The 2026 Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship reaches its penultimate stage on Saturday, 25 July, when FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles plays host to a double-header semi-final that promises to be one of the highlights of the GAA summer. Reigning champions Galway face Kilkenny in the first match, before Cork take on Tipperary in a contest that will determine the two finalists for the O'Duffy Cup decider at Croke Park on 9 August.
Galway, who claimed the All-Ireland title in 2025, have navigated the 2026 championship with a blend of experience and emerging talent. The Tribeswomen finished second in Group 1 behind Cork, who impressed throughout the group stages with a perfect record of three wins. Despite that group-stage defeat, Galway's quality and championship pedigree make them formidable opponents for any side, and their path to the semi-finals has underlined their credentials as genuine contenders to retain the O'Duffy Cup.
Kilkenny, their semi-final opponents, earned their place in the last four through a hard-fought quarter-final victory over Waterford that required extra time to separate the sides. The Cats eventually prevailed by 2-19 to 1-19 in a match that showcased their resilience and determination. That experience of winning from a difficult position could prove invaluable as they face the champions at Semple Stadium.
The Galway versus Kilkenny fixture is one of camogie's great rivalries, with both counties boasting proud traditions and passionate support bases. Kilkenny have historically been one of the dominant forces in the game, and their supporters will travel to Thurles in large numbers, confident that their side has the quality to cause an upset against the reigning champions.
In the second semi-final, Cork face Tipperary in what promises to be a compelling Munster derby. Cork were the standout team of the group stages, defeating both Galway and Tipperary on their way to topping Group 1. Their form has been impressive, with a combination of clinical finishing and resolute defending making them many observers' pick to lift the O'Duffy Cup in August.
Tipperary, however, will not be overawed by the occasion. The Premier County qualified for the semi-finals by defeating Clare by 3-20 to 3-13 at Croke Park in the quarter-finals, a performance that demonstrated their attacking potency and ability to score freely. Having already faced Cork in the group stages, Tipperary will have a detailed understanding of their opponents' strengths and weaknesses, and will be eager to reverse the earlier result on the bigger stage.
The double-header at Semple Stadium is expected to attract a large attendance, with supporters from all four counties making the journey to Thurles for what promises to be a memorable afternoon of camogie. Both matches will be broadcast live on RTÉ, bringing the action to a nationwide audience and further raising the profile of the women's game.
The 2026 championship has been notable for the quality of play on display throughout the group stages and quarter-finals, with several high-scoring encounters and a number of outstanding individual performances. The semi-finals are expected to maintain that standard, with four of the country's top camogie counties competing for the right to contest the All-Ireland final.
Camogie Ireland has expressed its satisfaction with the progress of the 2026 championship, noting the increased attendances and media coverage that have accompanied the competition. The decision to schedule the semi-finals as a double-header at Semple Stadium reflects the growing ambition of the sport and its desire to showcase the best of women's Gaelic games to as wide an audience as possible.
The All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship final is scheduled for Croke Park on Sunday, 9 August, and will be one of the most anticipated events on the GAA calendar. Whoever emerges from the semi-finals at Thurles will carry the hopes of their county and province into the decider, with the O'Duffy Cup the ultimate prize for four months of championship competition.
Tickets for the semi-final double-header at FBD Semple Stadium are available through the Camogie Association's official channels, with supporters urged to purchase in advance to avoid disappointment. The gates are expected to open at midday, with the first match scheduled to throw in at 14:00.
