Overview
- The draws were completed at Croke Park and broadcast live on GAA+ and the Association’s channels in a digital-only presentation the GAA calls a new annual tradition, with no RTÉ television coverage.
- In Ulster, Armagh will meet Tyrone in the preliminary round, with the winner to face Fermanagh before a potential semi-final against Donegal or Down.
- The top half of the Ulster bracket pairs Derry with Antrim and sets Monaghan against Cavan, creating a possible semi-final of Derry/Antrim versus Monaghan/Cavan.
- Connacht preliminary fixtures are set for the weekend of April 12, with New York hosting Roscommon in the Bronx and London welcoming Mayo in Ruislip.
- Kildare, promoted as Tailteann Cup holders, are guaranteed a Sam Maguire berth and will be seeded as quarter-finalists alongside Louth, Dublin and Meath under the 2026 competition changes.