McCarthy Insurance Group Football League: St Finbarr's open title defence against Knocknagree
Ben O'Connell in action for St Finbarr's last season. Picture: Jim Coughlan
St Finbarr’s will begin the defence of their McCarthy Insurance Group Division 1 Football League title this weekend as a new club season on Leeside gets underway.
It’s a busy few days ahead with many eye-catching games taking place from Division 1 all the way down to Division 7.
The Barrs face Knocknagree on Sunday morning in the standout fixture this weekend.
It’s the battle of the championship winners from last year with the city side claiming the Premier SFC crown while Knocknagree won the SAFC.
On top of that, both sides won their respective leagues. St Finbarr’s won Division 1 while John Fintan Daly’s charges defeated Carbery Rangers to win Division 2.
The Barrs will no doubt look to start on a positive note especially with how last year ended with that Munster final loss to Dingle in controversial fashion.
Knocknagree will be relishing this one as they enter the top tier for the first time in their history. They will be looking to make a mark in the league and championship in 2026.
All of the Division 1 games are taking place on Sunday. Near neighbours Nemo Rangers and Douglas collide in Trabeg in what should be a lively enough affair.
Both sides had positive enough league campaigns last year as they blooded players with Douglas having the best defensive record in Division 1.
There will be plenty of interest in the always intriguing local derby between Carbery Rangers and Clonakilty. That one is on in Rosscarbery.
The home side are under new management led by boss Robbie Ahern and coach Donagh Wiseman as Ross look to start well after suffering Premier SFC relegation last year.
Clonakilty lost to St Finbarr’s in the league final in 2025 and Martin O’Brien will be targeting another strong league campaign even if the championship didn’t go according to plan last year.
Cill na Martra have more than held their own in Division 1 for some time now. They host Newcestown with the Muskerry side no doubt eager to have another strong season.
They came very close to reaching the Premier Senior ranks last year, but lost out to Knocknagree in the final.
Newcestown have been improving year-on-year in recent campaigns under the tutelage of Jim O’Sullivan.
They have the quality to make another strong impression this year.
Finally from Division 1, Castlehaven haven’t quite delivered in the league in recent years.
The experienced Mark Collins did state in these pages recently that the Haven are determined to have a strong league season this year. They open their campaign with an away game against Éire Óg.
The latter are now under the guidance of Eoin Fehily with Newcestown native Carthach Keane coaching the team.
Carrigaline and Ballincollig are the big hitters in Division 2 and will be favourites for promotion. They lock horns tomorrow in Carrigaline.
There are many great matches over the weekend with the full fixture list including throw-in times below.
Division 4: Aghada v Nemo Rangers, 7.45pm.
Division 6: Kildorrery v Argideen Rangers, 8pm.
Division 2: Carrigaline v Ballincollig, 1pm; Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh v Castletownbere, 4pm.
Division 5: Kinsale v Millstreet, 3pm.
Division 7: Inniscarra v Passage West, 11.30am; St James’ v Donoughmore, 2pm.
Division 1: St Finbarr’s v Knocknagree, 11am; Carbery Rangers v Clonakilty; Cill na Martra v Newcestown; Éire Óg v Castlehaven; Nemo Rangers v Douglas.
Division 2: O’Donovan Rossa v Clyda Rovers; St Michael's v Uibh Laoire; Valley Rovers v Dohenys.
Division 3: Bandon v Mallow; Bishopstown v Aghabullogue; Kilshannig v Newmarket; Naomh Abán v Fermoy, 12.30pm.
Division 4: Boherbue v Glanmire; Buttevant v Macroom; Kilmurry v Kiskeam; Gabriel Rangers v Adrigole, 12.30pm.
Division 5: Ballydesmond v St Vincent’s; Canovee v St Nick’s; Mitchelstown v Ilen Rovers; Bantry Blues v Ballinora, 12 noon.
Division 6: Dromtarriffe v Na Piarsaigh; Glanworth v Aghinagh; Glenville v Cobh; Kilmacabea v Cullen.
Division 7: Castlemagner v Mayfield; Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels v Nemo Rangers, 2pm.
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