Nemo Rangers and St Finbarr's renew their rivalry later today 

A familiar rivalry will be renewed this evening in Trabeg when Nemo Rangers face St Finbarr’s in Round 3 of the McCarthy Insurance Group Division 1 Football League (7.45pm).

It will be the first meeting since the Premier SFC final from last year when the Barrs won by a point as they got their hands on the Andy Scannell trophy for the first time since 2021.

The rivalry between both clubs remains one of Cork’s defining sporting battles. Rooted in decades of championship clashes, it blends fierce competition with deep community pride. 

Early season league fixtures rarely come with championship intensity, but whenever these two clubs meet, the competitive edge sharpens naturally. Both sides enter the tie after contrasting fortunes in the previous round of fixtures. 

Nemo Rangers have shown encouraging signs in their first two outings, blending experienced heads with a crop of emerging players who are beginning to stake real claims for regular minutes.

They swept past Douglas first day out at home before losing narrowly away to Cill na Martra last Sunday week.

One positive for Robbie O’Dwyer has been the brilliant performances from young forward Bryan Hayes. While it’s only two games, it does look like he has pushed on to another level in 2026. 

Hayes was a sub for the Cork footballers in the win against Tyrone that sealed promotion from Division 2 last Sunday. 

Ross Corkery has got minutes under his belt, another positive for Nemo after his injury troubles.

St Finbarr’s arrive in Trabeg seeking a steadier footing. Their opening two fixtures have produced flashes of quality but also periods of inconsistency that management will be eager to iron out.

It must be stressed that the reigning Division 1 League champions and Premier SFC winners are down a bucket load of players at present. 

They do have three points from two games, both were at home. A draw with Knocknagree and a late rally to beat Éire Óg thanks to three late two-point frees from Cillian Myers-Murray.

The Barrs aren’t afraid to test out younger players and some have shown promise, and this derby clash may be the ideal setting for them to accelerate their development.

David O’Kelly and Trevor Howe, two exciting defenders have been lively in recent weeks.

While league points are the official currency on offer, pride is never far away when these clubs collide.

A tight, competitive encounter is anticipated in Trabeg later today.