Cork Hurling Championship throws in: Friday's games, venues and verdicts

Friday's Co-Op Superstores Cork hurling championship games (all 7.30pm) 

Glen Rovers' Simon Kennefick is chased by Blackrock's Joe Golden, during their SHL clash at the Glen Field. Picture: David Keane. 

Cork Premier SHC Group B: St Finbarr’s v Blackrock, Páirc Uí Rinn (C McAllister) 

A heavyweight clash to throw in the race for the little All-Ireland. The southside city rivals haven’t met in championship since the 2022 county final, which went Togher direction. Ben Cunningham missed the Barrs’ recent Division 2 League final defeat because of injury but should be available here. For the first time this season, the Rockies will have Alan Connolly, Robbie Cotter, and Fionn Coleman on the same field for a competitive fixture. What can this attacking trio conjure?

Verdict: Blackrock 

Group C: Erin’s Own v Kanturk, Mallow (A Hyland) 

Both sides endured difficult league campaigns. Kanturk, as ever to be led by the Walsh brothers and cousins, the McLoughlin brothers, and Brian O’Sullivan, finished just above the drop zone in Division 1. Erin’s Own were a point above relegation in Division 2. Given the other two teams in this group are 2023 county finalists Midleton and 2024 Division 1 League finalists Charleville, both will know that two points here are a must if they are to squeeze in for a knockout berth.

Verdict: Kanturk 

Cork SAHC Group A: Na Piarsaigh v Courcey Rovers, Brinny (N O’Neill) 

Two sides who suffered league relegation a couple of weeks back. Na Piarsaigh, who have had a difficult year on the injury front, fell from the top tier, Courceys fell into the third tier.

Verdict: Na Piarsaigh 

Group B: Fermoy v Castlelyons, Rathcormac (Canice Walsh) 

A clash of neighbours. A debut Senior A outing for the promoted Castlelyons. Their opponents, Fermoy, just held on in Division 2 of the league.

Verdict: Castlelyons 

Group C: Ballyhea v Inniscarra, Grenagh (P Lyons) 

Another Senior A clash containing two sides whose League campaign ended in relegation. Inniscarra finished in the bottom two in Division 3, as did Ballyhea in Division 4. Strange to think a second-tier championship team will be playing fifth-tier league in 2025.

Verdict: Inniscarra 

Glen Rovers v Killeagh, Carrigtwohill (S Scanlon) 

All eyes on the Glen. First time operating outside the top tier of Cork hurling since 1925. New management of Tomás Mulcahy and Tipp’s 2001 All-Ireland winning captain Tommy Dunne. Will Patrick Horgan feature given the hamstring issues he revealed post-All-Ireland final defeat?

Verdict: Glen Rovers 

Cork PJHC Group B: Barryroe v Kilbrittain, Clonakilty (A Whelton) 

Verdict: Kilbrittain