Cork GAA: Premier Senior Football predictions as championship gets underway
St Finbarrs' John Wigginton-Barrett breaks from Clonakilty's Ross Mannix during the McCarthy Insurance Group FL division 1 game at Clonakilty. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
For the second year in a row, the Cork club championships get underway just days after the county’s All-Ireland SHC final appearance. And for the third season running, I’ve decided to put myself through the usual punishment: making predictions I’ll almost certainly regret.
As always, the categories are fourfold – champion, relegated team, dark horse, and underperformer. And, as always, I’m usually wrong on all counts.
I’ve tipped Clonakilty as the dark horse in each of the past two years. At this stage, they’re edging closer to genuine contender status – so it’s time for a shake-up.
This one’s tricky. Outside of the usual three — St Finbarr’s, Nemo Rangers, Castlehaven – and this year, Clonakilty, it’s hard to see anyone else mounting a serious title push.
Mallow and Ballincollig might get well, but I can’t see them toppling any of the favourites. So I’m going with Newcestown.
They’ve got a trick group, sure. But with Valley Rovers on the first day out, a win there could leave them in a great position, before they take on Mallow and Castlehaven. I wouldn’t expect Newcestown to get the better of the Haven, but they could beat Mallow – who have struggled in the league this year.
Jim O’Sullivan’s side have quality across the pitch. David Buckley has been excellent in the league, while Niall Kelly, Eddie Kenneally, and Richard O’Sullivan have all chipped in reliably.
The 2023 Senior A champions would do well to reach the quarter-finals, but it’s well within their reach. They could surprise a few.
Third time lucky?
I’ve gone for St Finbarr’s in each of the last two years. Both times, Castlehaven had the final say.
But with the new football rules now in play, things might shift. Castlehaven and Nemo will be in the mix again, and Clonakilty’s goal threat can’t be ignored. Still, I’m sticking with the Barrs.
There’s something about this group that feels different. Yes, they’ve fallen short to Castlehaven several times, but those battles may have steeled them. Steven Sherlock’s form all year has been excellent, Cillian Myers-Murray has been superb, and there’s strength in every line.
They’re in a brutal group, with Clon first up in Bandon – a real test. But if they clear that hurdle, I can see them going the distance.
This one is tough to call. For me, it’s likely to be one of St Michael’s, Carbery Rangers, or Valley Rovers – each arguably the weakest in their respective groups.
I’d expect Carbery Rangers to feature in the relegation playoff again, and then it comes down to whether it’s Michael’s or Valleys who join them, potentially decided by scoring difference.
It’s a real toss-up. But if I had to call it, I’d say Valley Rovers.
They’ve won just two championship games in the last two seasons, against Carbery Rangers (2023) and Douglas (2024). With Newcestown and Mallow in the group, along with the reigning champions Castlehaven, it’s going to be an uphill battle.
Avoiding the relegation decider would be a feat in itself. Winning it might be too much. Then again, I’ve never gotten this one right.
This is another difficult one to call. But I’m going to go with Mallow.
Their league campaign wasn’t hugely impressive. Granted, that’s without Cork seniors Mattie Taylor and Seán McDonnell. They will be a different team in the championship.
Still, if I’m tipping Newcestown as the dark horse, that suggests Mallow fall short in the group. After reaching the semi-final last year, that would be a significant drop-off.
This is probably the one I’ll be most wrong about — but every year, one team’s season ends earlier than expected. Mallow might be that team in 2024.
App?
