Glencormac United FC won the 2026 Charlie Byrne Cup after scoring two decisive goals in the second half against Shillelagh. Shillelagh entered as slight favourites after securing the league title in April and aiming for a historic double. Glencormac, coming off a fifth-place league finish, used the cup as a chance for redemption. The match began with back-and-forth play and early chances for both sides, including near misses from set pieces and wing crosses. Shillelagh created the clearer opportunities in the first half, with Craig Doyle making key saves. After halftime, Glencormac’s second-half goals proved decisive, and they defended their lead despite Shillelagh’s spirited late comeback.
"Glencormac United FC were crowned 2026 Charlie Byrne Cup winners after two decisive goals in the second half downed Shillelagh. Despite a spirited fightback from the south Wicklow side, Glencormac managed to hold on for a memorable cup win."
"Coming into the game, Shillelagh were probably slight favourites on paper. Having wrapped up the league title back in April, the chance of an historic double was on the cards. For Glencormac, the cup has offered solace from an underwhelming fifth-place league finish. Some may have written off 'the Glens' before kick-off, but the men from the foot of the Sugarloaf are no strangers to overcoming an uphill challenge."
"With 20 minutes played, some lovely quick feet on the edge of the area from Ciaran Lambert beat the Glens defence to put himself through one-on-one. For a moment, everyone in Celtic Park stood still; everyone except Craig Doyle in the Glencormac net, who pulled off a huge stop with his feet to deny Lambert and keep the scores level."
"With five minutes remaining, Shillelagh seemed to up the tempo once again. Another sharp Doyle save denied Jason Cush after some lovely interplay on the edge of the box. The last chance of the half fell right on half-time. Another Shillelagh corner was whipped in to the back post; this time they got a header to the ball and shook Doyle's crossbar, the"
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