McCarthy Insurance Group FL preview: Clonakilty look to maintain perfect start
Clonakilty's Aaron Cullinane is tackled by Douglas' Adam Cantwell this year. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Clonakilty will look to maintain their perfect start to their McCarthy Insurance Group Division 1 Football League campaign.
The Brewery Town though face a difficult assignment when they host Knocknagree in what is a tasty Round 3 clash.
There are two Division 1 matches taking place this weekend and they are down for decision tomorrow evening.
There are a reduced number of matches in the various divisions with no games on Sunday given Cork are playing Meath in the Allianz Division 2 Football League final in Croke Park (1.45pm).
Clonakilty have defeated Carbery Rangers and Douglas to date while Knocknagree have put in two gallant performances, drawing with St Finbarr’s and losing narrowly to Castlehaven.
Both Clon and Knocknagree are in the same group in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC later this year.
The second Division 1 game this weekend is potentially a pivotal game at the bottom end despite it being early days. Éire Óg and Douglas meet in Ovens with both sides still looking to hit their straps.
There have been good spells for both, but not consistent enough yet to pick up a victory.
Éire Óg do have a point while Douglas have suffered two losses. The city side had the best defensive record in this division in 2025, but have a -10 scoring difference after two encounters this year.
In Division 2, leaders Uibh Laoire were due to play Valley Rovers in Brinny this weekend, but it will now be played on Thursday week.
It gives a chance for the chasing pack to take advantage with Carrigaline and Dohenys both a point behind on three points.
Dohenys have a tough away game though against Béal Átha'n Ghaorthaidh before Carrigaline are at home to Clyda Rovers.
Elsewhere in this division this weekend, Castletownbere, now coached by former Kerry player Gavin Crowley, welcome Ballincollig to Beara, and St Michael's host O'Donovan Rossa.
In Division 3, leaders Mallow travel to Coachford to lock horns with Aghabullogue with the latter now under the interim guidance of former Kerry boss Peter Keane with his brother Ray Keane focusing on the Cork U20 footballers for now.
Fixtures are below at the time of writing.
Division 3: Bishopstown v Newmarket; Kilshannig v Kanturk, both 7.30pm; Rockchapel v Naomh Abán, Cloughduv, 8pm.
Division 5: Ballydesmond v St Nick’s, 8pm.
Division 1: Éire Óg v Douglas, 7pm; Clonakilty v Knocknagree, 8pm.
Division 2: Castletownbere v Ballincollig, 2.30pm; Béal Átha'n Ghaorthaidh v Dohenys, 4pm; St Michael's v O'Donovan Rossa, 5pm; Carrigaline v Clyda Rovers, 7pm.
Division 3: Aghabullogue v Mallow, 4pm.
Division 4: Gabriel Rangers v Glanmire, 2pm; Aghada v Macroom; Nemo Rangers v Adrigole, both 5pm.
Division 5: Kinsale v Canovee, 4pm.
Division 6: Glenville v Kildorrery, 7pm.
Division 7: Carbery Rangers v Mayfield, 3.30pm; Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels v St James’, 5pm.
Division 6: Na Piarsaigh v Cobh, 7.15pm.
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