Don't stop believing, says confident Cork captain, Darragh Fitzgibbon

The Rebels will look to start as they mean to go on against Waterford on Sunday. 

SKIPPER: Charleville clubman Darragh Fitzgibbon has been named Cork captain for the year. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Cork self-confidence? Undimmed, declares new captain Darragh Fitzgibbon.

Questions inquiring about the collective belief of Ben O’Connor’s panel have been in no short supply since the latest inter-county season began stretching out its legs. And understandably so.

When you manage only two points in the second-half of an All-Ireland final and end up losing said final by 15 points, there’s going to be interest - huge interest - in where the team’s morale, self-esteem, and all the rest of it is at.

Any county that loses back-to-back All-Ireland finals should be expecting to field such a question.

The question will continue to be asked of Cork for a while yet.

“Oh the belief is definitely still there, yeah,” replies Darragh Fitzgibbon.

“You have to take the perspective of a whole year. We won two trophies, we were very consistent. Probably gave out in the past that we were maybe inconsistent and had a good performance one day.

“We've been in two All-Ireland finals now so that obviously is consistency. We're more eager than ever really to try and get that final step, but we know the challenges that are ahead.” Their first meaningful challenge of 2026 presents itself this Sunday. Waterford, at home, in the League.

The 28-year-old describes the collective Cork mood as “refreshed” and “eager to get going” once more. They know what is required to stay the course until July. They’ve proven that much. And so at this point, they just want to get back out on the road and get on with this latest journey.

“I mean if we won the All-Ireland or if we lost the All-Ireland we'd still be playing on Sunday. The enthusiasm and the eagerness is still there like ever before. We've a good block of training done, so we're looking forward to seeing how that training reflects on the field and translates to the field.” 

A final return and reflection on the 2025 inter-county season. Fitzgibbon’s individual efforts were rewarded with a third All-Star. For the second year running, he was pretty much a nailed-on pick at midfield going into the concluding Sunday.

The All-Star, though, and the symbol of his consistency that it reflects was no small piece of consolation in the continued absence of the biggest prize.

“Not really, no. Winning your first All-Star, that was a nice thing, and probably when you're younger it might be a bit bigger, but as you mature and get older, you realise that only winning the All-Ireland, really, is all that matters.

“Probably something you look back on in years to come and say, it was nice to do, but it didn't make it any easier, if you get me.” Cork have had three different players hold the captaincy over the past three years. Fitzgibbon is the pick on this occasion. The teenage debutant of 2017 is now a 10-season campaigner and on-field leader.

“It’s a privilege to be asked and to be asked by a man like Ben O'Connor as well, something you can't turn down,” he continues.

“My club in Charleville is checking if I'm the first guy from Charleville to captain Cork, but we don't know yet. Look, they're very proud, and hopefully there's a few good days ahead.

“It's hard to believe it's been 10 seasons [with Cork], to be honest. It's been totally enjoyable, all the ups and all the downs.

“It's all a journey and I know you want to try and win trophies the whole time, but like, it's just trying to develop yourself as a player and develop with your teammates. You create friendships and bonds that last forever. And obviously it's a dream come true to be able to play for Cork.” Teammates no longer include Patrick Horgan and Conor Lehane. The 37 and 33-year-old no longer being inside the dressing-room has left a “big hole”. Even their absent presence out taking frees long before training is due to throw-in is felt.

Fitzgibbon will be a frontrunner to assume dead-ball responsibility from the retired Horgan but says that particular role has yet to be assigned.

“I think our age-group probably has to take more of a leadership role, but we have done too in the last few seasons. We've seen all the wins and all the losses. and you’re trying to give a bit of experience to the younger boys coming in.” 

The county's League title defence, as mentioned earlier, starts Sunday. Fitzgibbon is honest enough not to overplay spring significance.

“Your overall goal going into any season is just get out of Munster. You just want to get out of Munster and then you focus on the All-Ireland. If you lose a league match, you analyse it, learn from the mistakes, and try to improve.

“Obviously, every league match you go out and you want to try and win, but every team knows their ultimate goal is just to get out of Munster.”