Shea, Joe O’Connor and Gavin White all starring in 2026, they will be confident of further success, but others will have something to say about that.

Donegal will feel they under-performed in the All-Ireland final and Jim McGuinness’ men will be keen to make up for that disappointment, while Armagh, Tyrone, Galway and Dublin will all feel they can topple the Kingdom on their day.

In hurling, Tipperary enter 2026 with the target on their back following their All-Ireland triumph in July.

The race for the Liam MacCarthy Cup will have no Ulster representatives as Antrim suffered relegation back to the Joe McDonagh Cup where they will have Down for company following Ronan Sheehan’s side earning promotion to the second grade.