Clare Camogie 2026: Eugene Foudy’s New Era Begins in Division 1
A new chapter has begun for Clare camogie. Eugene Foudy has taken charge as senior manager for 2026, and his first competitive game delivered a spirited draw away to Dublin in Division 1B of the National Camogie League. It’s early days, but the signs are encouraging.
Clare camogie has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, competing at the top tier of the league and reaching knockout stages in the All-Ireland Championship. The challenge for Foudy is to maintain that standard and push beyond it. Here’s everything you need to know about Clare camogie in 2026.
Clare Camogie Division 1B Results 2026
| Round | Date | Fixture | Score | Result |
| 1 | Feb 15 | Dublin vs Clare | 0-16 to 1-13 | Draw |
| 2 | TBC | Clare vs TBC | — | Upcoming |
Clare opened their 2026 campaign with a battling draw against Dublin at the National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown. It was a game that showcased everything good about this Clare panel — resilience, skill, and a refusal to be beaten.
Dublin 0-16 Clare 1-13: How the Opener Unfolded
Dublin started the stronger, taking a two-point lead inside the first six minutes through Aisling Gannon and Niamh Comerford. But Clare responded immediately. Two Lorna McNamara frees and a Zi Yan Spillane point put Clare ahead, and the game settled into a tight, back-and-forth contest.
Dublin led 0-8 to 0-6 at half-time with the wind at their backs. It could have been worse for Clare — the hosts dominated possession in the closing minutes of the first half with four unanswered points.
The second half began ominously. Dublin added two quick points to stretch their lead. But then came the moment that changed the game. A dropping ball from Lorna McNamara was misjudged by Dublin goalkeeper Ciara Jones and ended up in the net. Suddenly Clare were right back in it.
Clare surged into a three-point lead, but Dublin’s physicality and experience told. The hosts pegged Clare back and led by a point deep into injury time. Then, with the clock ticking, substitute Aisling Cooney won a crucial free. McNamara stepped up and pointed to force the draw.
Final score: Dublin 0-16, Clare 1-13. A fair result. And a statement of intent from Foudy’s team.
Lorna McNamara: Clare Camogie’s Star Player in 2026
Lorna McNamara was outstanding against Dublin, scoring 1-8 (six frees and a goal). She has been Clare’s most consistent scorer for several seasons and enters 2026 as the undisputed leader of the attack.
McNamara’s free-taking accuracy is elite — she converted six from six against Dublin and also created the goal that swung the game. Her ability to score from play and from dead balls makes her Clare’s most valuable player in any competition.
Beyond the scores, McNamara brings leadership. She was calm in the pressure moments, stepping up for the equalising free in injury time when the game was on the line. That composure under pressure is what separates good inter-county players from great ones.
Other key performers against Dublin:
- Zi Yan Spillane — 0-2 from play, impressive work rate and movement
- Jennifer Daly — 0-1, solid throughout
- Aoife Anderson — 0-1, growing influence at this level
- Roisin Begley — 0-1, showed composure in a competitive game
- Aisling Cooney — Won the crucial late free that led to the equaliser off the bench
Eugene Foudy: Clare’s New Camogie Manager
Eugene Foudy takes over the Clare camogie job with a strong reputation in Clare GAA circles. His first task was always going to be maintaining the progress made in recent years while putting his own stamp on the team.
The draw against Dublin — away from home, against a strong Division 1B side — suggests Foudy’s transition has been smooth. Clare showed tactical discipline, resilience from behind, and the composure to take a point from a game they could have lost.
Foudy will know that the league is about development and building combinations. Championship is where Clare’s season will ultimately be judged. But a positive league campaign — staying competitive in Division 1B and giving game time to younger players — is the foundation for everything that follows.
Clare Camogie 2026: Division 1B Preview
Division 1B of the National Camogie League is fiercely competitive. Clare compete alongside Dublin, Wexford, Offaly, and others in a group where every game is a battle.
Clare’s target should be a top-two finish in the group, which would earn a place in the league semi-finals. After the Dublin draw, they need wins in their remaining group games to stay in contention.
The league also serves as preparation for the All-Ireland Championship, which has a tweaked structure for 2026. Clare will be targeting a place in the knockout stages, where they’ve shown in recent years that they can compete with the best.
Clare Camogie: Why It Matters for claregaa.ie
Clare GAA isn’t just hurling and football. Camogie is a vital part of the county’s sporting identity, with a proud tradition at club and inter-county level. Clubs like Truagh/Clonlara, Inagh-Kilnamona, Sixmilebridge, and St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield produce talented players year after year.
The 2025 county championship final between Truagh/Clonlara and others showcased the depth of talent in Clare camogie at club level. That club scene feeds directly into the inter-county panel, giving Foudy a strong pool of players to work with.
With the GAA, LGFA, and Camogie Association working towards integration by 2027, the profile of women’s Gaelic games is rising. Clare camogie is well-positioned to benefit from that increased attention and investment.
Pat O’Donnell’s sponsorship extension to Clare camogie — highlighted by Clare Camogie Chairperson Fergal O’Brien — ensures the financial backing is in place for 2026. With a new manager, a star scorer in McNamara, and an encouraging opening result, Clare camogie fans have plenty to look forward to.
Clare Camogie 2026: Key Dates to Watch
| Event | Date |
| Division 1B League | February–April 2026 |
| League Semi-Finals | TBC |
| League Final | TBC |
| All-Ireland Championship | May–August 2026 |
| Munster Championship | TBC |
Follow claregaa.ie for full coverage of every Clare camogie game in 2026 — match reports, team news, player profiles, and championship previews.