The 2026 VLY Association Cup Semi-Finals will be remembered as the weekend the landscape shifted.
Both of last year’s Cup champions have been dethroned. The path is clear for new names to be etched onto the trophies.
Across eight semi-finals, we saw upsets, reverse sweeps, revenge missions and dominant performances. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Men’s Cup: Champions Fall & A Stunning Comeback
The biggest shock of the weekend came in the Men’s Cup.
Tallaght Rockets VC Mars defeat Dalkey Devils 3-1
The reigning champions and double winners, Dalkey Devils, entered as favourites. But Tallaght Rockets had other plans. In a composed and disciplined performance, Rockets absorbed Dalkey’s pressure and struck at the right moments to claim a famous 3-1 victory.
The champions are out. A new Men’s Cup winner is guaranteed.
In the other semi-final, we witnessed one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the season:
Balbriggan Eagles defeat DVC Bravo 3-2
Balbriggan looked down and out after going 2-0 behind. But the Premier Division newcomers showed incredible belief and resilience, storming back to complete a reverse sweep. Set by set, the momentum shifted until Eagles closed it out 3-2 in remarkable fashion.
Tallaght Rockets vs Balbriggan Eagles a final few would have predicted at the start of the weekend!
Women’s Cup: Revenge & Redemption
If the Men’s Cup provided shocks, the Women’s Cup delivered narrative.
DVC Lions defeat Munster Thunder 3-0
Last year’s Grand Finals runners-up were ruthless. DVC Lions produced a dominant display to book another chance at silverware. They look hungry. They look ready.
Then came the headline match.
Gardians defeat Santry Calypso 3-2
A repeat of last year’s Cup Final.
A now classic fixture.
A rivalry renewed.
Santry Calypso, defending champions, were aiming for another final appearance. But Gardians had revenge on their minds. In a gripping five-set battle, Gardians edged it 3-2, ending Santry’s reign and ensuring a new Women’s Cup champion will be crowned.
After falling short in last year’s final, Gardians now have their opportunity.
The question: can they go all the way this time?
Men’s Shield: Authority & Experience
In the Shield competition:
Gardians defeat Munster Thunder 3-0
A comprehensive victory from Gardians, who controlled proceedings from start to finish with clinical efficiency.
Aer Lingus PM defeat UCD 3-1
Aer Lingus leaned on their experience to overcome UCD, securing their place in the Shield Final with a strong 3-1 performance.
Women’s Shield: Statement Wins
Santry Sparks defeat Tallaght Rockets 3-0
A dominant and composed performance sends Sparks into the final with confidence.
BMP Valkyries defeat Santry Rebels 3-1
Valkyries showed control and consistency to close out a solid 3–1 victory and secure their place.
A New Era Awaits
Dalkey Devils are out.
Santry Calypso are out.
This year, we will crown new champions.
The VLY Association Cup Finals promise fresh storylines, new rivalries and the chance for clubs to write their own chapter in Cup history.
Watch the Semi-Finals Back
All semi-finals were streamed live and are available to watch on our YouTube channel. Relive the drama, the reverse sweep, and the five-set thriller now – Volleyball Ireland – YouTube
The road to silverware is almost complete.
New champions are coming!
