Cork hurling and football clubs relished chance to shine on big stage at Croker

Cork clubs, however, do hold a superior head-to-head record against their Noreside rivals in finals. Dripsey (2009), Meelin (2011), Mayfield (2017) and the aforementioned Ballinhassig have all beaten Kilkenny representatives in junior deciders while at intermediate level, both Ballymartle and Kanturk have bested clubs from the Marble County.

Only four Cork clubs have managed to attain national honours. Canovee (2008) and Knocknagree (2018) bookended periods of Kerry dominance while Ilen Rovers (2004) and Carbery Rangers (2005) ensured that the intermediate trophy remained in west Cork for the first two years of its existence.

When you consider Cork’s storied history outside the county at junior and intermediate over the past two decades, it is a shame that whoever does emerge victorious from the club championships won’t have the chance to emulate the glories of their predecessors.
