Cork County Senior and Intermediate Championships 2021
Following a comprehensive review process throughout 2018 and 2019, the Championship formats outlined below were approved at County Committee for a period of two years, 2020 and 2021. In 2021, this format will be implemented as outlined below, with a number of additional amendments which proved successful in 2020 and will be retained. Teams that are relegated in championships shall retain their league status as both competitions are now decoupled. Teams relegated to Junior A will retain their position in the County leagues. Plans to organise Junior regional leagues in partnership with the divisions have been postponed until 2022
- 104 Club teams in total in the County Senior & Intermediate Championships by 2023
- Four Grades in both Football and Hurling
- Premier Senior -12 Club Teams
- Senior A – 12 teams
- Premier Intermediate – 12 teams
- Intermediate A – 16 teams
- Transition period across 2020 -2023 will see 16 teams remain in IAFC. LIHC will be abolished at end 2022 with IAHC then incorporating 16 teams. Format for selection of 4 extra teams in IAHC TBC.
- Grades
Premier Senior Hurling Cship PSHC
Senior A Hurling Cship SAHC
Prem Intermediate Hurling Cship PIHC
Intermediate A Hurling Cship IAHC
Lower Intermediate Hurling Cship LIHC to end 2022 only
Premier Senior Football Cship PSFC
Senior A Football Cship SAFC
Premier Intermediate Football Cship PIFC
Intermediate A Football Cship IAFC
- Seedings are based on final positions after the group stages in previous year, with promotion and relegation taking precedence.
- Sequence of Group Games R1 (A v B, C v D); R2 (A v D, B v C); R3 (A v C, B v D).
- Placings as per Rule 6.21
- Placing within groups for qualification / relegation are in line with general rule, as follows:
- if two teams are tied, it will be based on the head-to-head result.
- if three or more teams are tied, it will be based on scoring difference.
- also, placing across groups will be determined by points won and scoring difference.
- Qualification two teams from each group qualify for the semi-finals / quarter-finals as outlined in each grade below.
- Relegation ‘one up one down’.
- Divisions / Colleges one team to enter at quarter-final stage of the Premier Senior Championships.
- Draw Format & Procedure In all competitions with 12 teams (3 groups of 4), draws will take place as follows: There will be 3 Groups to be filled (labelled 1 to 3). There will be 3 top seeds, 3 second seeds, 3 third seeds and 3 fourth seeds. Firstly, the three top seeds will be placed in the bowl. Each will be drawn and placed in Groups A to C in order. Then, the three second seeds will be placed in the bowl. Each will be drawn and placed in Groups 1 to 3 in order. Then, the three C seeds will be placed in the bowl Each will be drawn and placed in Groups 1 to 3 in order. To conclude, the three D seeds will be placed in the bowl. Each will be drawn and placed in Groups 1 to 3 in order. *Exception For IAFC where there are 16 teams there will instead be four top seeds placed in the bowl. They will be drawn and placed in Groups 1 to 4 in order and so on.
Co-op Superstores Premier Senior Hurling Championship 2021
PSHC
- 12 Club teams, 3 Groups of 4 teams, each with a top, second, third and fourth seed included,
- 3 games each
- Sequence of Group games: R1 (A v B, C v D); R2 (A v D, B v C); R3 (A v C, B v D).
- Divisional and College teams will play in their own competition, with one team gaining entry to the Championship proper at the quarter-final stage. This competition will see three seeded teams comprising of both colleges (UCC & MTU) and the top ranked divisional team from the previous season (Imokilly) progressing to the semi-finals, where they will be joined by the winner of the unseeded section comprising of all other divisional entries (Seandun / Duhallow / Muskerry).
| Seed | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 |
| A | Glen Rovers | Sarsfields | Blackrock |
| B | Douglas | Na Piarsaigh | Erins Own |
| C | Newtownshandrum | Midleton | St. Finbarr’s |
| D | Bishopstown | Carrigtwohill | Charleville |
Qualification Only the top group winner will qualify for the semi-finals, with the remaining two group winners, the three second-placed teams and the divisions / colleges winner qualifying for the three quarter-finals.
Teams (1-6) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:
- Top Group winner
- Second Group winner
- Third Group winner
- Top Group runner-up
- Second Group runner-up
- Third Group runner up
Quarter-finals: (a) 2v5, (b) 3v4, (c) 6 v Divisions / Colleges winner Semi-finals: 1 v (b), (a) v (c)
A repeat pairing is possible in the quarter finals in (a) 2v5 and (b) 3v4 above. If either scenario arises, then team 2 will instead play team 4, and team 3 will play team 5. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.
Relegation The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the three bottom placed teams from the groups.
Bon Secours Premier Senior Football Championship 2021
PSFC
- 12 Club teams, 3 Groups of 4 teams, each with a top, second, third and fourth seed included,
- 3 games each
- Sequence of Group games: R1 (A v B, C v D); R2 (A v D, B v C); R3 (A v C, B v D).
- Divisional and College teams will play in their own competition, with one team gaining entry to the Championship proper at the quarter-final stage. This competition will see three seeded teams comprising of both colleges (UCC & MTU) and the top ranked divisional team from the previous season (Duhallow) progressing to the semi-finals, where they will be joined by the winner of the unseeded section comprising of all other divisional entries (Carbery / Imokilly / Muskerry).
| Seed | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 |
| A | Nemo Rangers | Castlehaven | St. Finbarr’s |
| B | Valley Rovers | Newcestown | Ballincollig |
| C | Douglas | Carbery Rangers | Clonakilty |
| D | Carrigaline | Éire Óg | Ilen Rovers |
Qualification Only the top group winner will qualify for the semi-finals, with the remaining two group winners, the three second-placed teams and the divisions / colleges winner qualifying for the three quarter-finals.
Teams (1-6) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:
- Top Group winner
- Second Group winner
- Third Group winner
- Top Group runner-up
- Second Group runner-up
- Third Group runner up
Quarter-finals: (a) 2v5, (b) 3v4, (c) 6 v Divisions / Colleges winner Semi-finals: 1 v (b), (a) v (c)
A repeat pairing is possible in the quarter finals in (a) 2v5 and (b) 3v4 above. If either scenario arises, then team 2 will instead play team 4, and team 3 will play team 5. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.
Relegation The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the three bottom placed teams from the groups.
Co-op Superstores Senior A Hurling Championship 2021
SAHC
12 teams, 3 Groups of 4 teams, each with a top, second, third and fourth seed included, 3 games each
Sequence of Group games: R1 (A v B, C v D); R2 (A v D, B v C); R3 (A v C, B v D).
| Seed | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 |
| A | Kanturk | Ballyhea | Fr. O’Neill’s |
| B | Bandon | Bride Rovers | Newcestown |
| C | Fermoy | Ballymartle | Cloyne |
| D | Blarney | Mallow | Killeagh |
Qualification Two teams will progress from each group of four to the play-off stages. This will result in six teams qualifying, with the two top group winners qualifying for the semi-finals and the remaining group winner and the three second -placed teams qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Teams (1-6) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:
- Top Group winner
- Second Group winner
- Third Group winner
- Top Group runner-up
- Second Group runner-up
- Third Group runner up
Quarter-finals: (a) 3v6, (b) 4v5 Semi-finals: 1 v (b), 2 v (a)
A repeat pairing is possible in the quarter finals in (a) 3v6 above. If this arises 3 will instead play 5 and 4 will play 6. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.
Relegation The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the three bottom placed teams from the groups.
Bon Secours Senior A Football Championship 2021
SAFC
12 teams, 3 Groups of 4 teams, each with a top, second, third and fourth seed included, 3 games each
Sequence of Group games: R1 (A v B, C v D); R2 (A v D, B v C); R3 (A v C, B v D).
| Seed | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 |
| A | O’Donovan Rossa | Bishopstown | Fermoy |
| B | Bandon | St. Michael’s | Mallow |
| C | Béal Áth an Ghaorthaigh | Kiskeam | Clyda Rovers |
| D | Dohenys | Knocknagree | Bantry Blues |
Qualification Two teams will progress from each group of four to the play-off stages. This will result in six teams qualifying, with the two top group winners qualifying for the semi-finals and the remaining group winner and the three second -placed teams qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Teams (1-6) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:
- Top Group winner
- Second Group winner
- Third Group winner
- Top Group runner-up
- Second Group runner-up
- Third Group runner up
Quarter-finals: (a) 3v6, (b) 4v5 Semi-finals: 1 v (b), 2 v (a)
A repeat pairing is possible in the quarter finals in (a) 3v6 above. If this arises 3 will instead play 5 and 4 will play 6. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.
Relegation The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the three bottom placed teams from the groups.
Co-op Superstores Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship 2021
PIHC
12 teams, 3 Groups of 4 teams, each with a top, second, third and fourth seed included, 3 games each
Sequence of Group games: R1 (A v B, C v D); R2 (A v D, B v C); R3 (A v C, B v D).
| Seed | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 |
| A | Carrigaline | Castlelyons | Kilworth |
| B | Courcey Rovers | Watergrasshill | Ballincollig |
| C | Youghal | Inniscarra | Ballinhassig |
| D | Éire Óg | Valley Rovers | Aghada |
Qualification Two teams will progress from each group of four to the play-off stages. This will result in six teams qualifying, with the two top group winners qualifying for the semi-finals and the remaining group winner and the three second -placed teams qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Teams (1-6) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:
- Top Group winner
- Second Group winner
- Third Group winner
- Top Group runner-up
- Second Group runner-up
- Third Group runner up
Quarter-finals: (a) 3v6, (b) 4v5 Semi-finals: 1 v (b), 2 v (a)
A repeat pairing is possible in the quarter finals in (a) 3v6 above. If this arises 3 will instead play 5 and 4 will play 6. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.
Relegation The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the three bottom placed teams from the groups.
Bon Secours Premier Intermediate Football Championship 2021
PIFC
12 teams, 3 Groups of 4 teams, each with a top, second, third and fourth included, 3 games each
Sequence of Group games: R1 (A v B, C v D); R2 (A v D, B v C); R3 (A v C, B v D).
| Seed | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 |
| A | St. Nick’s | Cill Na Martra | Newmarket |
| B | Kanturk | Nemo Rangers | Aghada |
| C | Macroom | St. Vincent’s | Castletownbere |
| D | Naomh Abán | Rockchapel | Na Piarsaigh |
Qualification Two teams will progress from each group of four to the play-off stages. This will result in six teams qualifying with the two top group winners qualifying for the semi-finals and the remaining group winner and the three second -placed teams qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Teams (1-6) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:
- Top Group winner
- Second Group winner
- Third Group winner
- Top Group runner-up
- Second Group runner-up
- Third Group runner up
Quarter-finals: (a) 3v6, (b) 4v5 Semi-finals: 1 v (b), 2 v (a)
A repeat pairing is possible in the quarter finals in (a) 3v6 above. If this arises 3 will instead play 5 and 4 will play 6. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.
Relegation The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the three bottom placed teams from the groups.
Co-op Superstores Intermediate A Hurling Championship 2021
IAHC
12 teams, 3 Groups of 4 teams, each with a top, second, third and fourth included, 3 games each
Sequence of Group games: R1 (A v B, C v D); R2 (A v D, B v C); R3 (A v C, B v D).
| Seed | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 |
| A | Aghabullogue | Blackrock | Kildorrery |
| B | Sarsfields | Mayfield | Cloughduv |
| C | Dungourney | Douglas | Midleton |
| D | Glen Rovers | Castlemartyr | Meelin |
Qualification Two teams will progress from each group of four to the play-off stages. This will result in six teams qualifying for the play-off, with the two top group winners qualifying for the semi-finals and the remaining group winner and the three second -placed teams qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Teams (1-6) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:
- Top Group winner
- Second Group winner
- Third Group winner
- Top Group runner-up
- Second Group runner-up
- Third Group runner up
Quarter-finals: (a) 3v6, (b) 4v5 Semi-finals: 1 v (b), 2 v (a)
A repeat pairing is possible in the quarter finals in (a) 3v6 above. If this arises 3 will instead play 5 and 4 will play 6. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.
Relegation The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the three bottom placed teams from the groups.
Bon Secours Intermediate A Football Championship 2021
IAFC
16 Teams, 4 Groups of 4 teams, each with a top, second, third and fourth seed included, 3 Games each
Sequence of Group games: R1 (A v B, C v D); R2 (A v D, B v C); R3 (A v C, B v D).
| Seed | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 |
| A | Mitchelstown | Kilshannig | Millstreet | Gabriel Rangers |
| B | Aghabullogue | Glanworth | Kinsale | Ballinora |
| C | Kildorrery | Adrigole | St. Finbarr’s | Dromtarriffe |
| D | Glanmire | Glenville | Iveleary | Ballydesmond |
Qualification In Intermediate A Football Championship there are four groups of four, so the top two from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals, where group winners will play a group runner up from another group.
Teams (1-8) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:
- Top Group winner
- Second Group winner
- Third Group winner
- Fourth Group winner
- Top Group runner-up
- Second Group runner-up
- Third Group runner up
- Fourth Group runner-up
Quarter-finals: (a) 1v8, (b) 2v7, (c) 3v6, (d) 4v5 Semi-finals: (a) v (d), (b) v (c)
A repeat pairing is possible in all quarter finals here. If a repeat pairing occurs, the second team in the fixture will move down to the next fixture on the list with group winners playing group runners up in all cases. If a repeat pairing occurs in the last quarter-final (d) (i.e. 4v5), then team 3 plays team 5 and team 4 plays team 6. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.
Relegation The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the four bottom placed teams from the groups.
Co-op Superstores Lower Intermediate Hurling Championship 2021
LIHC
12 teams, 3 Groups of 4 teams, each with a top, second, third and fourth seed included, 3 games each
Sequence of Group games: R1 (A v B, C v D); R2 (A v D, B v C); R3 (A v C, B v D).
| Seed | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 |
| A | Argideen Rangers | Russell Rovers | St. Catherine’s |
| B | Kilbrittain | Tracton | Milford |
| C | Dripsey | St. Finbarr’s | Ballygarvan |
| D | Grenagh | Lisgoold | Barryroe |
Qualification Two teams will progress from each group of four to the play-off stages. This will result in six teams qualifying for the play-off stages with the two top group winners qualifying for the semi-finals and the remaining group winner and the three second -placed teams qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Teams (1-6) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:
- Top Group winner
- Second Group winner
- Third Group winner
- Top Group runner-up
- Second Group runner-up
- Third Group runner up
Quarter-finals: (a) 3v6, (b) 4v5 Semi-finals: 1 v (b), 2 v (a)
A repeat pairing is possible in the quarter finals in (a) 3v6 above. If this arises 3 will instead play 5 and 4 will play 6. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.
Relegation The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the three bottom placed teams from the groups.
At the end of 2022, the Lower Intermediate Hurling grade will be abolished and the Intermediate A Hurling Championship will be increased to 16 teams.
