Three players from Knocknagree on the Cork senior football panel is some achievement 

A quick look at the Cork senior football league panel for 2024 and it includes three players from the same club.

Yes, Duhallow outfit Knocknagree. It really is an amazing achievement for the small club nestled on the Cork and Kerry border. The club were playing in the Duhallow JAFC as recently as 2017, but today they play in the second tier, the senior A football grade. 

Goalkeeper Patrick Doyle, defender Daniel O’Mahony and forward Eoghan McSweeney, all hail from the Knocknagree club and are all key components of John Cleary’s squad. The hard working McSweeney, who has been part of the Rebels set up since the 2019 season, has been pretty much an ever-present in the starting 15 in recent seasons, while O’Mahony is also an important part of the team.

Doyle wouldn’t have been a well-known figure prior to joining the squad last season, but has made an impact, impressing in pre-season ahead of this campaign as he played in the first two Allianz Division 2 football league games against Donegal and Louth, before suffering an injury.

Knocknagree also have representation on the Cork U20 football team, with Michael McSweeney on that panel. They are certainly doing something right up in that part of Cork.

A man who knows quite a bit about the four players both on and off the field is Knocknagree’s former captain Fintan O’Connor, who isn’t surprised by the players in question donning the Rebel geansaí.

“It’s an incredible feat, and it’s great that the lads are getting the recognition that they deserve,” says O’Connor.

“They are getting the opportunities to showcase their talent on the biggest stage in inter-county football. It’s very deserving for Eoghan, Daniel and Patrick, for the work they have been putting in since they were very young. To see them lining out in a Cork jersey, you would just be very proud of them. You would always be hoping to see them do the best they can.

“Knowing Patrick personally, I am not one bit surprised that he is where he is. He has been a very solid goalkeeper for many years, and I have been surprised that it took until last season for him to be called in. He has done well so far this year, and it’s just a pity he is out injured as we speak. The other two lads [Eoghan and Daniel] are nearly mainstays in the team at the moment. They are really good lads, and have what it takes to succeed with Cork.

“Even with Michael McSweeney with the Cork U20s, he’s a great bit of stuff and a player to keep an eye on. As a club man and a friend, you would be so proud of them. It’s fantastic for a club like Knocknagree.” O’Connor concluded.