Cork previews: Knocknagree have class to finally get over the line

The O’Connors, Anthony, Denis R, and Niall, and the McSweeneys, Eoghan and Michael, can get Knocknagree over the line at the third attempt.

Sat, 25 Oct, 2025 - 07:37

Eoghan Cormican

Saturday

Cork Premier Junior FC final

Buttevant v St Nick’s, Páirc Uí Chaoimh (B Crowley), 4.30pm

Met in the group phase last year. Buttevant annihilated Nick’s 4-18 to 1-6. The North Cork side subsequently fell at the semi-final hurdle to eventual champions Kilmurry.

In going a step beyond that juncture two weeks ago, they had 10 to spare on a Canovee side Nick’s beat by seven earlier in the championship.

The Nick’s team nuked by 21 points last summer did not include recent semi-final top-scorer Jack O’Sullivan or the Cork Downey brothers.

Verdict: St Nick’s

Cork Senior AHC final

Bride Rovers v Castlelyons, Páirc Uí Chaoimh (I McCarthy), 6.30pm

Hurling will still decide the outcome, but the psychological aspect is now at play too. Both teams had the gloves on and were past the peak of their preparations when the initial bout was pulled four hours before throw-in last Saturday.

Which management has dealt better with the 11th hour seven-day postponement, which group of players has been less shaken from their stride over the past week?

We’re sticking with our nod to the Noel Furlong-trained Castlelyons, even if their semi-final spread of just four players - Alan Fenton, David Morrison, Anthony Spillane, and Leon Doocey - requires swelling.

Verdict: Castlelyons

Sunday

Cork Senior AFC final

Cill na Martra v Knocknagree, Páirc Uí Chaoimh (C Murphy), 1.30pm

Intrigue surrounds the fitness of Cill na Martra full-back Tadhg Ó Corcora, midfielder Antóin Ó Cuana, and forward Ciarán Ó Duinnín, all of whom departed injured in the semi-final win over Éire Óg.

In the case of Ó Corcora and Ó Cuana, it appeared to be shoulder injuries that forced their withdrawal.

The loss of any of the three would represent a significant setback to a Gaeltacht side bidding to join the top tier just two years after leaving behind the Premier Intermediate ranks.

The team they drew with on the opening weekend is appearing in their third Senior A decider in four years. The O’Connors, Anthony, Denis R, and Niall, and the McSweeneys, Eoghan and Michael, can get Knocknagree over the line at the third attempt.

Verdict: Knocknagree