Champions League Wrap 2026

What a weekend!

Getting back to normal has been hard after the magical two days at Hyde Park over the May Bank Holiday.

We were blessed with the weather, but we were even more fortunate to have an incredible Champions League committee who made everything happen (it would be no surprise if they organised the sunshine as nothing was beyond their powers). A special mention for Kim who, as always, managed to juggle everything that was needed to keep the weekend’s club fixtures moving while also doing unbelievable work on the weekend of the Champions League and deep into the following week. She is the rock of Dalkey United.

The Champions League wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our sponsors:

We are hugely grateful to Rushe’s SuperValu for their extraordinary generosity. Thank you to Shane Rushe and Alen Murica in particular.

Frank Keane BMW were simply fantastic. The Champions League wouldn’t have been what it was without them. Thanks especially to Brian Keane who did so much and provided the XM that caught so many people’s attention over the two days.

Huge thanks also to Dovida who were proud sponsors of the girls teams again this year. Dovida, Ireland’s leading provider of private home care services, continue to support and play a key role in the development and enjoyment of our girls’ football teams, for which we are very grateful. 

⚽️OOH AH Dovida ⚽️ 

Caterhire deserve a special shoutout and the atmosphere at Hyde Park is always helped by the excellent coffee served by Andrew and Claire from Homeground.

Thanks also to Mason Hayes & Curran who, through Rob Dickson, are long-standing supporters of the club. We are very grateful to them for this sponsorship and for all that they do behind the scenes to help the club. 

We are grateful to all our pitch sponsors, Bel Gelato on the MUGA, KPMG, Childline and Free State podcast.

Rob O’Neill and Dan from Total Entertainment who provided the entertainment all weekend were magnificent. Dan’s role in the medal ceremonies was a particular highlight. He told every team’s story as they headed to the podium  Along with our own Oran MacLaverty, he kept anticipation at sky high levels and everyone came down the steps a winner. 

To all our volunteers, thank you. To those who did a shift at the BBQ, to the team that worked alongside Graham at the tuck shop, and to those who helped with set up and clean up, we couldn’t have done it without you.

Thanks to Frank Murphy for his logistical support. There wouldn’t have been matches (or at least goals) without you. 

We want to give a special thanks to Catherine Chambers and Conor Deegan who created such a wonderful atmosphere in the Muga, where the Academy kids were playing and our U-15 players were coaching. 

It was such an honour to have Paul McGrath as a special guest on Sunday. We know he is Ireland’s greatest ever footballer but on Sunday the next generation experienced the majesty of the man. Nothing was too much for him and we can’t wait to welcome him back to Hyde Park in the future.

Finally, and most importantly, we want to thank all of you. There were nearly 500 players, 82 coaches, 48 teams, more than 30 referees and thousands of family and friends supporting the boys and girls who made this weekend the festival it has become. 

Bray Wanderers Invite

Congratulations to Dalkey United’s Leo Marnell who was invited to spend a week training with the Bray Wanderers Academy.

Leo is part of Rob Dickson’s U15 team and has been with Dalkey United since the Academy.

Everyone at the club is very proud of Leo’s progress. Leo is also part of the Leinster hockey academy so his dedication is showing across multiple sports. 

Leo had a great week at the Carlisle Grounds before returning to Rob’s U15 squad. Everyone at Dalkey United is very grateful to all at Bray Wanderers for their expertise and encouragement.

DDSL Finals Day

Good luck to Dalkey United 12.1 in the Tommy Coady cup final on DDSL Cup final weekend next weekend. Special credit to their coaches, Rory Maguire, Luke Pomroy and Nuno Silva for their work with the lads this season. Enjoy the magic of the cup!

We Need You

A club like Dalkey United functions because of its volunteers. If you would like to help please get in touch.