Cork AUL preview: Seven new teams join league as kick-off comes into view

This coming Wednesday sees the start of the AUL season which is poised to kick off in earnest with some exciting league encounters, scheduled for 7pm.

First of all welcome no less than seven new teams to the Cork AUL for the coming season.

From Ballyvourney, the Cork AUL welcomes newcomers Sullane FC into the league for the first time, and from Killeagh, Inch United, have also registered with the league. Best wishes to Mallow Town, who are making their debut in the AUL for 2025-26.

Then, it’s also wonderful to see existing clubs like Grattan United, Glenthorn Celtic, Los Zarcos and Mogeely FC enter B sides.

When scanning across the league sections, there is no doubt competitiveness will be of a very high quality once again.

Of course, in the Premiership, Coachford will be the ones to beat, but last season’s Premier A champions, Knocknaheeny Celtic, who have added some quality players to their squad, look like a side well up for the challenge. But, then, all the other sides in this section have also bolstered their squads.

Just to note, the Mossie Linnane Cup will be a straight knock-out system, with one relegated in the league.

Premier A will be run with a three-round system.

Springfield have signed some quality players while League 1 champions from last season CFC Banteer will be testing their mettle at another level up.

Then, Glenthorn Celtic could be a force to be reckoned with after strengthening their squad.

The Henry Healy Cup will have two sections with the winner of each heading to the final. There will be two promoted, but no relegation here.

What a battle royal we are expecting to see in League 1.

Here we have nine sides battling it out in what is another demanding section for everyone, where one team gets relegated, while three will be promoted.

The St Michael’s Cup as per usual will be a straight knock-out competition.

Promoted Rathcormac and Boher Celtic will be aiming to be ready for the big challenge ahead while sides like Waterloo, Los Zarcos and Corkbeg will be making it a very challenging place to be.

On to League 2 is a very evenly matched section made up of 10 teams in a two-round series.

Harp Celtic and Coachford B are the newcomers here after being promoted from League 3 – they will be testing their mettle against the likes of Mogeely A, Blackstone Celtic, Blackpool Celtic – just to mention a few of the sides that will be battling it out for essential points along the way.

In this section, there will be one relegated and two promoted with the Saxone Cup as usual, run on a straight knock-out basis.

Finally, down to League 3 where we have the newcomers, already mentioned, contesting against AUL sides for the first time.

Expected to do well here are Belmount Celtic, but of course, the new sides taking part for the first time could also spring a few surprises.

Here, there will be four promoted with the President’s Cup run on a knock-out basis.

So, it will be full steam ahead now with many exciting encounters to look forward to in the months ahead.