Muskerry GAA: Grenagh setting the pace in both codes

THE Muskerry GAA leagues have been in full swing in recent weeks as the action heats up. 

Starting with the EPH Controls Division 1 football league and this particularly one is firmly up for grabs especially since Canovee won the County JAFC title last season and the fact that Aghinagh, one of the major contenders for the Mid-Cork championship in this campaign, have been playing in the Cork County Leagues since the start of 2023.

Grenagh are the current leaders of Division 1, a league Canovee won last year on the back of winning every single game. Grenagh have won three and drawn one from four outings and would be one of a clutch of teams who will feel they can make an impression when championship starts at the end of July.

There are eight teams in the league with all but two after playing four matches. Donoughmore, now under the guidance of the vastly experienced Mossie Barrett, are in second spot and are undefeated after picking up six points so far. They are a club with potential and with Barrett in charge, they will be hoping their fortunes will start to change.

Inniscarra, Ballincollig, Clondrohid and Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh are bunched together with Kilmichael and Éire Óg occupying the last two places in the league standings.

Canovee used the league as a springboard in 2023 albeit they are an excellent team and were well ahead of the chasing pack. Claiming league glory would give any team huge confidence going into championship.

With three games remaining for the top two, Grenagh and Donoughmore, they look best placed to reach the league decider.

Moving onto the small ball and focusing now on the Cumnor Construction Division 1 hurling league and Grenagh are also top of the pile here with four wins from four with strong performances to boot.

With Ballinora, who are chasing a fourth consecutive MJK Oils Mid-Cork JAHC title this year, playing their league fixtures in the Cork County Leagues since the start of the last campaign, it really has opened up the opportunity for clubs to claim glory in the secondary competition.

Grenagh would be seen as one of the challengers to Ballinora for the Muskerry championship crown and it’s no surprise that they are right up there for league honours. The team in blue and gold have beaten Éire Óg, Blarney, Inniscarra and Aghabullogue so far this season. All second teams.

Donoughmore are the surprise package to date as they sit in second winning their three games so far. Aghabullogue, Ballincollig and Éire Óg have been second best to the team in black and white.

Dripsey were beaten by Ballinora in the Mid-Cork final last year and have won their two league matches against Ballincolllig and Éire Óg. Due to the poor weather since the turn of the year, a good few of Dripsey’s games have been postponed hence why they have only played two games to date.

In other news, the Muskerry board have ratified a new management team for the Muskerry premier senior footballers ahead of the 2024 championship. Aghabullogue's Danny Buckley stepped down as boss at the end of last year due to work commitments. The new ticket will be a joint management of Conor Hurley (Macroom) John Quill (Naomh Abán), Diarmuid O’Riordan (Iveleary) and Ricky Leisk (Inniscarra).

Also, the Muskerry premier senior hurlers are once again being guided by former All-Ireland hurling final referee Diarmuid Kirwan of Éire Óg.