Corn Uí Mhuirí previews: Expect Cork and Kerry last-four representation

Clonakilty CC turned heads when inflicting a rare group defeat on the Sem in Round 1.

St Brendan's College's Luke O'Neill has his shot blocked by Clonakilty CC's Sean Whelton. Pic: Eddie O'Hare

Tralee CBS v St Brendan’s College Killarney, Austin Stack Park, 1.30pm 

The heavyweight quarter-final clash. A second successive quarter-final meeting. The Sem won the 2025 edition with nine to spare. They met in the O’Sullivan Cup (Kerry colleges) final in mid-November. Tralee won by the minimum. Kerry U20 Ronan Carroll, 2025 Kerry minor captain Gearóid White, and Ballymacelligott All-Ireland junior club winner Mairtín McKivergan can again lead them past their great rivals from Killarney.

Verdict: Tralee CBS.

St Francis College Rochestown v IS Killorglin, Mallow, 12.30pm 

Roco have fallen at this hurdle in January of 2024 and '25. The class of '26, in attempting to avoid an unwanted three-in-a-row of last-eight defeats, will lean on and look to Ben Corkery-Delaney, Pádraig McGrath, and Jack O’Brien. Topping what was arguably the most competitive group should imbue them with confidence for a slightly longer stay in the knockout stage. IS Killorglin recovered from opening day defeat with wins over Patrician Mallow and Hamilton HS Bandon. Éanna Murphy, Charlie Griffin, the free-scoring Adam O'Neill, and Tomás Joy have been their leading pupils to date.

Verdict: St Francis College Rochestown.

Clonakilty CC v High School Clonmel, Páirc Uí Rinn, 1.30pm 

The Clon students turned heads when inflicting a rare group defeat on the Sem in Round 1. Their pre-Christmas form guide also included a first ever Simcox Cup final success. Seán Whelton of St James' kicked 0-11 the same night at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. He posted a further 0-13 across the Corn Uí Mhuirí group phase. Clonmel are loaded with Tipp minors and U20s. Their ability was clear for all to see when putting 5-13 past Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine last month to advance.

Verdict: Clonakilty CC.

Presentation SS Milltown v St Pat’s Castleisland, Firies, 12.30pm 

Milltown conceded just 2-13 en route to securing the school’s maiden quarter-final appearance, handing them the meanest defensive record of all 16 participating schools. Round one top scorer, Killian Fitzgerald, and the midfield pairing of Diarmuid and Donnacha Quirke missed their last two group games. Their availability will be key to reaching a first-ever semi-final. St Pat’s have 10 starters who saw game-time for district side St Kieran’s in last year’s Kerry MFC final win.

Verdict: Presentation SS Milltown.