McCarthy Insurance Group Football League wrap: Conor Hanlon hits 3-3 in Buttevant's big win over Macroom
Conor Hanlon scored 3-3 for Buttevant against Macroom. Picture: Dan Linehan
- Éire Óg hold off Castlehaven fightback as Chris Kelly makes key penalty save
- Bryan Hayes in top form as Nemo Rangers ease to league win over Douglas
- Clonakilty edge out rivals Carbery Rangers in Division 1 league opener
- Knocknagree clip late two-pointer to secure draw with St Finbarr's side featuring Ian Maguire
The 2026 McCarthy Insurance Group Football Leagues got underway at the weekend with many fantastic games and a few upsets thrown into the mix.
There was plenty of action with games in all seven divisions on Leeside.
In Division 1, reigning champions St Finbarr’s were held at home by newcomers Knocknagree.
Clonakilty edged out their hosts Carbery Rangers in the all-West Cork derby.
In another local affair, Nemo Rangers proved too strong for Douglas in Trabeg while Éire Óg and Castlehaven couldn’t be separated in Ovens.
Reports on all of those games are attached at the top of this article.
The only Division 1 game that wasn’t covered was the encounter between home side Cill na Martra and Newcestown.
They drew 0-13 each in what was an enjoyable game despite the challenging weather conditions.
Former Cork senior footballer Dano Dineen was the hero for Cill na Martra with the forward kicking the last two scores including a two-pointer to make sure his team picked up a point on the opening day.
In Division 2, the two promotion favourites locked horns as Carrigaline proved too strong for Ballincollig. A report on that game is attached at the top of this article.
Elsewhere in the second tier, St Michael’s were comfortably beaten in Mahon by Uibh Laore, 1-16 to 0-6. Cathal Vaughan and Ian Jones were influential for John McNulty’s charges.
O’Donovan Rossa edged out Clyda Rovers on home soil, 0-13 to 1-8.
Niall Daly was to the fore for the Skibb team with 0-6. A Darren Daly two-point free and two points from Elliot Connolly also proved valuable.
Dohenys came out of Brinny with a 0-12 to 1-7 victory over Valley Rovers. The David O’Donovan-coached side were led on by former Cork senior footballer Fionn Herlihy who scored 0-3 including an orange flag.
In Division 3, goals from Ronan O’Sullivan and Eoin Kelleher went a long way to securing opening day points for Mallow away to Bandon, 2-9 to 1-7.
Naomh Abán let two points slip through their fingers after a two-pointer from Darragh Daly ensured Fermoy left Ballyvourney with a draw, 0-12 to 1-9.
Bishopstown eked out an 0-11 to 0-8 triumph at home against last season’s PIFC winners Aghabullogue.
It was level going down the home straight, but points from Kieran McFadden, Liam Hogan and Conor Dunne helped Brian Cuthbert’s side over the line.
Kilshannig had six points to spare over Newmarket in Glantane. Darragh O'Sullivan hit 1-1 in the 1-9 to 0-6 success.
In Division 4 there was a standout result. Last year’s Premier JFC winners Buttevant hammered Macroom at home on a scoreline of 4-13 to 1-6.
Conor Hanlon bagged 3-3 while Mark Lenahan kicked 1-5.
Carbery Rangers 1-13 Clonakilty 0-18; Cill na Martra 0-13 Newcestown 0-13; Éire Óg 1-8 Castlehaven 0-11; Nemo Rangers 0-18 Douglas 1-6; St Finbarr’s 0-14 Knocknagree 0-14.
O’Donovan Rossa 0-13 Clyda Rovers 1-8; Carrigaline 3-14 Ballincollig 1-13; Valley Rovers 1-7 Dohenys 0-12; St Michael’s 0-6 Uibh Laoire 1-16.
Bandon 1-7 Mallow 2-9; Kilshannig 1-9 Newmarket 0-6; Naomh Abán 0-12 Fermoy 1-9; Bishopstown 0-11 Aghabullogue 0-8.
Aghada 1-4 Nemo Rangers 1-7; Buttevant 4-13 Macroom 1-6; Boherbue 0-9 Glanmire 0-5; Kilmurry 0-14 Kiskeam 0-9; Gabriel Rangers 0-8 Adrigole 0-9.
Kinsale 3-17 Millstreet 1-6; Canovee 1-8 St Nick’s 2-6; Ballydesmond 0-14 St Vincent’s 2-12; Mitchelstown 1-9 Ilen Rovers 1-7; Bantry Blues 2-6 Ballinora 1-9.
Argideen Rangers 2-5 Kildorrery 3-3; Glenville 3-9 Cobh 2-6; Glanworth 2-9 Aghinagh 2-12; Kilmacabea 2-8 Cullen 2-7; Dromtarriffe 4-10 Na Piarsaigh 0-5.
Inniscarra 1-12 Passage West 1-12; St James’ 2-10 Donoughmore 0-7; Castlemagner 0-13 Mayfield 0-11.
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