Sarsfields GAA Senior Football Championship 2026

One of Kildare’s most decorated football clubs takes to the field this August, when Sarsfields GAA of Newbridge begin their 2026 Joe Mallon Motors Senior Football Championship campaign. Founded in 1897 and holders of 25 Kildare Senior Football Championship titles - more than any other club in the county - Sarsfields carry genuine weight every time they step out. This is county-level Gaelic football at its most competitive, and a good day at Manguard Park is exactly the kind of afternoon that local sport is built around.

What to expect

Sarsfields are drawn in Group B alongside Carbury, Caragh, and Maynooth. The format is a round-robin group stage, with teams building points across three matches before the knockout rounds. The opening fixture on 22 August sees Sarsfields face Carbury at Manguard Park Pitch 1, with throw-in at 2pm. A second group match follows at Cedral St Conleth’s Park on 4 September, with fixtures running through to mid-September 2026.

The Joe Mallon Motors championship is Kildare GAA’s flagship football competition, and the group-stage format keeps every result meaningful - there is rarely a dead rubber when clubs of this calibre are involved. Expect fast, physical football, a lively sideline, and a crowd that knows the game.

Getting there

Manguard Park is located in Hawkfield, just outside Newbridge town, with good road access from the M7 motorway - take junction 10 or 11 and follow signs for Newbridge. Newbridge is on the main Dublin Heuston to Thurles/Waterford rail line, with regular Irish Rail services from Dublin taking around 40 minutes. Local Bus Eireann routes also serve Newbridge from Naas and Kildare town. On-site parking is available at Manguard Park for championship fixtures, though arriving early is sensible on a matchday.

Cedral St Conleth’s Park, used for the September round, is in Newbridge town centre and is walkable from the train station.

While you’re in Kildare

Newbridge sits in the flat Kildare heartland, close to the Curragh plain and the Japanese Gardens at Tully. There is more to see in Kildare and across Co. Kildare.

Good to know

• Date: 22 August 2026 (group stage runs to mid-September 2026)
• Time: 2pm throw-in for the opening fixture
• Price: Admission varies by fixture - check kildaregaa.ie for updates
• Venue: Manguard Park, Hawkfield, Co. Kildare (Round 1)
• Fixtures and results: kildaregaa.ie