Cork senior teams set for league double-header at Páirc Uí Chaoimh 

The visit of All-Ireland hurling champions Limerick on February 20 is expected to be preceded by the footballers’ Division 1 clash with Roscommon.

Meath manager Robbie Brennan, left, shakes hands with Cork manager John Cleary after the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between their sides last January. Pic: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

Cork senior teams are set to enjoy one double-header in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in next year’s National League.

The Division 1A visit of All-Ireland SHC champions Limerick on Saturday, February 20 (7.30pm throw-in) is expected to be preceded by the footballers’ Division 1 clash with Roscommon.

Ben O’Connor’s side will follow up their Division 1A hurling opener against Tipperary in Thurles on Sunday, January 24 with a home meeting with Kilkenny seven days later.

Their third game in 14 days will see them head to Ennis for a lunch-time start on February 7 before Limerick come to town following a break weekend. They return to Croke Park to face Dublin on Saturday, February 27 and after their bye weekend (March 6/7) they conclude their group phase with the hosting of Galway in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday, March 20 (7pm throw-in).

For the second year in a row, Cork’s senior footballers are to be on the road for four of their seven games. Back in the top-flight for the first time since 2016, they will open their campaign at home to Meath on Sunday, January 24. That will take place in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh with a 2pm start.

Notwithstanding the Roscommon match, their other home fixture is expected to Kerry also in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday, March 13 in the penultimate round with a provisional 6pm throw-in.

John Cleary’s side face trips to Donegal (Ballybofey, January 31), Armagh (Box-It Athletic Grounds, February 14), Mayo (Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, February 28) and a final round clash with Galway in Pearse Stadium on March 21.

In total, Cork footballers’ Division 1 commute for the four fixtures will be a hefty 2,540 kilometres. For their All-Ireland SFC win over Donegal in Ballybofey last June, Cork flew to Derry airport the morning of the Round 2A game.

Meanwhile, there are currently four candidates for the vice-chairperson’s position in the Cork County Board ahead of Friday’s deadline. Derek Connolly, Tony McAuliffe, Paul McCarthy and Michael O’Mahony have expressed interest in the position.

Connolly (Brian Dillons) is currently the county committee representative for the Seandún division and has filled several roles in senior inter-county backroom teams. Experienced McAuliffe (Lismire) is the county’s safety and facilities officer.

McCarthy (Kinsale) is one of the county’s Munster Council delegates and previously managed the Cork junior footballers, while O’Mahony (Blarney) is the former chairperson of Rebel Óg.

Clonakilty’s Noel O’Callaghan is set to take over from Pat Horgan (Midleton) as county chairperson at annual convention on Tuesday, December 8.