LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby tournament, the Lynch Cup, is returning for the second year in a row, bringing teams from across the island together for a day of competition, connection, and celebration.
Sarsfields Rugby kickstarted the event to honour the loss of beloved teammate Sarah Lynch, who passed away suddenly in 2023. The celebratory day aims to honour Lynch’s legacy of fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who wish to play rugby.
Sarsfields Rugby is the Mid-West of Ireland’s first and only LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby club. The volunteer-led group was founded in September 2022, and has grown to over 100 members who play, train and socialise together in a welcoming, respectful environment. The club has become one of the largest safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community in the region.
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Taking place on Saturday, August 15, the LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby tournament will combine competitive tag and contact matches, followed by an evening social event. Significantly, it will also see Sarsfields’ newly formed women’s+ contact team line out for the first time.
“Following on from the huge success of our inaugural Lynch Cup Tournament in 2025 we are delighted to return this year with a bigger and better tournament,” said David Cuddihy, Club President and Lynch Cup Organiser.
“The premise of our tournament will always stay the same, a day of inclusive rugby in honour of our much missed teammate Sarah. It means the world to us that so many people have supported our idea and with over 300 players last year we were overwhelmed by the community spirit that was shown across the day in Tom Clifford Park.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone, whether it be players, volunteers, supporters or the local community. All are welcome at The Lynch Cup 2026. This year we are honoured that our tournament is being supported by Sporting Pride, the IRFU and the EU Communities Fund. This proves to us the continued value in our sport and tournaments like the Lynch Cup,” Cuddihy added.
GOSHH (Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health, HIV) is the official charity partner of the Lynch Cup. The organisation works to improve support for sexual health and overall well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Mid-West. While admission for spectators is free, a donation to GOSHH is strongly encouraged.
“GOSHH are delighted to be the chairty partner for Sarsfields’ Lynch Cup for the second year,” said GOSHH Administrator Roisin O’Connor.
“GOSHH’s continued collaboration with Sarsfields Rugby highlights the importance of acceptance and inclusion, in both sport and our wider communities. Safe spaces where people feel seen, included and valued remain vital resources, and GOSHH are thrilled to stand beside Sarsfields as a fellow organisation dedicated to supporting people to thrive, whoever they are and however they identify.”
To find out more about the Lynch Cup, click here.
© 2026 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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