The Voice of Cork loves his job and plans to keep covering Cork GAA games for years to come

In any GAA season not many people take in the number of games that Finbarr McCarthy of Cork’s 96FM does at both club and inter-county level, but his love for the game is unique.

It all started for Finbarr with a call from the stations Barry O’Mahony back in the late 90s and from there he became hooked on covering games on his beloved sport - GAA.

“I do remember my first game was an All-Ireland camogie semi-final at Ballinlough between Cork and Kilkenny and I got it by default because Barry wanted my wife Mary to cover it, but she was working for RTÉ local radio and that’s how it all began for me,” said Finbarr.

Outside of a couple of weeks off in January, Finbarr is constantly working for the station with the national leagues starting early and the Munster club running late into the year the work simply doesn’t stop.

Reflecting back on the Cork Senior hurling and football championships McCarthy believes he witnessed some cracking games.

“The senior hurling championship possibly didn’t hit the heights that we expected to but credit to Sars they were worthy champions,” added Finbarr.

Sars were eliminated by Ballygunner in the Munster club hurling semi- final a game they failed to produce their best hurling.

“It went away from them early but despite battling to the wire they were always chasing the game.” 

The senior A championship in Cork consistently produces wonderful games over the season and it didn’t let the pundits down in this year’s campaign.

“After losing count of the number of games I covered there were so many top- class clashes and ironically the replay of the final between Castlelyons and Bride Rovers was an absolute thriller.” 

Looking at the senior A championship McCarthy believes it is one of the toughest in Cork.

“It’s a tough grade to get out of and I think with the exception of the Glen in 2024 who won comfortably it’s a teal test with so many good teams competing.

“Erin’s Own will be in the mix next season after their relegation and throw in Castlelyons, Blarney, Watergrasshill and Carrigtwohill to name a few you know nothing will come easy.” 

In the football grade, Cork have struggled to match the achievements of the hurlers but Finbarr believes progress has been made.

“The problem is we have been playing division 2 football for the last 10 years, but I have to say we were really unlucky against Kerry in the Munster semi-final this year as a bad call by a linesman saw us lose Sean Brady to a controversial red card before going into overtime.

“I think the management know we need to get out of division two and then develop the squad but again we are losing players like Sean Powter for next season and with Derry, Tyrone and Armagh in the mix you have a real challenge in the league.

“To be honest, our record at Minor and U21 levels in recent years hasn’t been good enough and that needs to change.” 

The Cork senior hurling team brought huge hope on Leeside last season and Finbarr was like the majority of Cork supporters in what he witnessed in the second half of their All-Ireland final against Tipperary.

“Look I was at a Seandun reception recently and captain Robert Downey stated all the rumours about a bust up in the dressing room at half time was total rubbish as the defeat was down to a superb Tipperary second half performance and Cork underachieving and that can happen in sport.” This season Ben O’Connor takes over from Pat Ryan as manager and Finbarr believes the Rebels will be in the mix.

“I always believe Cork have a chance when it comes to hurling and our first championship game is away to Tipperary in Thurles and to be facing the All-Ireland champions on their own terrain will be a true test.” 

On the club scene, Finbarr has been secretary of St Nicks for many years and his love for the club is epitomized by the incredible work he does for the Blackpool outfit.

“It’s been a tough few years for us, but we got to the Junior final this season and despite losing to Buttevant the lads put in a terrific effort and we had a great league campaign that saw us promoted.

“We have some very dedicated people in the club and hopefully with the progress of our U21 team there is light at the end of the tunnel for us.” Married to Mary Newman, life for Finbarr McCarthy is good and his title of the ‘Voice of Cork’ will continue for many years to come on Cork’s 96Fm.