What’s new – Page 3

Cork McGrath Cup Fixtures

Pre-Season Football Fixtures Confirmed

Cork’s pre-season football schedule has been confirmed, with two McGrath Cup fixtures pencilled in as preparations continue for the season ahead.

The Rebels will open their campaign with an away tie in Round 1 of the McGrath Cup on Tuesday, January 6th, when they face Tipperary in Moyne Templetuohy, with a 7.00pm throw-in.

Round 2 will see Cork return home on Sunday, January 11th, taking on Limerick at Páirc Uí Rinn. That game is scheduled for a 2.00pm start.

More details will be shared closer to each game.

Cork, Beara & Castletownbere mourn Donal ‘Butcher’ O’Sullivan.

Donal O’Sullivan, who managed the Cork minor footballers in 2014 and 2015. Pic: James Crombie

Cork & Beara and Castletownbere GAA mourn the passing of Donal ‘Butcher’ O’Sullivan. The Castletownbere native was part of Brian Cuthbert’s Cork Minor football management who guided the rebels to Munster glory and an All Ireland final appearance in 2010. Donal ultimately was manager of the Cork Minor footballers for two years in 2014 & 2015.

Donal’s service to Castletownbere & the Beara division was immense. Following his playing career with his native club, he guided Castletownbere to the Cork Intermediate football final in 1990. His dedication and passion for the game of football saw him bring success to Beara. He was the manager of the winning divisional minor team in 2003 and Under 21’s in 2006 and over a decade earlier guided Beara to its first Cork SFC title in 30 years, defeating west Cork rivals Castlehaven after a replay in 1997. He also served his club, Castletonbere, and the Beara divisional board as Chairman for a time.

The sympathy of Cork GAA is extended to his wife Aishling, son Cormac, daughter Niamh, granddaughter Paloma, and the extended O’Sullivan family.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

Master Fixture Plan 2026

Cork GAA is today pleased to issue its Master Fixture Plan for the 2026 season, outlining full details of the County League programmes alongside County Championship dates, times and venues.

League Programme – Key Dates

The 2026 County Leagues will commence as follows:

McCarthy Insurance Group Football Leagues: Sunday, 1st March 2026
RedFM Hurling Leagues: Sunday, 8th March 2026

League Finals are scheduled for:

McCarthy Insurance Group Football League Finals: 3rd to 5th July
RedFM Hurling League Finals: 10th to 12th July

Championship Programme – Key Dates

The 2026 County Championship will begin with:

McCarthy Insurance Group Football Championship – Round 1: July 24th – 26th
Co-Op Superstores Hurling Championship – Round 1: July 31st – 2nd August

Full fixture details, including venues and throw-in times, are now available as part of the Master Fixture Plan.

Speaking on the release of the plan, Pat Horgan, Chairperson of Cork GAA, acknowledged the work undertaken to deliver the comprehensive schedule:

“Today’s publication of our 2026 Master Fixture Plan represents a major body of work. By issuing the League and Championship programmes together, we are showing a clear commitment to our clubs, giving certainty to players, coaches, administrators and supporters, and allowing everyone to plan with confidence.”

“I want to acknowledge the excellent work of our County Competitions Control Committee, led by its Chairman Noel O’Callaghan, along with our Operations Manager Daniel Lane. Their collaboration, attention to detail and determination to improve the fixture process has been central to delivering this plan.”

Cork GAA CEO Kevin O’Donovan said the Master Fixture Plan reflects a growing focus on long-term planning:

“This plan reflects extensive planning and co-ordination across all areas of Cork GAA, with a strong focus on clarity for our club players and officers. A significant amount of work has gone into aligning dates, venues and competition structures.”

“Publishing a complete fixture roadmap for 2026 is a very positive step and underlines Cork GAA’s commitment to providing certainty and continuous improvement in how our competitions are organised and delivered.”

Below, you can view the full Master Fixture Plan.

You can download a copy of the master plan here