The 2026 Ulster U20 Hurling Cup got underway at Celtic Park on Friday night with Tyrone earning a thrilling 3-15 to 2-17 win over neighbours Derry.
On Saturday, Donegal and Wicklow played out a well-contested 1-17 to 3-11 draw at Darver, while Antrim recorded a 3-23 to 1-10 win over Down on Sunday in Mallusk.
This season marks the introduction of a new format for the Ulster U20 Hurling Cup, with the competition expanding from three teams to six.
Adding to Antrim, Down and Derry, the inclusion of Tyrone, Donegal and Wicklow reflects the continued growth of hurling within the province and a strengthening partnership between the Ulster and Leinster Councils.
Under the revised structure, each county will play five round-robin fixtures, scheduled on a weekly basis until February 22nd.
The top two teams will advance to the Ulster final, with the winners earning a place in the Leinster Hurling Championship. The remaining teams will progress to either the newly established Leinster B competition or the All-Ireland B Championship.
A similar expansion has been introduced in the tier-two Ulster Hurling Shield, which will feature five teams this year; Armagh, Cavan, Fermanagh, Monaghan, and Louth.
The top two sides will qualify for the Shield final. Both competitions will be played ahead of the All-Ireland B and C Championships.
The Shield campaign began on Sunday with Armagh running out 6-14 to 2-11 winners away to Cavan at Kingspan Breffni, while Monaghan overcame Louth at Cloghan on a 3-16 to 0-09 scoreline.
Details on upcoming Ulster u20 Hurling Cup and Shield fixtures can be found at ulster.gaa.ie/fixtures-results.
By Michael Devlin Mon 26th Jan
