Holycross Ballycahill hurlers end a 21-year wait for Cahill Cup success

Holycross Ballycahill defeated Moycarkey Borris in the Cahill Cup final of 2026 on Wednesday evening

CM Signs Cahill Cup Final

Holycross Ballycahill 1-22

Moycarkey Borris 0-21

After 21 years, Holycross Ballycahill regained the Cahill Cup, the Mid senior hurling competition sponsored by CM Signs and honouring former Holycross great Phil Cahill, with a hard-earned win over old rivals Moycarkey Borris at Holycross on Wednesday evening.

A warm evening and an enthusiastic crowd created a great atmosphere for this clash between neighbours and two of the division’s oldest rivals. While Holycross Ballycahill came out on top and deservedly so, Moycarkey Borris were left to ponder what might have been as they chased a first success in the competition since 2016, with ten first-half wides proving costly in a fine contest.

Senior silverware is not something either club would pass up easily; despite absentees on both sides, they gave it everything in a tussle that whets the appetite for the upcoming divisional championship. Performances in this competition suggest that both sides will have to be reckoned with in the shake-up for honours, with Holycross Ballycahill perhaps slightly further ahead in the pecking order.

Moycarkey were without regulars Kieran Cummins, Kieran Morris and Max Hackett, while Holycross started without Evan Morris, who came on for the injured Jamie Lee Dwan after 25 minutes, and Bryan O’Mara. How much the absentees would have influenced the outcome is a matter for speculation.

The crucial score in a tightly contested first half was Robbie Ryan’s 17th-minute goal from a Mikey Nally pass, which put the home side ahead 1-5 to 0-6.

Holycross led at the water break, 0-5 to 0-4, a wise decision given the evening temperatures. Moycarkey had more than their share of possession, but erratic shooting continued to cost them, and they trailed 1-9 to 0-9 at half-time.

Darragh Woods’ accuracy from frees, Robbie Ryan’s attacking threat and the solid work of Joe Gould at the heart of the defence were major positives for Holycross, while Eoghan Hayes, Joe Maher and Niall Heffernan impressed for Moycarkey.

In the opening quarter of the second half, Holycross turned the screw to extend their lead to six points, 1-17 to 0-14, and looked to be heading for a comfortable win.

Moycarkey, however, responded strongly after the water break, with Killian Cantwell and David Costigan popping up for scores that left just three between the sides as the game entered added time. Darragh Woods, who was later named Man of the Match, settled matters with a pointed free before Cathal Barrett lifted the cup for Holycross.

Both sides will take encouragement from the contest. Holycross’ potential, based on serial underage success, has been well documented, but Moycarkey are not far off the pace and, if they can field at full strength, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Darragh Woods deserved his Man of the Match award, his accuracy from placed balls proving a huge asset, while Robbie Ryan looked dangerous throughout in attack. Tadhg Gould, Joe Caesar, Jamie Woods, Tiarnan Ryan and Evan Morris also made strong contributions.

Moycarkey Borris could not be faulted for effort; if they can improve their shooting, they will be formidable opponents. Their half-back line of Killian Cantwell, Tom Hayes and Eoghan Hayes stood out, while Joe Maher, David Costigan and Jack Hayes showed well in attack. Niall Heffernan and Rory Darmody also impressed.

Scorers: Holycross Ballycahill: Darragh Woods (0-9, 0-6f), Robbie Ryan 1-2, Jamie Woods, Tiarnan Ryan 0-2 each, Ewan Bourke 0-1f, Tadhg Gould, James Doyle, Jack Dwan, David Fogarty, Joe Caesar, Evan Morris all 0-1 each.

Moycarkey Borris: J Hayes (0-5, 0-2f), Killian Cantwell (0-4, 0-3f), David Costigan 0-3, Niall Heffernan, Rory Darmody, Joe Maher all 0-2 each, Bill Flanagan, Tom Hayes, Brendan Looby 0-1 each.

Holycross Ballycahill: Ewan Bourke; Cathal O’Reilly, Cathal Barrett, Seanie McGrath; Jamie Lee Dwan, Tadhg Gould, Liam Doyle; James Doyle, Tiarnan Ryan; Jack Dwan, Joe Caesar, Robbie Ryan; Darragh Woods, David Fogarty, Mikey Nally.

Subs used: Evan Morris for J Lee Dwan; Jamie Woods for J Doyle; Jimmy Lahart for J Dwan; Eoghan Hickey for L Doyle.

Moycarkey Borris: Rhys Shelly; Kevin Hayes, Peter Melbourne, Tom Ryan; Killian Cantwell, Tom Hayes, Eoghan Hayes; Rory Darmody, Niall Heffernan; Joe Doran, Joe Maher, Kevin O’Regan; David Costigan, Jack Hayes, Bill Flanagan.

Subs used: Tom Ryan (S) for Doran; Brendan Looby for J Hayes; Jack Fallon for Darmody; Christy McCullagh for T Hayes;

Referee: John Lillis (Drom & Inch)