David Buckley to remain with Cork footballers for 2026 season

David Buckley is remaining with the Cork senior footballers for the 2026 season, The Echo understands.

The Newcestown star had been weighing up his options in recent weeks, but following talks with Cork boss John Cleary, the forward is staying put.

He has struggled for game time over the last couple of years despite flourishing for his club.

Buckley was one of the best footballers on Leeside in 2023 after he helped Newcestown win the SAFC title. His most impressive display came in the decider against Dohenys when he scored 0-9 (0-3 f) in the 0-13 to 0-8 success over their West Cork rivals.

Newcestown made the last four of the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC this year. Buckley was one of the main reasons for that. He finished second in the scoring charts only behind St Finbarr’s Steven Sherlock.

The forward was called into the Cork senior football panel before the start of the 2022 campaign under then manager Keith Ricken. He made his debut in the opening Division 2 league game away to Roscommon.

The 24-year-old first appeared on the inter-county scene as a member of the Cork minor football team. He was a major part in the Cork U20 footballers winning the Munster title in 2021. He was player-of-the-match in the provincial final success over Tipperary landing 0-10 (0-2 f, 0-1 m) in the 3-20 to 3-10 victory.

Cork can officially return to pre-season training from this Friday ahead of the 2026 season. Cleary’s charges will be targeting a promotion push in Division 2 of the league.

They face Cavan in the first game on Sunday, January 25 at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The Munster SFC draw will take place on Thursday week (27th). Cork will once more be in the quarter-final draw along with Limerick, Waterford and Tipperary.