Cork 'in the mix' for promotion with tough Division 2 run-in to come

Cork have four wins from four games in Division 2 but must travel to face Derry and Tyrone while they will play Kildare at home

Cork manager John Cleary: "Look, two trips to the North and Kildare at home, it's tough, but if we're good enough to get into Division 1, we will." Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor

"In the mix." The Cork footballers find themselves in unusual and unfamiliar territory. In their eight previous attempts to escape Division 2, they never once properly challenged for promotion, let alone sat unbeaten and top of the pile four games in.

Across the eight previous failed attempts, only once did they climb as high as eight points at the end of seven rounds. 2026, thus, stands apart. The eight-point total has been reached at the earliest possible opportunity.