The Echo Sport Podcast: Kilbrittain deliver for Cork hurling as Valley Rovers shock the Glen

As we enter the home stretch of the Cork GAA season, the Echo Podcast crew look at the major action at club, schools and third level.

There was Junior A joy for the hurlers of Kilshannig and the footballers of Kilmacabea. In a double-header at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the two clubs with that bit more experience got the job done and will move up to Premier Junior for 2026.

There was an extra incentive for Kilshannig as they paid tribute to jockey and former player Michael O'Sullivan, who tragically lost his life following a racecourse fall. Wing-back Kieran Twomey was Man of the Match in the decider but it was a collective effort as they dominated a Ballinora outfit bidding to complete the double.

Kilmac pushed for home in the last quarter of their clash with a youthful Donoughmore unit, turning their West Cork dominance into county glory after a series of disappointments in recent seasons.

CROKER CALLING

At Munster level, Kilbrittain are closing in on a trip to Croke Park after an emphatic Munster Junior Hurling final showing. In camogie, St Finbarr's and Ballincollig secured their All-Ireland final trips with terrific semi-final showings up the country, the Barrs prevailing after extra, extra time for the second time in recent weeks.

Closer to home, Midleton outgunned the Collig in one U21 A quarter-final but the Valley Rovers hurlers pulled off a massive shock in the other by defeating a Glen Rovers unit that looked the part in the City Division. 

It's now Midleton v Newcestown and Valleys-Shandrum in the last four, with the Magpies aiming to retain the county.

We preview the Munster football finals, as Buttevant, Aghabullogue and St Finbarr's can on the best sides from Kerry, eager to improve on Cork's recent record in the competition, especially in the junior and intermediate grades.

The knockout stages of the Corn Uí Mhuirí are set while Coláiste Choilm and Clonakilty collide in the Simcox Cup final. In the Dr O'Callaghan Cup decider there's a Harty Cup group stage rematch when Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG face Christians.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.