FBD League to return in 2026

The abandonment of the FBD League has been overturned, with confirmation today that the Connacht inter-county senior football tournament will return in January.

There was much opposition to the shelving of this year’s competition, a decision that was taken after pressure from the Gaelic Players Association whose CEO, former Mayo midfielder Tom Parsons, argued that the abolishment of pre-season competitions would ‘provide ‘much-needed rest before pre-season training resumes.’ 

Connacht GAA secretary John Prenty opposed the move, citing the loss of revenue – in the region of €100,000 annually – would have a knock-on effect and increase the cost on counties. He was also dubious whether players actually would be rested or have the inter-county fixtures replaced by challenge matches.

However, in a communication issues to Connacht counties today (Tuesday), John Prenty has confirmed that the FBD League will run in January 2026. The format of the competition and the draws will, said Prenty, be decided after discussions with other provinces whose pre season competitions are also set to return.

The potential games will be of particular use to Andy Moran before he embarks on his first National Football League campaign as Mayo senior football manager.

The reconstructed Air Dome is not due to be completed until next March but it's understood the Connacht Centre of Excellence is nonetheless being considered to stage all FBD League matches.