McGrath Cup: Familiar territory for Cork as they lock horns with old rivals Kerry in final

Cork manager John Cleary went on record before Christmas saying that the McGrath Cup is down the pecking order when it comes to the priorities for the year ahead.

As it has transpired, the Rebels have found themselves in the final once again where they will play Kerry on Saturday in Killarney at 1.30pm. 

A big victory over Tipperary pretty much secured Cork’s passage into the decider after finishing top of Group B. That was despite losing to Limerick last Sunday in what was an experimental Cork side. 

No matter what way you look at it, a competitive fixture against Kerry with silverware on the line is ideal preparation for the Rebels going into the Allianz Division 2 Football League.

Cleary’s charges face Cavan in their opener on Sunday week at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The Leesiders have won the McGrath Cup on the last two occasions in 2023 and ’24. It was suspended in 2025 for 12 months.

Cork were unable to build on winning the pre-season title when it came to the real stuff in the Division 2 league.

They ended up in fourth in the table in those campaigns.

There has been a change of tack this time around when it comes to the McGrath Cup. Cleary has said to the media that the pre-season competition isn’t the focus.

Perhaps they have learnt lessons from years gone by, but the proof will be in the pudding when the Division 2 league season comes to an end at the end of March.

The Rebels know that they simply have to hit the ground running and pick up as many points as possible early on given they have away games against Derry and Tyrone in March.

Those two teams will be fancied to make an immediate return to Division 1 after suffering relegation in 2025.

Cork have had mixed starts to the league in recent years and know that a slow start this time around will more than likely end in another failed attempt to return to the top-tier for the first time since 2016.

No matter what happens against Kerry in the McGrath Cup final this weekend, the Leesiders won’t be getting too high or too low. At the same time, it’s a competitive game eight days out from the start of the league. It’s arguably better than any in-house game or challenge match.

It will also give another chance for the Cork management to have a good look at some of the fringe players against the reigning All-Ireland champions in front of what should be a decent crowd.

Cleary and co won’t say no to lifting silverware on Saturday, but it will be quickly forgotten about when the real stuff gets underway.