John Cleary's championship record and key players for Cork footballers in 2026

It was probably too much to expect two major upsets at Croke Park on Saturday.

For a brief period heading into the last quarter, it looked like the Cork hurlers would replicate the Dublin hurlers' heroics and eliminate a side that once dominated their sport but aren't quite as strong these days.

The Rebels were up in the 53rd minute having recovered commendably from the concession of a goal to Brian Howard but didn't get the green flag of their own they needed when the game was there to be won. 

HARSH

The refereeing of Sean Hurson around the kick-out and midfield battlezone didn't help Cork's cause. They were the subject of some very harsh calls.

Ultimately though, John Cleary's side weren't quite good enough to turn a very good display into a result that would change the course of Cork football. 

They were more hard done by in the Munster semi-final when they were edged out in extra time by Kerry but to turn the tide, they're the types of matches you have to win.

We don't know yet if Cleary will step down as Cork manager but there is no obvious successor given the county's very poor underage record lately. His four-year term is up but he didn't confirm on Saturday he was gone either.

No one can question the Castlehaven club man's dedication to his county. He was an All-Ireland winner as a player and U20 manager and as senior bainisteoir has had to ship plenty of criticism. His tenure has had highs and lows.

In 2022, Cleary's first year when he assumed the role from Keith Ricken during the league, saw Cork hammered by Kerry but then beat Louth and Limerick before losing the quarter-final against the Dubs by 11 points.

In '23 there was a costly loss to Clare in the Munster semi but a very strong run through the qualifiers, with a narrow loss to Kerry but wins over Louth, Mayo and Roscommon. Derry were too strong in the last eight though, grinding out a dour 1-12 to 1-8 success.

In 2024, Cork cruised past Limerick and were again close to Kerry, going down by three points. In the group, Cork beat Clare and had a brilliant victory over Donegal but a loss to Tyrone meant they still came third on scoring difference. That sent them away to Louth where they fell to a disappointing defeat.

This season was another mixed bag. Victories over Limerick and Roscommon, but four losses to Kerry (twice), Meath and Dublin.

Overall the championship record is: 

10 wins, 12 defeats (one after extra time).

Cork blooded some promising new players like Séan McDonnell, Neil Lordan, Seán Walsh and Seán Brady this year while Mark Cronin and Colm O'Callaghan, 2019 U20 All-Ireland winners, became real leaders.

Going forward they do need a bit more punch up top, where Cathail O'Mahony and Conor Corbett getting fit and firing would help, as would the return of Steven Sherlock to the fold.