Guide to the 2025 Avondhu Junior A hurling and football championships 

The Avondhu GAA 2025 championship draws took place recently at Mallow GAA complex.

The competitions will run parallel with the Cork county championships with the first group stage matches in Junior A football scheduled for the last weekend in July, while the start date for the Junior A hurling is the following weekend.

Starting with the Hibernian Hotel JAHC, Killavullen made history last year after claiming divisional glory for the very first time after a dramatic win over holders Harbour Rovers in the final.

Unfortunately for them, their quest to get out of the Junior A grade ended in heartbreaking fashion after losing the county decider to Tracton. Killavullen will be tipped to defend their crown, but it won’t be easy.

There are three groups of four. The top two in each group go through to the knockout stages. The top two teams with the best scoring difference go straight to the semi-finals with the other four teams going into the quarter-finals.

The reigning champions are in Group 2 with Clyda Rovers, Kilshannig and Araglen.

Harbour Rovers are in Group 1 alongside Ballyhooly, Buttevant and Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels.

Group 3 looks wide open with Shanballymore up against Dromina and second teams Fermoy and Charleville.

In the Synergy Fermoy Credit Union JAFC, Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels were first-time winners last season after proving too strong for Charleville in the showpiece final. They were out in the county championship a few days later where Ballygarvan came out on top in the quarter-final.

There are 11 teams, the top two qualifies and then there will be a draw among the three group winners with two teams going direct to the last four. 

Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels are in Group 3 in a three-team group with Ballyclough and Fermoy’s reserves.

Charleville did well to reach the divisional final last year. They did show on their journey how good of a footballing side they can be. A lot will obviously depend on hurling commitments this year. They are in Group 1 where they will lock horns with Deel Rovers, Killavullen and Kilworth.

Group 2 consists of Clyda Rovers, Mallow and Kilshannig second teams and Ballyhooly.