2025 Premier 1 Minor Football Championship Team of the Season

After waiting 13 years to land the title last year, Ballincollig retained their crown in impressive fashion in the Rebel Óg Premier 1 MFC this year.

The Village were the best team in the competition and deservedly retained their trophy.

They did get off to a nervy start with a draw away to Kinsale in the group stage, but wins over Nemo Rangers and Douglas sealed a direct passage to the semi-final stage.

Con O’Connell’s team easily dispatched neighbours Éire Óg and then Glanmire in the final.

So here is the 2025 Premier 1 MFC Team of the Season.

Fifteen starters – six from Ballincollig, four from Glanmire, two from Éire Óg and one each from Douglas, Kinsale and Bishopstown.

Goalkeeper: Isaac Barrett (Glanmire) 

The tall netminder made up for not featuring in the first championship game. He was consistent. He made a few crucial saves in the group stage including their Round 3 win over Éire Óg.

When he was needed against Douglas in the semi-final, he stood up.

Corner-back: Ruairí Lynch (Bishopstown) 

Lynch was excellent in defence for Bishopstown. He was a real leader. A player who was tasked mainly with man-marking the opposition's key forward and always did it to the best of his ability.

Full-back: Peter Rose (Ballincollig) 

A rock at the back for the champions. The physical player was important in Ballincollig’s defensive solidarity this year, which is always key when you're chasing silverware.

Corner-back: Cullen Condon (Glanmire) 

A player who has really improved in so many ways for Glanmire this year. They did surprise many by reaching the final, Condon was a vital cog in his side’s machine.

One of the players that went under the radar in the championship.

Half-back: Joe Mouret (Douglas) 

Douglas never fired on all cylinders but former Cork minor footballer Mouret was a standout. A very talented footballer, one to keep an eye on in the coming years.

Centre-back: Cian O’Connor (Ballincollig) 

The best centre-back in the championship this year. A very flexible player who can play in any position. He scored 2-1 in the semi-final win over Éire Óg.

Half-back: Micheál Sheehan (Éire Óg)

Sheehan has a lot to his game, pace, power and can land a point too. He can also play in any position on the field and do a job. 

Midfielder: Kevin Beechinor (Éire Óg) 

A real powerhouse in Timmy O’Sullivan’s team. Éire Óg did very well to reach the last four with Beechinor giving the Ovens team the platform for their strong run.

Midfielder: Brian Cronin (Ballincollig) 

Cronin was in great form all year. He came up with 0-3, all from play, in the semi-final against Éire Óg.

He didn’t score in the decider, but was very effective in setting up scores for his teammates.

Half-forward: Harry Browne (Glanmire) 

The young star progressively improved as the campaign went on. He landed 1-5 (2 2pt) in a key final group game win over Éire Óg.

The way he performed against Douglas as did the other players showed Glanmire’s class in the semi-final. Browne scored 1-3 (1 2pt f) in that one before hitting 0-5 (1 2pt f, 0-1 f) in the final.

Centre-forward: Cian Ahern (Ballincollig) 

Ahern landed 0-10 (0-2 f) in the group stage. He didn’t score in the semi-final before slotting over 0-4, all from play, in the final. He saved his best display for the decider. 

Half-forward: Harry Cogan (Glanmire) 

Grandson of Cork football legend Frank Cogan, the wing-forward led by example for Glanmire this year. You could see why he was captain.

Not a bad hurler either. He was key to Sarsfields winning the Premier 1 MHC this year. It will be interesting what the future holds for him with regards to Cork. He was on the Cork minor football team in 2024.

Corner-forward: Joe Miskella (Ballincollig) 

Younger brother of Danny Miskella, the Cork minor footballer didn’t look fazed by the step up to the minor ranks this year.

Arguably his best performance came in the second group game against Nemo Rangers. He scored 0-4, all from play, that evening.

Full-forward: Rory O’Brien (Kinsale) 

Kinsale were very unlucky not to qualify out of their group. They did finish the year with an away win over Nemo Rangers helped by 2-6 (0-4 f) by Rory O’Brien. He scored 0-4 combined in the first two championship matches against Ballincollig and Douglas respectively.

Corner-forward: Danny Miskella (Ballincollig) 

Another outstanding season from the sharpshooter. Second successive year he ended as top scorer. A classy footballer.

He brings that X-factor.

Substitutes:

Aaron Keane (Kinsale)

Ethan Donovan (Ballincollig)

Ollie Buckley (Kinsale)

Mark O'Brien (Douglas)

Kevin O'Leary (Ballincollig)

Luke O'Mahony (Ballincollig)

Ethan Hyde (Éire Óg)

Rory Higgins (Glanmire)

Neil Crowley (Bishopstown)

Tom O'Flynn (Glanmire).