Cork SHC Final
Sarsfields 2-18 Midleton 1-14
By Stephen Barry at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
James Sweeney scored two goals as Munster champions Sarsfields regained the Cork Premier SHC title with a seven-point victory over Midleton.
The Glanmire side had lost the crown last year to divisional side Imokilly before embarking on a remarkable voyage to the All-Ireland final.
That made this success all the sweeter as Sars were always in control to collect the eighth title in their history.
Jack O’Connor’s five points steered them back to safety any time Midleton cut the gap to four. The county man was rewarded with the man of the match award.
This triumph was also tinged with emotion as Conor O’Sullivan’s acceptance speech dedicated the trophy to club great Ray Ryan, who passed away in February. Their Munster defence will begin away to the Limerick or Waterford champions next month.
Midleton were severely hampered by semi-final Achilles injuries sustained by joint-captain and free-taker Conor Lehane as well as influential full-back Eoin Moloney. They laboured for scores into the breeze, waiting almost 19 minutes for their first point, while dropping a handful of attempts short.
Sars weren’t much more free-flowing in a tepid start. Colm McCarthy converted the first of six first-half frees, but missed two more. After a poor Cian Darcy shot for goal was controlled by Bríon Saunderson, Barry O’Flynn tacked on their second point.
Midleton got a major boost in the 11th minute. Donal English’s handpass was swooped upon by Evan McGrath, and with goalkeeper Ben Graham leaving the goal vacated, the rookie rolled the sliotar into the net.
Sars hit back with the next 1-3. Two McCarthy frees and O’Connor’s opener were followed by the goal. Cillian Roche was out in front to win the sliotar, the jet-heeled Darcy skinned his marker before laying off for Sweeney to blast low to the net from 20 yards out. The favourites led 1-5 to 1-0.
Midleton got motoring with points from Cormac Beausang and Cormac Walsh, but Sars replied with three of their own through Killian Murphy and two more McCarthy placed balls.
In between, both sides forced the keepers into saves. Graham denied Patrick White’s lacklustre effort before the Sars counter ended with Saunderson blocking McCarthy’s drive.
Mikey Finn and McCarthy traded frees before O’Connor flicked a final goal chance of the half wide. His side led 1-9 to 1-3 at half-time.
McCarthy and O’Connor padded that lead out to eight before the Midleton resistance kicked in. Clare-native Killian McDermott pointed before a pair of placed balls from Finn. The latter followed Beausang’s fierce strike at goal, which Graham diverted around the post.
The Magpies came even closer moments later. Alex Quirke swept the ball past the keeper, only for captain O’Sullivan to whip it off the goalline.
Sars stabilised with points from McCarthy and Darcy, but another couple of missed frees from McCarthy and Daniel Hogan gave Midleton a lifeline. Finn’s brace and a White point trimmed the gap to four.
O’Connor had to stay patient through a couple of wides before landing a quickfire double.
When frees from Finn and Saunderson’s 120-yard missile cut the gap again, O’Connor popped up with the next score.
Beausang pointed, but Sars replied with interest through Hogan and Shane O’Regan.
Midleton went for goals late on as Luke O’Farrell flashed wide and Finn’s free was saved, but it was Sars who got the killer blow. Again, Roche played a part by sending the long ball to Sweeney, who turned inside to bounce home.
Scorers for Sarsfields: Colm McCarthy 0-8 (7fs), James Sweeney 2-0, Jack O’Connor 0-5, Daniel Hogan, Killian Murphy, Cian Darcy, Barry O’Flynn, Shane O’Regan 0-1 each.
Scorers for Midleton: Mikey Finn 0-7 (5fs, 1 65), Evan McGrath 1-0, Killian McDermott (1 65), Cormac Beausang 0-2 each, Bríon Saunderson (f), Cormac Walsh, Patrick White 0-1 each.
Sarsfields: Ben Graham; Conor O’Sullivan, Cillian Roche, Donal English; Craig Leahy, Bryan Murphy, Luke Elliott; Daniel Kearney, Killian Murphy; Cian Darcy, Jack O’Connor, Daniel Hogan; Barry O’Flynn, James Sweeney, Colm McCarthy.
Subs: Shane O’Regan for McCarthy (53), Bed Nodwell for O’Flynn (57), Eoghan Murphy for Elliott (60+1).
Midleton: Bríon Saunderson; Ciarmhac Smyth, Luke Dineen, Séadhnaidh Smyth; Tommy O’Connell, Tadhg O’Leary-Hayes, Ross O’Regan; Cormac Beausang, Mikey Finn; Cormac Walsh, Alex Quirke, Killian McDermott; Patrick White, David Cremin, Evan McGrath.
Subs: Luke O’Farrell for Cremin (41), Paul Connaughton for O’Regan (46), Seán O’Meara for Walsh (49), Killian Burke for O’Meara (57, inj), Paul Haughney for White (60).
Referee: C Lyons (Nemo Rangers).
Cork GAA Sustainability Roadshow: Next Stop – SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh!
Cork GAA “Rebels Going Green” initiative continues its county-wide roll-out following a hugely successful launch in Mallow GAA, our second event took place in Dunmanway last evening. Next up, the Sustainability Roadshow heads to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 at 7pm.
Delivered in partnership with Cork City Council, Cork County Council, and the GAA Green Club Programme, this interactive workshop will help your club take meaningful green action — from reducing energy use and improving facilities to boosting biodiversity and community engagement.
Representatives from SEAI, local authorities, and the GAA Green Club Programme will share practical steps, success stories, and funding opportunities to support your sustainability journey.
💡 Be Part of the Change
Every club has a role to play in creating a more sustainable future for Cork GAA. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and lead the way in your community.
Cork Clubs Ready for Munster Hurling Championship Action
Cork Clubs Ready for Munster Hurling Championship Action
Following an unforgettable weekend of success in the Co-op Superstores Cork Hurling Championships, the focus now shifts to the AIB Munster GAA Club Hurling Championships, where Sarsfields, Ballinhassig, and Kilbrittain will proudly fly the Cork flag in provincial competition.
Thanks to Cork’s qualification for the 2025 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final, all three county champions receive a bye to the Munster semi-final stage, giving them extra preparation time as they await their opponents emerging from the quarter-finals.
Senior Championship: Sarsfields Await Quarter-Final Winner
Fresh from their Premier Senior triumph, Sarsfields will make their Munster bow in the semi-final on Sunday, November 16th.
Their opponents will be the winners of a mouth-watering quarter-final between Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) and Ballygunner (Waterford), two of the competition’s traditional heavyweights.
Intermediate Championship: Ballinhassig Set for Tipperary Test
Ballinhassig, crowned Cork’s Intermediate champions, will face a tough test in their semi-final clash against the Tipperary Premier Intermediate champions — either Upperchurch-Drombane or Carrick Swan — also on Sunday, November 16th.
Junior Championship: Kilbrittain Begin with Semi-Final Clash
In the Junior grade, Kilbrittain continue their journey in the Munster semi-final on Saturday, November 15th. They’ll face the winners of the quarter-final between Kenmare Shamrocks (Kerry) and Knockaderry (Limerick).
As the focus shifts from county to provincial competition, excitement builds once again across the Rebel County.
Best of luck to Sarsfields, Ballinhassig, and Kilbrittain as they prepare to represent Cork on the Munster stage.
Photos from this weekends games in Co-Op Superstores Hurling Finals
Seven Finals Remaining at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh!
Championship Fever Continues: Seven Finals Remaining at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh!
The County Championships are heading toward a thrilling conclusion, and the atmosphere is set to reach fever pitch over the coming weekends at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Following three gripping hurling finals that saw Sarsfields claim the Co-Op Superstores Premier Senior Hurling Championship title over Midleton, Ballinhassig triumph in the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship against Ballincollig, and Kilbrittain survive a scare to win the Premier Junior Hurling Championship over Glen Rovers, only seven County finals across football and hurling now remain.
Weekend 1: Four Finals in Two Days
The first big weekend is a magnificent double-header on both days, featuring four finals across the junior, senior, and premier grades:
The Sunday afternoon main event is a highly anticipated clash for the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier Senior Football Championship between two giants of Cork football, Nemo Rangers and St. Finbarr’s. This traditional derby is not to be missed!
Weekend 2 & 3: Intermediate Deciders
The action continues into November with the Intermediate Football and Hurling finals:
Aghabullogue have a chance to secure a remarkable double, appearing in both the Premier Intermediate Football final and the Intermediate A Hurling final a week later. Please note that the Intermediate A Hurling final is scheduled for November 9th, but the alternative date of November 16th will be utilised only if required due to a fixture clash with the Munster Council schedule.
Cork SHC Final: Sars defeat Midleton
Cork SHC Final
Sarsfields 2-18 Midleton 1-14
By Stephen Barry at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
James Sweeney scored two goals as Munster champions Sarsfields regained the Cork Premier SHC title with a seven-point victory over Midleton.
The Glanmire side had lost the crown last year to divisional side Imokilly before embarking on a remarkable voyage to the All-Ireland final.
That made this success all the sweeter as Sars were always in control to collect the eighth title in their history.
Jack O’Connor’s five points steered them back to safety any time Midleton cut the gap to four. The county man was rewarded with the man of the match award.
This triumph was also tinged with emotion as Conor O’Sullivan’s acceptance speech dedicated the trophy to club great Ray Ryan, who passed away in February. Their Munster defence will begin away to the Limerick or Waterford champions next month.
Midleton were severely hampered by semi-final Achilles injuries sustained by joint-captain and free-taker Conor Lehane as well as influential full-back Eoin Moloney. They laboured for scores into the breeze, waiting almost 19 minutes for their first point, while dropping a handful of attempts short.
Sars weren’t much more free-flowing in a tepid start. Colm McCarthy converted the first of six first-half frees, but missed two more. After a poor Cian Darcy shot for goal was controlled by Bríon Saunderson, Barry O’Flynn tacked on their second point.
Midleton got a major boost in the 11th minute. Donal English’s handpass was swooped upon by Evan McGrath, and with goalkeeper Ben Graham leaving the goal vacated, the rookie rolled the sliotar into the net.
Sars hit back with the next 1-3. Two McCarthy frees and O’Connor’s opener were followed by the goal. Cillian Roche was out in front to win the sliotar, the jet-heeled Darcy skinned his marker before laying off for Sweeney to blast low to the net from 20 yards out. The favourites led 1-5 to 1-0.
Midleton got motoring with points from Cormac Beausang and Cormac Walsh, but Sars replied with three of their own through Killian Murphy and two more McCarthy placed balls.
In between, both sides forced the keepers into saves. Graham denied Patrick White’s lacklustre effort before the Sars counter ended with Saunderson blocking McCarthy’s drive.
Mikey Finn and McCarthy traded frees before O’Connor flicked a final goal chance of the half wide. His side led 1-9 to 1-3 at half-time.
McCarthy and O’Connor padded that lead out to eight before the Midleton resistance kicked in. Clare-native Killian McDermott pointed before a pair of placed balls from Finn. The latter followed Beausang’s fierce strike at goal, which Graham diverted around the post.
The Magpies came even closer moments later. Alex Quirke swept the ball past the keeper, only for captain O’Sullivan to whip it off the goalline.
Sars stabilised with points from McCarthy and Darcy, but another couple of missed frees from McCarthy and Daniel Hogan gave Midleton a lifeline. Finn’s brace and a White point trimmed the gap to four.
O’Connor had to stay patient through a couple of wides before landing a quickfire double.
When frees from Finn and Saunderson’s 120-yard missile cut the gap again, O’Connor popped up with the next score.
Beausang pointed, but Sars replied with interest through Hogan and Shane O’Regan.
Midleton went for goals late on as Luke O’Farrell flashed wide and Finn’s free was saved, but it was Sars who got the killer blow. Again, Roche played a part by sending the long ball to Sweeney, who turned inside to bounce home.
Scorers for Sarsfields: Colm McCarthy 0-8 (7fs), James Sweeney 2-0, Jack O’Connor 0-5, Daniel Hogan, Killian Murphy, Cian Darcy, Barry O’Flynn, Shane O’Regan 0-1 each.
Scorers for Midleton: Mikey Finn 0-7 (5fs, 1 65), Evan McGrath 1-0, Killian McDermott (1 65), Cormac Beausang 0-2 each, Bríon Saunderson (f), Cormac Walsh, Patrick White 0-1 each.
Sarsfields: Ben Graham; Conor O’Sullivan, Cillian Roche, Donal English; Craig Leahy, Bryan Murphy, Luke Elliott; Daniel Kearney, Killian Murphy; Cian Darcy, Jack O’Connor, Daniel Hogan; Barry O’Flynn, James Sweeney, Colm McCarthy.
Subs: Shane O’Regan for McCarthy (53), Bed Nodwell for O’Flynn (57), Eoghan Murphy for Elliott (60+1).
Midleton: Bríon Saunderson; Ciarmhac Smyth, Luke Dineen, Séadhnaidh Smyth; Tommy O’Connell, Tadhg O’Leary-Hayes, Ross O’Regan; Cormac Beausang, Mikey Finn; Cormac Walsh, Alex Quirke, Killian McDermott; Patrick White, David Cremin, Evan McGrath.
Subs: Luke O’Farrell for Cremin (41), Paul Connaughton for O’Regan (46), Seán O’Meara for Walsh (49), Killian Burke for O’Meara (57, inj), Paul Haughney for White (60).
Referee: C Lyons (Nemo Rangers).