Aghabullogue captain John Corkery: We are underdogs against strong Iveleary side

John Corkery has played down the significance of reaching last year’s final as Aghabullogue attempt to go one better tomorrow in the McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC decider.

They lock horns with Iveleary at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh with throw-in at 3.30pm.

Despite going very close in 2024, losing to Kilshannig after a replay, Corkery, who is the captain, and his teammates have taken it one step at a time this year.

“When you go back in January, you’re going to the back of the pile with everyone else, so you look at the league first. That was the first target. We wanted to get out of the Division 4 league this year.

“That was one target we did set and we got through that one. But then in terms of the championship, it’s back to the group stage and winning the first game.

“You don’t take the eye off the ball. You focus on the here and now.” 

Aghabullogue have had a few highlights this year with Corkery picking out the win last time out against Naomh Abán as a standout. A second successive year getting over the Ballyvourney side at the semi-final stage.

“Naomh Abán was probably a special day really. There was a bigger build up to that for obvious reasons that I don’t need to mention. But yeah, it’s probably fresh in the mind as well. So yeah, we just live off the last game.

“If it was a hurling game the last day, we’d probably be looking at that. But the last football game, there was a bit of meaning to that too. It was a really satisfying win to beat Naomh Abán considering they had been going really well this year.

“Themselves and Iveleary would have been two of the form teams all year and we were probably underdogs heading into that semi-final.

“All we wanted to do was grind out the win. It was probably very similar to last year. We just got over the line last year and it was similar this year.” 

Corkery is fully aware of the opposition that Aghabullogue are facing tomorrow. The team in green and white have a difficult task if they want to land a second county title in three seasons having won the IAFC trophy in 2023.

“Iveleary have won all their championship games. You can’t argue with their scoring stats and their defence is pretty tough as well. Just like last year against Kilshannig, we’re going to be underdogs.

“It's a privilege to be able to go into Páirc Uí Chaoimh and play these games there. You’d hear people about playing this game in Macroom, but you want to head into Páirc Uí Chaoimh, that’s where it’s at. It will be a great occasion for both teams.

“Whether you win or lose, it’s a pleasure to actually get in there and be part of those big days. We’re privileged to have had a few of them over the last few years. Long may it last for as long as it will last.” Corkery ended.