Clare U17 Minor Hurling Club Championship 2026

The Clare U17 Minor Hurling Club Championship is the county’s premier underage club hurling competition, running from July through to a final in late October. This is where the next generation of Clare hurlers earn their stripes at club level, representing parishes that have been competing against each other for generations. If you have any interest in GAA or want to see genuinely committed, skilful young players at close quarters, this is worth your time. Admission to club grounds is usually free, the atmosphere is relaxed, and you are right on top of the action in a way you never are at a county or All-Ireland fixture.

What to expect

The championship is graded so clubs of all strengths get a competitive run. Clare GAA has published the round dates for the season: Round 1 on Thursday 2 July, Round 2 on Thursday 16 July, Round 3 on Monday 27 July, Round 4 on Monday 10 August, Round 5 on Monday 24 August, Round 6 on Monday 7 September and Round 7 on Saturday 26 September, with semi-finals on Saturday 10 October and finals on Saturday 24 October. The next round is Round 5 on Monday 24 August. Individual pairings, venues and throw-in times are only published on a rolling basis roughly a week ahead, so check clare.gaa.ie or follow the competing clubs before setting off. Specific venues can move at short notice.

Getting there

Fixtures are spread across club grounds throughout County Clare, not in Ennis specifically - always confirm the venue before you travel. Ennis is well connected: it sits on the M18 from Limerick (about 30 minutes) and on the main road from Galway (around 45 minutes), with Bus Eireann Expressway services running to Ennis Bus Station on Station Road. For more rural grounds - Broadford, Scariff, Feakle - a car is essential, as public transport to smaller Clare villages is limited.

While you’re in Ennis

A GAA evening out pairs well with Ennis itself, a market town with a strong traditional music scene and no shortage of pubs that put on live sessions during summer. There is more to see in Ennis and across Co. Clare.

Good to know

• Next round: Round 5, Monday 24 August 2026
• Published round dates: R1 Thu 2 July, R2 Thu 16 July, R3 Mon 27 July, R4 Mon 10 August, R5 Mon 24 August, R6 Mon 7 September, R7 Sat 26 September, semi-finals Sat 10 October, finals Sat 24 October
• Pairings and throw-in times: not published in advance of each round - check clare.gaa.ie in the week before you travel
• Entry: Free at most club grounds
• Venues: Various club grounds across Co. Clare
• Organiser: Clare GAA