‘We’re carrying the mantle of Cork’

The trip to Laois and Offaly in three weeks will mark a historic first appearance for Ballincollig in Féile na nÓg, the national football festival for U14 players.

Sarsfields have greater experience in the hurling equivalent, Féile na nGael, with their participation in this year’s instalment in Dublin in early Jul marking the fifth time they have featured in it.

The sense of excitement in both camps, joint winners of the Rebel Óg award for May in association with the Irish Examiner, is palpable.