There was a fantastic atmosphere at Strand Road on Thursday evening as the Houlihan Cup returned for the first time in 47 years, bringing one of the club’s great traditions back to life.

First played in 1928 and last contested in 1979, the return of the Houlihan Cup was always going to be a special occasion, and the night certainly lived up to expectations. A huge crowd packed the stand as players, coaches, families and supporters came together for a memorable evening of juvenile football.

The atmosphere was electric, spurred on by two extremely entertaining and high-quality games in which the young players showcased all the skill, determination and enthusiasm that had been evident throughout the competition.

The evening began with the teams assembling for the parade at 5.45pm, giving all of the young players their moment to take centre stage on what was a very special occasion.

Following the parade, the teams gathered for photographs before attention turned to the football, with Team Danno Keeffe and Team Seán Walsh taking to the field for the Shield Final at 6pm.

The rain teemed down at the beginning of the Shield Final, but it did nothing to dampen the energy of the players or the quality of football on display.

What followed was a superb contest between two evenly matched teams. The game remained finely balanced throughout and was still level heading into the final minute.

With the contest on a knife-edge, Team Danno Keeffe produced a tremendous finish. Late goals from Noah Hussey and Eoin Bulman finally broke the deadlock and secured a hard-fought Shield victory.

Congratulations to Team Danno Keeffe, and huge credit to Team Seán Walsh for their part in such an entertaining and closely fought final.

At 6.40pm, it was the turn of Team John Dowling and Team David Moran to contest the Houlihan Cup Final.

Once again, almost as if on cue, the rain came teeming down at the beginning of the game. Once again, the players simply got on with producing an outstanding display of football.

With the crowd urging the teams on from the packed stand, the atmosphere grew as the game progressed. Neither side could establish the decisive advantage and, after a titanic battle, the teams finished level at full time.

That meant the destination of the Houlihan Cup would be decided by a Golden Score in extra time.

After an evening of remarkably close football, it was Conor O’Shea who came up with the decisive score for Team John Dowling, bringing a dramatic final to an end and ensuring that they would become the first team in 47 years to lift the Houlihan Cup.

It was a fitting conclusion to an exceptional game that went right down to the very last kick.

Following the football, the players, coaches and families made their way into Charlie’s Bar for the medal and trophy presentations, bringing a brilliant evening at Strand Road to a fitting conclusion.

Luke Kelly had the honour of receiving the Houlihan Cup as the winning captain of Team John Dowling, while match-winner Conor O’Shea capped a superb evening by being named Player of the Tournament.

The presentations provided an opportunity to recognise all of the young players for the effort, skill and commitment they had shown throughout the competition.

A very special thank you must go to the Houlihan family, and particularly Richie Houlihan, for their generous support of the competition. Their backing has played an important part in bringing the Houlihan Cup back to Strand Road and allowing a new generation of young players to become part of a competition with such a proud history.

A special word of thanks also to Gary Kissane, who refereed both finals to the highest standard. The players certainly made his job easier, with all four teams displaying a fantastic attitude, great sportsmanship and respect for one another throughout both games.

Huge credit is due to everyone involved in organising the competition and Thursday evening’s finals, and to all of the coaches and mentors who gave their time throughout. Thanks also to Charlie’s Bar for hosting the presentations and to the families and supporters who turned out in such huge numbers and helped create an electric atmosphere at Strand Road.

Most importantly, congratulations to every young player who took part in this year’s Houlihan Cup. The quality of football in both finals, despite the difficult weather at times, was a tremendous reflection on all involved.

Congratulations to Team John Dowling, the 2026 Houlihan Cup champions, and Team Danno Keeffe, the 2026 Shield winners, while Team David Moran and Team Seán Walsh deserve enormous credit for their performances in two outstanding finals.

Forty-seven years after it was last played, the return of the Houlihan Cup proved to be a night worthy of its proud history — and a wonderful new chapter in a Kerins O’Rahillys tradition stretching back almost a century.

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