Two departures from Cork football squad with David Buckley considering his future

The Cork senior footballers will be without Chris Kelly and Neil Lordan for the 2026 season, The Echo understands. 

Both players have opted out of the panel with the pair going travelling in January.

It follows the news that Seán Powter is emigrating to Australia for 12 months in the New Year.

Kelly, who was number 1 goalkeeper for much of the 2024 campaign, fell out of favour this year and ended up being third choice behind Micheál Aodh Martin and Patrick Doyle.

He was in great form for Éire Óg this year as they made the semi-final stage of the McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC.

As well as doing his primary job, Kelly was also useful at the other end, scoring two-point frees, normal frees and 45s.

Lordan made his debut for the Leesiders back in January against Meath and made an impression in defence.

The Ballinora player has been brilliant for his club in 2025 and will be looking to sign off the year on a high. The Mid-Cork club face Grenagh on Sunday in the MJK Oils Muskerry JAHC final before the Ballinora footballers take on Ilen Rovers in the McCarthy Insurance Group IAFC decider two weeks later.

The Echo also understands that there could be a further departure with David Buckley considering his future with the Rebels due to a lack of game time in recent campaigns. 

The forward has been a consistent performer for his club Newcestown in recent years and lit up the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC this season as the Carbery side made it to the last four.

They lost out after extra time to Nemo Rangers last Sunday. Buckley is second only behind Steven Sherlock in the scoring charts in the top-flight football championship this year.

Cork will be keen to make a favourable impression in 2026 with one of the targets to gain promotion from Division 2.

While the departures are a blow, it's nothing new with regards the Cork senior footballers over the past decade or so. It will give other players a chance. 

Back in August, manager John Cleary had his term in charge of Cork extended by two more years. The Castlehaven clubman has been at the helm since the summer of 2022. Coach Kevin Walsh is also staying on.

As well as a promotion push, the Rebels will be eager on making an impression in the Munster Championship. Cork and Kerry will be on opposite sides of the draw next year.