Aghabullogue captain John Corkery: Reaching the final wasn't on the agenda this year

In their first season in the McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC, Aghabullogue have reached the final, as they stand a game away from the senior football ranks.

20 years ago, the Coachford-based side were in the Muskerry Junior A football grade, but they have come on leaps and bounds since. Tomorrow they are going for back-to-back titles after winning the IAFC last year. Standing in the way are Kilshannig, which is a repeat of the 2022 IAFC final, a game Kilshannig won by nine points, 1-16 to 0-10.

SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh is the venue with a 7.30pm start tomorrow. Aghabullogue captain John Corkery has been a real leader on this team for many years and has been heartened with how his side have attacked the new grade.

“It’s dream come true stuff really,” he says.

“Every game we go out and play football, we are creating history as it’s our first year at this grade. We are delighted to be in the final. We have been riding the crest of a wave. It’s great to be out training in October.

“There has been no real change from last year. There’s not more football done or anything like that, it’s still 50/50. We are a dual club and are proud of that. Everyone talks about momentum and we are probably getting a bit of luck along the way too, which is no harm. We have just kept going.” 

The forward does admit that he's surprised that Aghabullogue have ended up in the final. There’s a bit of a jump between Intermediate A and Premier Intermediate.

“To get this far wasn’t on the agenda at the start of the year to be brutally honest,” Corkery states.

“Especially when we were going up to Premier Intermediate in both codes at the same time. The hurling hasn’t gone as well for us unfortunately. It’s great to be this far and it’s a testament to the group that we have. The team has changed a bit from last year, but there are lads driving it on and there is competition for places.” 

Aghabullogue used the 2022 IAFC final loss to Kilshannig as a springboard to kick on. They haven’t lost a championship since, nine wins on the trot, as they meet Kilshannig again tomorrow, with a place in the SAFC for 2025 on the line.

“Kilshannig taught us a serious lesson two years ago. I can remember going into the Páirc that day thinking we had a right chance, but the game was over just after half-time. That’s the test that we are going to have to face on Saturday. That’s the joys of it. If you want to win counties, you have to beat the best.

“We are enjoying the journey and it’s great for the community here. We want to keep this going for as long as we possibly can.” Corkery concluded.