Mark Lenahan eager to repeat the trick as Buttevant chase back-to-back county titles

The memories of last year's historic county final triumph will stay with Mark Lenahan forever, but as Buttevant prepare for Friday night's McCarthy Insurance Group IAFC final against Kilmurry at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh (7.30pm), the captain insists all focus is firmly on creating another chapter.

Twelve months ago, Buttevant ended a 99-year wait for county football championship success when they captured the Premier JFC title. It was a landmark day for the North Cork club and provided the platform for another outstanding campaign.

Buttevant have adapted seamlessly to intermediate football and now find themselves one win away from securing back-to-back county titles.

"Winning last year definitely took a weight off our shoulders," Lenahan says.

"We always felt we were capable of winning that Premier Junior grade, but when you actually go and do it and win the final the way we did, it gives everyone huge belief. 

"We really felt we deserved it and it has been a proper springboard for this year."

While Buttevant entered the championship carrying momentum from their Premier Junior success, Lenahan believes reaching the final in their first season at intermediate level still represents a significant achievement.

"There isn't a huge amount between the grades, but it's still a very competitive championship," he said.

"For us, getting to a final in our first year at this level is something we're very proud of. We put a huge focus on our opening game against Glanworth and got off to a really good start, which set the tone for the campaign."

The road to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh has not been without its bumps. A painful group-stage loss to Kilmurry proved a pivotal moment in Buttevant's season.

"It was certainly an eye-opener," Lenahan admitted.

"The couple of hours after that game were tough. You're asking yourself where you are and where you're going. But we knew the next game was winner-takes-all and that gave us something to focus on.

"We were nearly possessed in training going into the Ilen Rovers game. We didn't want our championship ending in the group stage. For a team with the ambitions we had, that would have been very disappointing.

"We started slowly but once we found our rhythm in the second half against Ilen Rovers, we really drove on. Looking back now, maybe that Kilmurry defeat was something that sharpened our focus."

Lenahan has witnessed the highs and lows of Buttevant football throughout his years with the club. Having joined the panel nearly ten years ago, he experienced several heartbreaking championship setbacks before the breakthrough finally arrived.

"After winning the North Cork in 2017, we felt we were in a really good place," he recalled.

"But then we suffered a number of disappointing championship defeats and lost a few finals. It definitely affects belief.

"There were times when we were wondering where we were going. But when Joey Hanlon came in as manager ahead of the 2022 season, we gradually got things moving again. 

"We got our best players consistently available and everyone started pulling in the same direction."

The transformation has been remarkable and Lenahan believes the club is now reaping the rewards of years of hard work.

As captain, he has enjoyed a front-row seat for the journey.

"It is a huge honour," he says.

"When Joey asked me to captain the team before the 2025 season, I was delighted. To represent this group is very special.

"Getting the opportunity to lift a county trophy on behalf of your club is something every player dreams about. 

"To be able to do it in the year we won our first county football title in 99 years was incredibly fortunate and something I'll always treasure."

Now the challenge is to repeat the feat.

"We know what to expect this time," Lenahan said.

"Last year was the first experience of playing in the Páirc for a lot of us and there is definitely a sense of occasion around it.

"Having been there, having performed there and having won there, that takes away some of the uncertainty. We know the routine, we know the preparation and we know what is required.

"Of course, Kilmurry will present a huge challenge, but our goal is simple. We want to do it all over again. We know how special last year was and we'd love nothing more than to experience that feeling once more on Friday night."