Celtic Cup Qualifiers Live Updates, Results & Photos

Fintan Lyons, OHI President, reports live at the Celtic Cup qualifying rounds in Oriam, Scotland.

Fintan here - I’m live at the Celtic Cup qualifying rounds at the impressive Oriam Sports Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.

This weekend brings together the top men's and women's teams from Ireland and Scotland. Across two days, the teams are battling it out for a place in the finals, set for Dublin in February.

Day 1 – Saturday 15 November

The atmosphere has been building steadily throughout the day and a crowd mostly made up of Scottish supporters, there was a great buzz around the venue. Thanks to the Scottish Handball Association, the matches were streamed live—helping to bring the action home for those who couldn’t travel.

Men’s Competition

The opening match saw Astra’s men’s squad face Kelvinside. With a tight squad of just 11, they gave everything but struggled to match the depth and tempo of the Scottish side. A tough opener, but strong minutes banked for the squad.

In the second men’s match, Dublin International took on Tryst 77 in one of the day’s most exciting clashes. DI showed incredible individual skill and kept the match tight, physical, and thrilling from start to finish.

Women’s Competition

Astra Women brought a diverse and determined squad. They held their own in the first half but were outpaced in the second, ending 32–10. Great experience gained across the board.

Elsewhere, UCD Women faced a challenging opponent in Edinburgh and were well beaten, while DCH Women powered through with a commanding win—showcasing strength, strategy, and momentum building.

The Astra/DI Women’s amalgamated team, travelling with just eight players, gave everything they had. Despite the 41–16 scoreline against a sharp Tryst side, their spirit and commitment never faltered.

Saturday Match Results

• 10:00 – Kelvinside Men (25) v Astra (17)

• 11:30 – UCD Women (10) v Edinburgh (32)

• 13:00 – Dublin International Men (25) v Tryst (30)

• 14:30 – EK82 Women (18) v DCH (30)

• 16:00 – EK82 Men (21) v DCH (32)

• 17:30 – Astra/DI Women (16) v Tryst (44)

Day 2 – Sunday 16 November

DCH Men were in fine form during their match against Tryst, holding a five-goal lead just before half-time. Tryst, true to their form, found the net at the whistle to keep things interesting.

Sunday Match Results

• 09:00 – Tryst Men (24) v DCH (26)

• 10:30 – Astra/DI Women (16) v EK82 (32)

• 12:00 – Dublin International Men (25) v Kelvinside (11)

• 13:30 – DCH Women (26) v Edinburgh (17)

• 15:00 – EK82 Men (28) v Astra (27)

• 16:30 – UCD Women (21) v Tryst (37)

As we look ahead to the Celtic Cup Finals in Dublin this February, excitement is already building. We at Olympic Handball Ireland can’t wait to host the final showdown and encourage all fans—new and returning—to experience it live. Trust me: the energy of being courtside, the blur of fast breaks, and yes, maybe even getting hit with a little sweat from a winger in full flight... you’ve got to be there!

Rewatch all games from the Celtic Cup group stages here:

Scottish Handball Association YouTube