McGrath Cup Final
CORK 0-16 KERRY 0-15
A strong second-half showing from Cork was the key to their narrow victory over Kerry in today’s McGrath Cup Final.
It was a sweet win for the Rebels who hadn’t defeated their great rivals in Fitzgerald Stadium in a competitive match since the 1995 Munster Final.
Kerry looked the more likely winners in the first half and led at the break by 0-9 to 0-5 with forwards like Sean O’Shea and Tony Brosnan looking sharp.
But there had been warning signs that Cork could trouble the Kerry defence in the first half too when they passed up two very good goal chances.
They were more clinical in the second half and got an early boost when Chris Óg Jones and Colm O’Callaghan kicked points.
By the three-quarter mark they were level courtesy of a Brian Hurley two-point free and it was nip and tuck from there to the final whistle.
Brosnan put Kerry ahead again with a classy two-pointer but Cork responded with scores from Mattie Taylor and Seán McDonnell.
The Kingdom looked like they might take the spoils when points from Brosnan and Killian Spillane edged them ahead in injury-time, but Cork came with an impressive late burst as points from Hurley and Jones clinched a great victory.
Match Gallery: McGrath Cup Final, Cork vs Kerry
McGrath Cup Final: Cork edge out Kerry
McGrath Cup Final
CORK 0-16 KERRY 0-15
A strong second-half showing from Cork was the key to their narrow victory over Kerry in today’s McGrath Cup Final.
It was a sweet win for the Rebels who hadn’t defeated their great rivals in Fitzgerald Stadium in a competitive match since the 1995 Munster Final.
Kerry looked the more likely winners in the first half and led at the break by 0-9 to 0-5 with forwards like Sean O’Shea and Tony Brosnan looking sharp.
But there had been warning signs that Cork could trouble the Kerry defence in the first half too when they passed up two very good goal chances.
They were more clinical in the second half and got an early boost when Chris Óg Jones and Colm O’Callaghan kicked points.
By the three-quarter mark they were level courtesy of a Brian Hurley two-point free and it was nip and tuck from there to the final whistle.
Brosnan put Kerry ahead again with a classy two-pointer but Cork responded with scores from Mattie Taylor and Seán McDonnell.
The Kingdom looked like they might take the spoils when points from Brosnan and Killian Spillane edged them ahead in injury-time, but Cork came with an impressive late burst as points from Hurley and Jones clinched a great victory.
The Cork Senior Football team to play Kerry in the McGrath Cup Final has been announced;
The Cork Senior Football team to play Kerry in the McGrath Cup final at Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney on Saturday 17th January at 1.30pm has been announced;
Mascots Return for the 2026 Season
Mascots Return for the 2026 Season
We’re delighted to confirm that our matchday mascots – a huge hit with supporters in recent seasons – will return for our 2026 home league games at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
The mascots added great colour, excitement and atmosphere to matchdays in 2024 and 2025, and we’re looking forward to welcoming a new group of young Cork supporters to be part of the experience in 2026.
As part of this, we are launching our first mascot competition of the season, giving children the opportunity to walk out with the teams and experience matchday from pitchside.
Mascot Competition Details
Six children will be selected to act as team mascots at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday, 25 January.
The competition is open to children aged 8–10 years.
Entry details are available exclusively via the official Cork GAA Instagram page.
Supporters are encouraged to follow @officialcorkgaa and @sportsdirectireland on Instagram for full competition details and updates.
Cork Senior Hurling Captain & Vice Captain Announcement: