The McCarthy Insurance Group Football Championships enter the knockout phase this weekend, with Q-Finals across every grade set to light up pitches around the county. For clubs, the equation is simple: win and march on, lose and the dream ends here.

Saturday Showdowns

Saturday is packed from early afternoon, starting in Boherbue where Millstreet and Ballydesmond collide in the Premier Junior quarter-final. Later in the day, Cullen and Canovee battle in Donoughmore, while Inniscarra and Cobh meet in Grenagh — three ties that promise fierce competition and no shortage of drama.

The Intermediate ‘A’ Championship quarter-finals add further intrigue. At 4:00, Dromtarriffe meet St Vincents in Macroom, before Ilen Rovers face Mitchelstown in Newcestown at 4:30. The evening closes in Rossmore, where Gabriel Rangers take on Ballinora with a semi-final place at stake.

In the Premier Intermediate grade, Aghabullogue meet Kiskeam in Banteer at 4:15, followed by Glanmire against Aghada in Lisgoold at 5:00 — both ties with the potential for high scores and high drama.

The Senior ‘A’ Championship brings heavyweight clashes too, as Knocknagree face Kanturk in Kilbrin, while Fermoy lock horns with O’Donovan Rossa at a venue yet to be confirmed.

And all eyes will turn to Enniskeane at 5:00, where Carbery Rangers take on Valley Rovers in a Senior Football Championship quarter-final that could define the season for both sides.

Sunday Drama

The quarter-final action continues on Sunday, with a triple-header of Senior Championship ties. At Páirc Uí Rinn, Newcestown and Carrigaline get proceedings underway at 2:00, before Ballincollig face the might of Duhallow at 4:00. In between, neutrals will flock to Clonakilty for a titanic clash between St Finbarr’s and Castlehaven at 3:00 — a game steeped in rivalry and history.

Elsewhere, in the Senior ‘A’ Championship, Éire Óg meet Bishopstown in Ballyanley at 3:00, while in the Premier Intermediate Championship, Bandon and Macroom lock horns in Kilmurry at 2:00.