Cork Youth inter-league team hoping to beat Ulster in semi-final clash tomorrow

The Cork Youth Leagues return this weekend with games across the Daly Industrial Supplies League and Cup competitions.

The FAI Inter-League semi-final tomorrow at 3.30pm between Ulster Youth League and the holders of the competition Cork at the TUS Midlands Complex really catches the eye though.

The Cork boys who won the Munster title a few weeks ago, beating Limerick District League after extra-time and penalties, will come into this game with plenty of confidence after working very hard over the Christmas period on the training ground.

You have to give Cork manager Conor Murray and his coaching staff a lot of credit, as they took the role on very short notice. 

All of the 22 players they selected in their two games to date all got to play so everyone contributed to their Munster Youth title.

Murray and his group are really excited about the semi-final and he spoke about their progress to date, his gratitude for the help and support of the Cork League committee and the continuing coverage in The Echo.

"We do not know much about Ulster, as we are more focused on ourselves and on our own preparations. 

"We had a small break over Christmas but have had two good sessions this week and the lads have looked very sharp. 

"We have a friendly last Monday night against a senior team which will prepare us well for this coming game tomorrow evening.

"Morale is good in the squad and the intensity shown in training is hugely encouraging. 

"I'm very happy where we are at and hopefully will give a good account of ourselves on the day and progress to the final.

"I like to thank all the members of the Cork Youth League committee as they have given the players and my coaching staff all the help and support that we needed from the very start of this campaign. 

"Whatever we need, it was never an issue. In fairness to each and every one of the committee, they have been at all our matches to date by organising everything to make sure the players, management and myself were happy and ready to play.

"Finally, the players, management and myself are so very grateful to Echo reporter Kieran Doherty for the fantastic coverage that the paper gives the team and the Cork Youth League in general,” Murray added.

Elsewhere, tomorrow, there are three U17 Premier League games down for decision with Carrigaline United clashing with Kinsale at Ballea Park at 7pm.

High-flying College Corinthians lock horns with Youghal United at Castletreasure at 5pm and the basement sides, St Mary's and Passage will be looking for a better 2026 with a welcome three points to kickstart their campaign.

There is a host of U17 Teddy Healy Cup fixtures. 

The pick is Midleton U17B welcoming Los Zarcos to Knockgriffin Park, Fermoy entertaining Blarney United to Carrig Park and Mogeely clashing with Watergrasshill United at Railway Park.

At 11am, Clonakilty face Mallow Town in the U19 Daly Cup at Ballyvackey, while in the U19 Shield, Leeds welcome their neighbours Mayfield United to Leeds Park and Watergrasshill United must travel to Tramore Park.