McCarthy Insurance Group Football Championships: Knockout Action Across Four Grades

The McCarthy Insurance Group Football Championships move into the knockout stages this weekend, with quarter-finals and relegation play-offs across the Senior ‘A’, Premier Intermediate, Intermediate ‘A’ and Premier Junior grades.

From Friday evening through to Sunday afternoon, clubs will battle for places in the semi-finals, while six teams face crucial relegation play-offs.

With the Premier Senior Football Championship also reaching its quarter-final stage, it promises to be a busy weekend of championship football across the county.

Senior ‘A’ Football Championship

Éire Óg and Carbery Rangers have already secured their places in the semi-finals, with the remaining two places to be decided this weekend. The knockout routes are already confirmed, with the winner of Cill na Martra and Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh meeting Éire Óg, while the winner of Kanturk and Kilshannig will face Carbery Rangers.

Cill na Martra v Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh

Saturday, September 26 | 4:00pm | Ballyvourney

Cill na Martra and Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh meet with a semi-final place at stake.

Cill na Martra opened their campaign with victory over Carbery Rangers before a narrow defeat to Newmarket. They returned to winning ways in their final group game, defeating O’Donovan Rossa.

Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh also enjoyed a strong group campaign, defeating Kanturk, Aghabullogue and Dohenys to secure their place in the knockout stages.

The winner will face Éire Óg in the semi-final.

Kanturk v Kilshannig

Sunday, September 27 | 3:30pm | Kilbrin

Kanturk and Kilshannig meet on Sunday, knowing that Carbery Rangers await the winner.

Kanturk opened with defeat to Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh before recording a victory over Dohenys. They then lost narrowly to Aghabullogue in their final group game.

Kilshannig began with a close victory over Clyda Rovers and followed that with a strong win over Bishopstown. Their final game against Éire Óg ended in defeat, but they had already secured their quarter-final place.

O’Donovan Rossa v Clyda Rovers

Saturday, September 26 | 2:30pm | Páirc Uí Rinn

O’Donovan Rossa and Clyda Rovers face off in the Senior ‘A’ relegation play-off.

O’Donovan Rossa opened with victory over Newmarket but suffered defeats to Carbery Rangers and Cill na Martra.

Clyda Rovers also found the group stage difficult, with defeats to Kilshannig, Éire Óg and Bishopstown.

Senior ‘A’ status is at stake in Páirc Uí Rinn.

Premier Intermediate Football Championship

Two quarter-finals and a relegation play-off make up the Premier Intermediate programme.

Naomh Abán v Macroom

Sunday, September 27 | 3:30pm | Cill na Martra

Naomh Abán and Macroom meet for a place in the semi-finals.

Naomh Abán opened their campaign with victory over Fermoy before a narrow defeat to Ballinora. They responded in their final game with a five-point victory over Nemo Rangers.

Macroom began with a draw against Castletownbere, followed by defeat to Aghada. They secured their knockout place with a final-round victory over Kiskeam.

It sets up a quarter-final between two sides who have already shown their ability to compete in close championship games.

Rockchapel v Fermoy

Sunday, September 27 | 3:30pm | Ballyclough

Rockchapel face Fermoy in the second quarter-final.

Rockchapel opened with a narrow defeat to Bantry Blues before drawing with Glanmire. They finished the group phase strongly with a convincing victory over Uibh Laoire.

Fermoy recorded victories over Nemo Rangers and Ballinora, with their other group game ending in defeat to Naomh Abán.

Both teams now have a semi-final place within reach.

Glanmire v Castletownbere

Saturday, September 26 | 3:30pm | Ballinacarriga

Glanmire and Castletownbere meet in the relegation play-off.

Glanmire lost their opening game to Uibh Laoire before drawing with Rockchapel. Their final group game against Bantry Blues was a high-scoring contest, with Bantry Blues edging it 4-10 to 1-18.

Castletownbere began with a draw against Macroom, followed by victory over Kiskeam before losing to Aghada.

Both sides will be determined to secure their Premier Intermediate status.

Intermediate ‘A’ Football Championship

The Intermediate ‘A’ Football Championship begins its knockout weekend on Friday night, with two quarter-finals and a relegation play-off across the weekend.

Dromtarriffe v Boherbue

Friday, September 25 | 7:30pm | Ballydesmond

Dromtarriffe and Boherbue get the knockout action underway on Friday night.

Dromtarriffe came through their group strongly, recording victories over St Finbarr’s and Gabriel Rangers before their final-round defeat of Mitchelstown.

Boherbue also secured their quarter-final place after victories over Kildorrery and Bandon, although they suffered defeat to Adrigole.

A place in the semi-finals awaits the winner.

Buttevant v Mitchelstown

Saturday, September 26 | 3:00pm | Glanworth

Buttevant and Mitchelstown meet in Saturday’s quarter-final.

Buttevant began their campaign with a comprehensive victory over Glanworth before going on to defeat Kilmurry and Ilen Rovers.

Mitchelstown also enjoyed a strong opening to the championship, defeating Gabriel Rangers and St Finbarr’s before losing to Dromtarriffe in their final group game.

Both sides have already demonstrated their attacking threat and a semi-final place is the reward for Saturday’s winner.

Kildorrery v Glanworth

Sunday, September 27 | 3:30pm | Shanballymore

Kildorrery and Glanworth meet with Intermediate ‘A’ status at stake.

Kildorrery recorded a victory over Bandon during the group phase but suffered defeats to Boherbue and Adrigole.

Glanworth’s campaign included defeats to Buttevant, Ilen Rovers and Kilmurry.

The two clubs now meet in a winner-on-the-day relegation play-off.

Premier Junior Football Championship

The Premier Junior Football Championship also enters its knockout stages, with two quarter-finals and a relegation play-off.

Kinsale v St Nicks

Saturday, September 26 | 3:00pm | Shanbally

Kinsale and St Nicks meet in the opening Premier Junior quarter-final.

Kinsale defeated Millstreet in their opening game before overcoming Cullen. They then lost to St Vincent’s in their final group game.

St Nicks suffered defeat to Canovee before responding emphatically against Na Piarsaigh. They finished their group campaign with a narrow victory over Kilmacabea.

The winner advances to the semi-finals.

Inniscarra v Millstreet

Sunday, September 27 | 3:30pm | Carrigadrohid

Inniscarra face Millstreet in Sunday’s quarter-final.

Inniscarra opened with a narrow defeat to Cobh before victories over Urhan and Glenville.

Millstreet defeated Kinsale in their opening game before losing to St Vincent’s. They finished with a narrow victory over Cullen.

Another competitive quarter-final is expected in Carrigadrohid.

Na Piarsaigh v Urhan

Saturday, September 26 | 3:00pm | Church Cross

Na Piarsaigh and Urhan meet in the Premier Junior relegation play-off.

Na Piarsaigh lost to Kilmacabea, St Nicks and Canovee during the group stage.

Urhan opened with victory over Glenville before defeats to Inniscarra and Cobh.

Both clubs will be looking to secure their Premier Junior status when they meet in Church Cross.

Football Championship Weekend

The four grades provide eight quarter-finals and four relegation play-offs across the weekend.

Friday

Intermediate ‘A’

  • Dromtarriffe v Boherbue — Ballydesmond, 7:30pm

Saturday

Senior ‘A’

  • O’Donovan Rossa v Clyda Rovers — Páirc Uí Rinn, 2:30pm
  • Cill na Martra v Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh — Ballyvourney, 4:00pm

Intermediate ‘A’

  • Buttevant v Mitchelstown — Glanworth, 3:00pm

Premier Junior

  • Kinsale v St Nicks — Shanbally, 3:00pm
  • Na Piarsaigh v Urhan — Church Cross, 3:00pm

Premier Intermediate

  • Glanmire v Castletownbere — Ballinacarriga, 3:30pm

Sunday

Senior ‘A’

  • Kanturk v Kilshannig — Kilbrin, 3:30pm

Intermediate ‘A’

  • Kildorrery v Glanworth — Shanballymore, 3:30pm

Premier Intermediate

  • Naomh Abán v Macroom — Cill na Martra, 3:30pm
  • Rockchapel v Fermoy — Ballyclough, 3:30pm

Premier Junior

  • Inniscarra v Millstreet — Carrigadrohid, 3:30pm

The full weekend fixture schedule has been confirmed by Cork GAA, with quarter-finals played under winner-on-the-day regulations and relegation play-offs proceeding to extra time if required.

REBEL RÉALTA returns to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

 

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, REBEL RÉALTA Sports and Activity Day will return to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday, October 6th, 2026.

 

Organised by Sciath na Scol, REBEL RÉALTA celebrates inclusion, participation and the joy of Gaelic Games, bringing children from Cork’s special schools together for a fun-filled day of football, hurling, games and activities.

Following a hugely successful first event, the second REBEL RÉALTA promises another memorable day, with participants getting the opportunity to take to the famous SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh pitch and enjoy a range of sporting activities alongside players and special guests.

 

Details on participation in this year’s programme will be shared by Sciath na Scol in the coming days.

 

REBEL RÉALTA continues to grow as an important initiative, creating opportunities for every child to participate, enjoy sport and feel part of the GAA community.

 

Cork GAA Statement | Cork Minor and U20 Manager update

The Cork GAA Executive Committee is recommending Fergal McCormack (Mallow) for appointment as Under 20 Hurling Manager on a two-year term, and Kieran Morrison (St. Catherine’s) as Minor Hurling Manager on a one-year term, with the option of a second year.

Both recommendations will be brought before the next Cork County Committee meeting on October 6th for ratification.

Details of the respective selectors will be announced in due course.

Sustainable Clubs Competition Deadline Extended

Cork GAA Sustainable Clubs Competition

Deadline Extended

Monday, September 28th · 12 noon

Following requests from a number of clubs, the entry deadline has been extended.

€6,000 · €2,500 · €1,500

Three grants available, plus professional sustainability advice and guidance.

Cork GAA has extended the deadline for the Sustainable Clubs Competition, in partnership with PepsiCo, Positive Action Partner of Cork GAA.

The competition gives clubs an opportunity to showcase the sustainability work already taking place within their communities while developing plans for future environmental initiatives.

Grants Available

First Prize
€6,000
Second Prize
€2,500
Third Prize
€1,500

As well as financial support, successful clubs will receive
professional advice and guidance on how best to progress
their sustainability journey.

New Entry Deadline
Monday, September 28th
12 noon

Clubs are encouraged to submit their entry before the new deadline.

In partnership with PepsiCo, Positive Action Partner of Cork GAA

Cork ETB Rebel Óg Minor Football Finals

Carrigaline are Cork ETB Rebel Óg Premier 1 Minor Football champions after a thrilling victory over Ballincollig at Páirc Uí Rinn.

Ballincollig looked well placed to secure a third successive title after establishing a strong position in the first half and leading by five points early in the second period. Carrigaline responded in impressive fashion, gradually reducing the deficit before taking control in the closing stages.

Luke Jordan and Charlie Hanratty both found the net, while Ben Corkery-Delaney and Cillian Murphy also made important contributions on the scoreboard. Carrigaline finished the stronger of the two sides to claim a 2-15 to 1-13 victory and add the Premier 1 title to their season.

There was nothing to separate Diarmuid Ó Murchu and Macroom in the Premier 2 final, with the sides finishing level on 2-10 to 0-16 after an entertaining contest.

Diarmuid Ó Murchu made the brighter start and built a useful lead during the opening half. Macroom improved significantly after the break and steadily worked their way back into contention.

With victory within reach for Diarmuid Ó Murchu, Macroom continued to press and Eoin Holland struck the equalising point deep into added time.

The Premier 2 decider will now go to a replay next Saturday, with the venue and throw-in time to be confirmed.