Cork GAA Statement | Management of Cork Teams for 2026

Cork GAA Statement: 02/09/2025 

Management of Cork Teams for 2026

Quick Links:

Cork GAA announces that the following county management/selection teams for the 2026 season will be proposed for ratification at tonight’s County Committee meeting:

Senior Hurling (Three-year term)

  • Manager: Ben O’Connor, Newtownshandrum
  • Selector: Ronan Curran, St. Finbarr’s
  • Selector: Terence McCarthy, Midleton
  • Selector: William Biggane, Newtownshandrum
  • Coach: Niall O’Halloran, Ballinhassig

Senior Football (Two-year term)

  • Manager: John Cleary, Castlehaven
  • Selector: Mícheál Ó Cróinín, Naomh Abán
  • Selector: Jim O’Donoghue, St. Finbarr’s
  • Selector: Barry Corkery, Éire Óg
  • Coach / Selector: Kevin Murray, St. Finbarr’s
  • Coach: Kevin Walsh, Killannin (Galway)

Under 20 Football (Two-year term)

  • Manager: Ray Keane, Éire Óg
  • Coach / Selector: Paul Kerrigan, Nemo Rangers
  • Coach / Selector: Kevin O’Sullivan, Cill na Martra
  • Coach / Selector: Enda Kiernan, Aghabullogue / MTU

Minor Hurling (One-year term)

  • Manager: Donal Mulcahy, Newtownshandrum
  • Selector: Jason Barrett, Carrigtwohill
  • Selector: John Kingston, Tracton
  • Selector: Peter Kelly, Erin’s Own

The following selection committees remain in place and are entering year two of their two-year term:

Minor Football

  • Manager: Keith Ricken, St. Vincent’s
  • Selector: Billy O’Connor, Cullen
  • Selector: John McNulty, Uíbh Laoire
  • Selector: Clive Cremin, Carrigtwohill
  • Coach: Maurice Moore, Carbery Rangers

Under 20 Hurling

  • Manager: Noel Furlong, Carrigtwohill
  • Coach / Selector: Tadhg Óg Murphy, Sarsfields
  • Coach / Selector: Seán Guiheen, Na Piarsaigh
  • Coach / Selector: Vincent Hurley, Courcey Rovers
  • Coach: Dónal Óg Cusack, Cloyne

Additional coaches and selectors may be added to some of the above teams in due course.

Cork GAA extends to all involved best wishes for the year ahead.

U21 football championship draw to take place at committee meeting on Tuesday

County U21 Football Championship Draws to Take Place Tonight

The draws for the 2025 County U21 A, B & C Football Championships will be made at tonight’s County Committee Meeting. Clubs from across the county will discover their paths as they go in search of U21 County honours.

🏆 U21 A Football Championship

In the hat for the U21 A Football Championship are:
Mallow, Beara, Ibane Gaels, Kinsale, Ballincollig, Douglas.

🏆 U21 B Football Championship

Seven sides will contest the U21 B Football Championship. In the hat are:
Clyda Rovers, St. Colums, Ballymartle, Robert Emmets, Carrigtwohill, Donoughmore, St. Nick’s.

🏆 U21 C Football Championship (13-a-side)

Six teams are in the draw for the U21 C Football Championship. In the hat are:
Kildorrery, Ilen Rovers, Carrigdhoun Winners (Courcey Rovers or Diarmuid Ó Murchú’s), St. Peter’s, Cobh, Blarney-Rathpeacon.

The draw will be revealed later tonight, with fixtures and dates to follow.

Imokilly Power Past Muskerry to Lift Denis O’Riordan Cup

Imokilly 1-23 Muskerry 0-15

Imokilly were crowned Co-Op Superstores Cork Divisions/Colleges Premier SHC champions after an emphatic win over Muskerry in the final at a showery Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday night. Their victory secured the Denis O’Riordan Cup and, more importantly, booked their place in the County Quarter-Final of the Premier SHC 2025.

From the outset, Imokilly’s intent was clear. Corner-forward Jack Leahy turned in a man-of-the-match display, hitting 1-8 with four points from placed balls. His first-half goal gave his side the momentum they needed, and Muskerry never truly recovered.

Leahy was well supported in attack by Diarmuid Healy (0-4), while both Mike Kelly and captain Brian Lawton landed three points apiece. Further contributions from Conor Cahill (0-2), Will Leahy (0-1), Luke Duggan Murray (0-1), and goalkeeper Eoin Davis, who struck over a placed ball, highlighted the depth and accuracy across the Imokilly team.

Muskerry battled bravely in difficult conditions, with captain Matthew Bradley leading the scoring on 0-6. He was backed up by Johnny Galvin, James Lane, and Sean O’Neill, who each struck two points, while Mark O’Connell, Paul Ring, and Kevin Murphy chipped in with a point apiece. Despite their efforts, Muskerry couldn’t find the goal they needed to truly test the Imokilly defence.

In the end, it was Imokilly’s sharper attack and spread of scorers that made the difference, as they finished with a commanding tally of 1-23 to 0-15. The win not only delivered silverware but also keeps alive their ambitions in this year’s championship, as they march on to the county quarter-finals.

Scorers

  • Imokilly: J. Leahy 1-8 (0-4 frees), D. Healy 0-4, M. Kelly 0-3, B. Lawton 0-3, C. Cahill 0-2, W. Leahy 0-1, E. Davis 0-1 (’65), L. Duggan Murray 0-1.

  • Muskerry: M. Bradley 0-6 (0-1 free), J. Galvin 0-2, J. Lane 0-2, S. O’Neill 0-2, M. O’Connell 0-1, P. Ring 0-1, K. Murphy 0-1.

Final Score: Imokilly 1-23 (26) – 0-15 (15) Muskerry

O’Mahony Takes Charge of Colleges/Divisional Section Final

Imokilly claimed the honours in the Colleges/Divisional Section Final, seeing off the challenge of Muskerry in a competitive decider that was played out under the watchful eye of Kilbrittain official Patrick O’Mahony.

The game produced its share of hard battles and flowing passages of play, with Imokilly’s sharper finishing proving decisive on the day. Muskerry stayed in touch for long periods but ultimately couldn’t match the East Cork side’s scoring power when it mattered most.

For referee Patrick O’Mahony, the occasion marked another important step in a refereeing journey that began in 2018 when he completed the referees’ training course. Prior to that, he had already cut his teeth umpiring and running the line for his father, Michael.

“Picking up the whistle wasn’t entirely new to me,” Patrick reflected after the game. “My dad definitely played a big role in encouraging me to go for the course and give refereeing a shot. I never imagined I’d get to where I am today.”

Since joining the Munster Referees Panel in 2024, O’Mahony has benefited from the advice and encouragement of experienced Cork referees who have gone before him. His message to prospective officials is simple:
“Don’t let one bad day discourage you. Just like players, referees can have off days. What matters most is learning from your mistakes and coming back stronger the next time.”

O’Mahony was backed on the day by a strong team of match officials:

  • Umpires: Áine O’Mahony (Kilbrittain), Fergal Keohane (Kilbrittain), Michael Wall (Kilbrittain), Eoghan Hallahan (St Finbarr’s)

  • Linesmen: Michael O’Mahony (Kilbrittain), Cathán Tracy (Nemo Rangers)

  • Fourth Official: Canice Walsh (Nemo Rangers)

With Imokilly celebrating victory and Muskerry left to regroup, the final will also be remembered as another landmark outing for a young referee making his mark at County level.

Munster Hurling Development Roadshow – Cork

Munster Hurling Development Roadshow – Cork

📅 Date & Time: Monday, September 1st, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
📍 Venue: SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork

The Munster Hurling Development Roadshow aims to identify ways we can collaborate across all levels of our Association to grow hurling further in Munster and nationally.

Speakers on the night include:

  • Kieran Leddy – Munster GAA CEO

  • Jarlath Burns – GAA President

  • William Maher – Head of Hurling

Agenda Highlights

  1. Promote and Reinforce Commitment to Hurling

    • Strengthen GAA support for hurling development at all levels.

    • Emphasise hurling as a core part of our identity and future.

  2. Engage Directly with Local Stakeholders

    • Dialogue with county boards, clubs, coaches, and players.

    • Gather feedback on local challenges and opportunities.

  3. Present National Hurling Development Strategy Overview

    • Outline key pillars of the plan.

    • Show how to access coaching, funding, and infrastructure support.

  4. Encourage Collaboration and Local Action

    • Promote coordinated planning between County Executives, GDOs, and the National Hurling Development Committee.

    • Share best practice examples for local action plans.

  5. Boost Visibility and Momentum for Change

    • Raise public awareness and inspire local commitment.

    • Demonstrate strong leadership and long-term vision.