The Ireland Defence Forces will travel to France to take part in the Kentish Cup for the first time in November 2026.

One of the oldest international tournaments in Europe, the Kentish Cup was first established in 1919 after World War 1, with the United Kingdom, France, Netherlands and Belgium all involved.

The tournament is played every year, but after Belgium withdrew an invitation was extended to Ireland in recognition of Irish soldiers who fought in the War. 

The Irish delegation will also include two referees in Stephen Butler and William McGrath, who were selected by Head Referee Deckie Toland as part of the elite training pathway.

Ireland will kick off against France at 15:00 on Monday, November 16th, with the other games to follow based on winning or losing.

Chef de Mission Richie Barber said: “This will be a high quality tournament with top players and teams – it is a great challenge for us. 

“As is always the case with military football, our squad has transitioned a lot since the World Cup qualifiers in April, but this has opened the door to some new young talent, like Ireland underage international Luke O’Brien, and we have high hopes for them.”

Ireland are ready to embrace this new challenge with a strong squad of players and a dedicated backroom team of skilled staff members keen to win a famous tournament at the first attempt.

Ireland Defence Forces
Goalkeepers: Shane Sherlock, Andrew Walsh

Defenders: Chris Kenny, Ger Hayes, Aidan Friel, Jack Ryder

Midfielders: Ian Lordan, Ger Heffernan, Alex O’Callaghan, Luke O’Brien, Brandon Daly, Ben O’Donnell, Jordan Carney, Barry McGee, Keith Ashmore, Luke Parke

Forwards: Ronan Kerin, Aidan Rafferty, Ken Ennis

Staff: Richie Barber (Chef de Mission), Darren Kelly (Head Coach), Jonathan Deegan, David Long (Assistant Coach), Gavin Holligan (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Alan Kearns, Lloyd Murphy (Medical), Colin O’Connor, Scott Delaney (Team Operations)

Match Officials: Stephen Butler, William McGrath

2026 Kentish Cup
Monday, November 16th | France v Ireland | KO 15:00
Wednesday, November 18th | Ireland v TBC
Friday, November 20th | Ireland v TBC