Team of the Week: Steven Sherlock and Seán Ó Fóirréidh the best from semi-final weekend
Colin Molloy, Nemo Rangers impressed at full-back once again. Picture: Jim Coughlan.
Only the finals left to be played, so here’s our penultimate Echo Sport Cork football Team of the Week. Semi-final weekend brought no shortage of standout performances across the grades – with Intermediate A now joining the mix alongside the top three tiers.
Flawless in everything that mattered. His kickouts were measured to perfection, his timing immaculate. Éire Óg never got a foothold in that sector, largely because Ó Deasúna didn’t allow them one.
Outstanding from start to finish. The Cork defender was everywhere – tackling, blocking, intercepting – and still found time to chip in with three points, including a two-pointer from a free. A real leader’s display.
Rock steady again. Molloy has been Nemo’s defensive anchor all season, and his composure against Newcestown was the foundation on which their semi-final win was built.
Another gem from Knocknagree’s back line. Fierce in the tackle, clever in possession, and even ventured forward for a fine point against Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh.
In the starting 15 after making the bench in our last team, the Barrs half-back was excellent again – powerful in the air, driving from deep, and reading the game superbly.
Commanded the centre with conviction. Gathered a mountain of possession and was constantly on the front foot, driving at Éire Óg every time he got the chance. Tireless, relentless, influential.
One of Ballincollig’s brighter sparks in defeat. The Cork senior kicked two points and emptied the tank with his work-rate. Two appearances in a row on this list tells its own story.
Played a more reserved role than usual but still shaped the game. Scored three points, shielded the defence, and brought calm when it was needed. One of the Gaeltacht side’s standard-bearers heading into the final.
Set the tone from the throw-in. McSweeney controlled the middle third, picked his moments perfectly, and added four points for good measure.
Only two players in the Premier Senior grade have scored more this year, and both are included in the rest of this week’s starting 15. Cronin was again electric, landing nine points – including a two-pointer – as Nemo edged through to another final.
A colossus all season. Buckley’s 0-9 haul against Nemo took his championship total to 0-46. But it’s not just numbers – it’s his influence, his presence, and the way he drags Newcestown forward with him.
Class and composure rolled into one. Caused havoc for Aghada, kicked three points, and on another day could easily have had a goal or two. His experience shines through every touch.
Scoring feats aside, it was the timing that made it special. Two two-point frees – both in injury-time – dragged Ilen Rovers to extra-time, and ultimately to victory. Ice in his veins.
When Valley Rovers were staring down the barrel, Lynch stepped up. A haul of 1-9 – including three two-pointers – underlined his class. The veteran remains their heartbeat in attack.
The extraordinary made to look routine. Sherlock’s 1-5 from play included the two-pointer of the season – another exhibition of precision and poise. Right now, he’s the form forward in Cork.
Paul Kelly (Newcestown)
Seán O’Donovan (Newcestown) 0-1
Ian Maguire (St Finbarr’s)
Gearóid Ó Goillidhe (Cill na Martra)
Mark O’Brien (Ballinora) 1-2
Luke Casey (Aghabullogue) 2-0
Denis O’Mullane (Kilmurry) 0-7 (3 tp)
Chris Óg Jones (Uibh Laoire) 1-8 (0-3 f)
Anthony O’Connor (Knocknagree) 1-6 (1 tp, 0-2 f)
App?
