Derry Senior Hurling Championship - Round 2

The Derry Senior Hurling Championship is one of Ulster’s most fiercely contested county competitions, dominated for over a decade by Slaughtneil - a club that has claimed thirteen consecutive county titles and continues to set the standard. Round 2 of the 2026 championship brings eight clubs back together at Owenbeg for the second round of group games, with every team still alive and every point carrying real weight. If you have any interest in club GAA at a high level, this is a fixture weekend worth making the journey for.

What to expect

Both groups play their second game across the weekend of 23-24 August, with individual throw-in times confirmed closer to the date by Derry GAA. Group A features Lavey, Na Magha, Kevin Lynch’s and the formidable Slaughtneil. Group B has Ballinascreen, Eoghan Rua, Swatragh and Banagher. At this stage of the group series the table is wide open, which tends to sharpen the hurling considerably - teams cannot afford to fall two games back.

The venue is Owenbeg Centre of Excellence, Derry GAA’s flagship facility on the Foreglen Road outside Dungiven. The 48-acre site holds up to 6,800 spectators and has a covered stand with 2,700 seats, full player facilities and catering. It is a proper county ground - well signposted, well run and a comfortable place to watch a game whatever the August weather throws at you.

Getting there

Owenbeg sits roughly 25 km south of Derry city, just off the A6 Derry to Belfast road. From Derry, take the A6 south-east and follow signs for Dungiven; the facility is clearly signposted on the approach. From Belfast or Antrim town, the A6 runs directly to the junction. There is on-site parking. Bus Éireann and Translink serve Dungiven from Derry city on the Goldline 212 service, which stops in the town centre - the venue is a short drive or taxi ride from there.

While you’re in Dungiven

Dungiven Priory, just outside the town, holds the ornate 14th-century tomb of Cooey na Gal of the O’Cahan clan and is one of the more quietly remarkable medieval sites in Ulster. The Roe Valley and the Sperrin foothills give the area real character for anyone who fancies a short walk before or after the match. There is more to see in Dungiven and across Co. Derry.

Good to know

• Date: weekend of 23-24 August 2026 (individual fixture times to be confirmed on derrygaa.ie)
• Admission: GBP 8
• Check fixtures and any updates at derrygaa.ie
• Owenbeg has a covered stand, catering and accessible facilities on site